It's the strangest thing to me. I don't even really like McDonald's or their burgers, but sometimes when I'm sick of Chinese food and homesick for something familiar. I gotta have a double cheeseburger or a Big Mac. Everything at McDonald's tastes exactly same as the way in does in America. I don't know exactly how they accomplish this level of homogeneity and I know it's bad for my health, but a Big Mac helps me keep sane from time to time.
You see, when we (my husband and I) first arrived in our city, it was hard to find any Western food. We weren't even that pleased with the supposedly Western restaurants around town. After a several weeks of culture shock where nothing is what you're used to, something as small as food from home can really brighten a challenging day. A Big Mac in this way has a subtle power. It's comfort food plain and simple. It's all in the mind as well. When I eat a Mickey D's burger here in China, I feel like I'm back in America even if just for a moment. The floors are the same and even the hand dryers in the bathroom are from the same American company. I haven't been home in 8 months, so good ol' Ronald McDonald is doing me a great service and giving me a slice of home.
On the other hand, I don't particularly like the globalization piece of this issue. McDonald's is certainly a symbol for the way the Western culture is spreading all over the World. I don't think it's necessarily a great thing that there are so many American fast food chains here. KFC is huge here by the way. The power of the Big Mac can also take the shape of subtle domination and sending messages that Western culture is somehow more desirable. I'm not real sure how true this last piece is for China. I get the sense that these fast food chains are just other dining options and not much more. The people certainly like them. They sure do fill up around meal times and it's hard to find a seat.
I'm sure as heck fulfilled by that double cheeseburger on occasion as well.
I didn't think I'd ever hear the day when someone missed a McNasty burger! Of course, it's always nice to find something familiar in unfamiliar settings. ;)
I don't think I'll eat one when I get back. That thought grossed me out. There are so many other options for a real burger. But in China, McNasty is ok and quite fulfilling.
As a side note, I went on a search for a real burrito in Beijing and I was rather disappointed. It was an ok Mexican food fix, but I really really love Latin American cuisine. I'm still searching for a place that serves good burritos somewhere in China.
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I found myself doing this on occasion when living in Paris. Sometimes you just need to go to that one place where you can say (in english) "I would like a cheeseburger," and they know exactly what you're saying. It is a slice of home but I always remembered that I was priviledged enough to be living in France and should enjoy the french food and culture.
Now that I'm back in the states I would do anything to go back to a restaurant and say "je voudrais une baguette." Funny how that works.
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"Most intellects do not believe in God, but they fear us just the same." - Erykah Badu
I don't want to take things for granted here in China. I know I'll miss the food here for sure when I'm back in the States.
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"Mac" (as the locals here call it) is super popular in Japan among the young generation. I know what you mean about it being a little taste of home, since almost everything is the same from the building to the menu. Here there are a few different options to suit Japanese taste, such as a pork burger, rice buns, and smaller serving sizes.
KFC is probably the most popular western fast food chain in this country. It's crazy how nuts this society goes over "Kentucky," as they call it. KFC takeout has become the new traditional Christmas meal for many families in Japan.
"Staba" (Starbucks) is also HUGE in Japan. I probably hit up the local Starbucks 2-4 times a month for a taste of home. I almost never go to McDonalds or KFC, but I love Starbucks!
It's true that these places have infiltrated this country (as well as many others) and have caused permanent damage to some traditions and lifestyles. Asia is becoming more westernized all the time, and in a way it's sad.
The situation sounds pretty much the same as in China. KFC is by far popular the most popular fast food restaurant. Most people think McDonald's is ok and they do offer other things like the latest banana pie instead of an apple pie. I didn't try it. Starbucks is people in the major cities and my city is apparently getting one soon.
I think the effect that the westernization has on the Asian countries is somewhat subtle and hidden. It's hard to really see the impact, but it is there.
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In Japan, westernization isn't so subtle. People are all about western movies, music, and celebrities. The traditional Japanese diet is becoming much more westernized, as western has become "cool." Young people love to wear anything that says any English on it (no matter what it says), and as they strive to act western, I think the older generation is wondering what they did wrong.
Even the school system is becoming more westernized by eliminating mandatory Saturday school. Now, as the test scores continue to rapidly decline, Japan is considering reviving weekend school.
Sumo wrestling is losing popularity among the new generation, as baseball and soccer continue to gain ground. Fewer students are interested in school clubs teaching Japanese traditions such as tea ceremony. However, clubs like hip-hop dancing are very popular.
Weddings are becoming very westernized as fewer couples seek the traditional ceremony and dress... instead, they opt for the western white dress, tux, cake, and dance.
I hardly ever see someone wearing a kimono (traditional dress) on a regular calendar day. When I do, it's almost always someone over 60. Even on holidays, fewer young people choose to dress in the traditional clothing.
There are still pockets of traditional communities throughout Japan, but there seems to be a huge difference between the 40+ age group and the under 25. The youngsters just don't seem as interested in their traditions the way previous generations have been.
Mainly since young children are raised my their grandparents while their parents work for the most part, the younger generations still have some traditional values passed down. After age 5 and they get into school, it remains to be seen in my book whether or not the kids value the traditions though. Generally, the people themselves are reluctant to make big cultural changes. I do believe that the under 25 crowd is starting to accept Western cultural tibits with more speed.
www.progressiveu.org/blog/americangirlinchina
Didn't starbucks get booted out of the Forbidden City recently? My question was, how did it get into the Forbidden City in the first place? If Starbucks isn't a symbol of viral Amercian culture, what else is? I was shocked to find out it had been there at all. But then again, I know as much about China as I know about string theory, whichis to say, I should be quiet now...
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Here's a good article I found about it:
http://archives.cnn.com/2000/FOOD/news/12/11/china.starbucks.reut/
I think the main thing is that decisions can be easily made by anyone in charge somewhere to put in a ne store in China. Starting a new business is king here. So, you just do it and see how it goes. The one at the Forbidden City wasn't received well because people pitched a fit, maybe for good reason. It is the main historical site.
There's a Starbucks in the main square in Xian between the Drum and Bell Towers. Xian is where the Terracotta Warriors are. I thought it looked out of place there, but wouldn't call for it to be taken out.
I don't like Starbucks because not all their coffee is fair trade. That's why I don't go there.
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