Should America Fire Ronald McDonald?
Discipline: Business Studies
Type of Paper: Essay (any type)
Academic Level: Undergrad. (yrs 1-2)
Paper Format: APA
Question
Description
Should America Fire Ronald McDonald?
There are ethical issues and potential ramifications to consider in marketing when unhealthy products (or those that would be unhealthy when consumed in excess) are sold. Examples could include some of the advertising used for sodas and sugary drinks, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and high-calorie "junk food." A particularly sensitive topic is the issue of marketing to children. Think about how perceptions of "healthy," what business practices are socially acceptable, and where responsibilities lie have changed over time.
Ronald McDonald has been a staple in advertising McDonald's fast-food restaurants since the 1960s. What ethical issues do you see in using Ronald McDonald's or McDonald's new mascot, Happy, to market to children?
Is it ethical to use either Ronald or Happy in McDonald's charitable efforts? What issues concern you?
Should McDonald's and other food sellers do more to make their menus healthy?
What changes do you think should be made to try and resolve some of these issues, and how would you go about implementing them?
