Looking at globalisation and the arrogance of the west ands it's desire to impose it's own culture on the rest of the world, I would like to consider the McDonald's corporation and it's introduction of Halal (meaning lawful) meat in some of it's UK restaurants in order to attract Muslim customers, especially in predominantly Muslim areas in order to boost sales. The company is a symbol of globalisation with over 26,500 restaurants in 119 countries. Its trademark golden arches are recognisable around the world, so I think that to introduce Halal meat is a step in the right direction, and proves that although a worldwide corporation, it is not entirely hellbent on forcing the traditions of the west onto non-western communities. Admittedly, I can't list any other ways that it is attempting to become less westernised, but it is considering the religious practices of other nationalities residing in Britain, and is attempting to incorporate their needs into its business practices, if only for the purposes of pulling in more sales. As you would expect, some are opposed to it, believing that it is another way to appease the Muslim population of Britain. This could be looked at as the East trying to impose its cultures and traditions on the west, but I believe that the west is much more guilty of this.
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- Monday, Jan. 22, 2007 @ 17:11:21
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- Saturday, Apr. 07, 2007 @ 09:32:12
But what about the other side of the coin: forcing the traditions of the non-west onto western communities...? Hmmm? What if I, as a non-Muslim, don't want to eat Halal food?
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- Saturday, Apr. 07, 2007 @ 19:53:14
my blog isn't the be all and end all, I was simply considering a consumer icon and it's attempts to become even more globalised. I believe it was only one burger which was to be halal, so choose something different.
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- Friday, Apr. 20, 2007 @ 18:23:34
I hadn't heard about that, but I know why they would if they have - to sell even more burgers!
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- Friday, Apr. 27, 2007 @ 08:01:50
McDonalds are interested in one thing - money. plain and simple. Like they give a toss where its coming from. all theyll do is run a survey, see what market doesnt really use their facilities, then try and penetrate it, hence halal.
mmm mcdonalds...
ianrthorpe
Don't you belive any of it. They are simply miffed that they have never really penetrated the Islamic world and are hoping to influence governments by sucking up to European Muslims.
But as I understand it, a devout Muslim would not touch a food that has been cooked on the skillet where non halal food has also been prepared.