A Boston-based activist group wants Ronald McDonald,a primary clown mascot for the multi-national fast-food chain who has taken its fair share of criticism over the years, to retire. Corporate Accountability International is the organization that successfully got rid of Joe Camel for marketing cigarettes to kids. Now they’ve come out with a report called “The Case for Ronald McDonald’s Retirement” It claims that the mascot is “the product of a well-orchestrated and shrewd marketing strategy by America’s king of fast food” and that “McDonald’s food is responsible for such social ills as heart disease, diabetes, animal welfare abuses, labor exploitation, unceasing environmental destruction and the breakdown of our food system.” Corporate Accountability International already runs WheresRonald.org, a website, which encourages visitors to “follow Ronald’s traveling circus of junk food marketing across the U.S.” According to the Website, Ronald McDonald was seen in Fayetteville teaching kids Math.”All about friendship, cooperation, anti-bullying and active play,” in central Ohio, and participating in a “safety day” in Orlando, Florida. The group contends these only serve to market insalubrious food and habits to children. “I know its not good for you, but it’s tough… it’s so accessible,” said Ed Willett, father of 9-year-old son at a McDonald’s for breakfast Thursday morning. Since 1963, Ronald McDonald has been used in McDonald’s advertisement. In a statement to WBZ, spokeswoman Becca Hary said they has no plans to retire their “beloved brand ambassador.” “He is the heart and soul of Ronald McDonald House Charities, which lends a helping hand to families in their time of need, particularly when families need to be near their critically-ill children in hospitals. In fact, 4 million children are helped every year around the world through the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Ronald also helps deliver messages to families on many important subjects such as safety, literacy, and the importance of physical activity and making balanced food choices. That’s what Ronald McDonald is all about, which our customers know and appreciate.” Janey Bishoff, a Ronald McDonald House of Boston board member reiterates those sentiments. “Ronald McDonald represents joy and fun, so when children are critically ill and afraid, coming to our Ronald McDonald House reminds them of that joy and helps put them at ease. Our Boston Ronald McDonald House is proud to help numerous families and children each day when they need it the most, and we are extremely grateful for the support of our local McDonald’s restaurants, their customers, and our community.” What do you think? All I can say is “WE ALWAYS HAVE A CHOICE”..:) Ronald McDonald Protested to Retire is a post from: Daily World Buzz Continue reading →
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