This essay analyzes the notable similarities and differences in comparing the exchange of McDonald’s traveling to China versus Chinese food being introduced to the market in the United States. The way each respective food has settled and adapted to their respective new homes were influenced by the societal view of each country and people as well as the “business model” of each food. Notably, the initial difference between these foods is the multinational corporation business model in comparison to local family-owned business with respective different goals of starting a restaurant. First, will be discussed the differences and similarities of the reception of each respective food in their new homes. Secondly, this essay will argue that McDonald’s
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Lastly, this essay will explore the marketing of its food to specific clientele versus the previously mentioned marketing strategy of selling a cultural experience. In analyzing the similarities and differences between an exchange of food transnationally, the reception of each food must first be discussed. McDonalds was initially introduced to Hong Kong, where it had an amazing reception. McDonalds was seen, then, as a place that “catered to the children of Hong Kong’s wealthy elite (1)”, which then transformed into a place that served affordable, predictable, and familiar food for working-class families. In contrast, the rest of the People’s Republic could not contain the enthusiasm that came with McDonalds initial years of operation. The Chinese media portrayed the operation of the company as “a model of modernization, sanitation, and responsible management (1)”. Either reception of McDonalds, in China was a positive welcome with very little resistance. Alternatively, the reception of Chinese food in the American market was not as welcoming us the counterpart of American consumerism being introduced into China. The …show more content…
Chinese food and McDonalds equally marketed themselves as an “experience” and not the cuisine they sold. In the United States, Chinese food was very much influenced by the consumption of China and Chinese-food by influential figures. Nixon popularized the consumption of Chinese-food and Chinese culture. After his trip to China, it was no longer seen as an oddity and many American ventured out to try the cuisine. However, of course the food was altered to fit the needs of the American palate and, therefore, it was no longer the “authentic cuisine” they sought but the feeling of consuming something foreign and different to American cuisine. Recalling images showed in lecture and discussion of the early menus, the imagery of the menu was that of “orientalism”. The menu marketed a “foreign experience” with the safety and familiarity of dishes like chop suey or chow mein. Similarly, McDonalds offered the public in China the opportunity to try “local culture” from America. McDonald’s popularity was never about the food it was about the experience of being American and the American life-style. McDonalds sells an “experience” with a food that is “multilocal”. Multilocal is described as a multinational corporation that adapts its food to the local cuisine, which is how McDonalds likes to retitle itself. Therefore, each food is accepted into their new respective homes since they
Lastly, this essay will explore the marketing of its food to specific clientele versus the previously mentioned marketing strategy of selling a cultural experience. In analyzing the similarities and differences between an exchange of food transnationally, the reception of each food must first be discussed. McDonalds was initially introduced to Hong Kong, where it had an amazing reception. McDonalds was seen, then, as a place that “catered to the children of Hong Kong’s wealthy elite (1)”, which then transformed into a place that served affordable, predictable, and familiar food for working-class families. In contrast, the rest of the People’s Republic could not contain the enthusiasm that came with McDonalds initial years of operation. The Chinese media portrayed the operation of the company as “a model of modernization, sanitation, and responsible management (1)”. Either reception of McDonalds, in China was a positive welcome with very little resistance. Alternatively, the reception of Chinese food in the American market was not as welcoming us the counterpart of American consumerism being introduced into China. The …show more content…
Chinese food and McDonalds equally marketed themselves as an “experience” and not the cuisine they sold. In the United States, Chinese food was very much influenced by the consumption of China and Chinese-food by influential figures. Nixon popularized the consumption of Chinese-food and Chinese culture. After his trip to China, it was no longer seen as an oddity and many American ventured out to try the cuisine. However, of course the food was altered to fit the needs of the American palate and, therefore, it was no longer the “authentic cuisine” they sought but the feeling of consuming something foreign and different to American cuisine. Recalling images showed in lecture and discussion of the early menus, the imagery of the menu was that of “orientalism”. The menu marketed a “foreign experience” with the safety and familiarity of dishes like chop suey or chow mein. Similarly, McDonalds offered the public in China the opportunity to try “local culture” from America. McDonald’s popularity was never about the food it was about the experience of being American and the American life-style. McDonalds sells an “experience” with a food that is “multilocal”. Multilocal is described as a multinational corporation that adapts its food to the local cuisine, which is how McDonalds likes to retitle itself. Therefore, each food is accepted into their new respective homes since they