Monday, November 17, 2008
McDonald's McRib: A Symbol of Our Fast Food Infatuation
McDonald's has created a fast food product with its own cult following- the McRib.
Since 1981, a loyal fan base has developed for the boneless pork patty smothered in bbq sauce. Part of the inFATuation (Get it?) for McRibs' may be attributed to the fact that's in low supply, since it's only available for a limited time each year. Ironically, the celebrity sandwich is notably absent in numerous chains in southern California, (McDonald's was launched in California).
As a result, many loyal customers are asking "Where's my Mcrib?", an online petition was formed (It now has 5,032 signatures), and a customer watchdog blog, McCrhonicles, interviewed Debra McDaniel, McDonald's Senior Director of U.S. Menu Management. In the Q&A session, McDaniel's explained the reasoning behind the limited release of the McRib.
When we keep the McRib on the menu, orders eventually start falling off. Bringing the McRib on and off the market is the best way to deliver it in consistent high quality under these conditions.
McDonalds' marketing of the McRib is a great example of the basic economic law of supply and demand, and in my opinion, it's a glimpse into modern American culture. Essentially, we've placed major food brands and products on the same pedestal of celebrities.
McRib's feverish following confirms the major role that major food brands products have in the U.S. A simple menu alteration is capable of brewing a firestorm of angry feedback. We want justice! Want more evidence? Check out the comments we received from our post regarding Pepsi's test of the 8-Pack. You can also ead Benjamin Barber's book, Jihad vs. McWorld, a work that was ahead of its time.
For whatever reason, we get really angry when someone messes with our food or favorite actor, but other social issues are widely ignored. For now, I suppose that's just the American way.
Posted By Matt O'Hern at 10:10 AM
Permanent Link: McDonald's McRib: A Symbol of Our Fast Food Infatuation
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