Why Did McDonald’s Clown Suddenly Disappear?

Everyone knows that we can measure the purchasing power of countries with the menu of a fast food chain. Those who know should tell those who don’t know, because McDonald’s is just “Big Mac Index” A popular fast food chain known not only for its reputation but also for its famous mascot.

The McDonald’s clown, who appears in its advertisements and even in its branches, attracts the attention of children in particular and is identified with the brand, is also known as the clown. Ronald McDonald, What happened that he suddenly disappeared?

He’s not just a clown, he’s also a corporate symbol: Ronald McDonald

Although there are various claims about how it came to be, Ronald McDonald in the early 1960s It started to show itself. At that time, there was a frenzy of advertising for brands and almost everyone was trying to become known through advertisements. Competition in the sector also forced companies to reveal their difference. at this point McDonald’s, He introduced Ronald to consumers.

Ronald McDonald, which was introduced to consumers thanks to advertisements, was introduced in the early 1970s to a number of characters from the DC universe. at Charlton Comics took place. This move meant increased sales and increased recognition for the brand.

With this move, McDonald’s to television commercials He started to take steps. As if the advertisements he gave in brochures, billboards and branches were not enough, he started to appear in television commercials. He couldn’t slow down and Birdie the Early Bird, McNugget Buddies, Mayor McCheese He continued on his way by taking on characters such as.

These characters further increased the recognition of the brand and even various shows were organized with this brand in its branches. Additionally, McDonald’s included these characters alongside the toys it sold.

This rise had a downfall and Ronald McDonald fell to hard ground.

Clowns, with their red noses, white-painted faces, and movements that seem funny to some people, are not very entertaining and funny for a certain segment of people. Ronald McDonald attracted the attention of this group we are talking about. Because Bozo the Clown, created by Larry Harmon Although he appeared in various animated productions, he caused people’s reactions.

Although in carnivals and colorful shows Even if they did make an appearance, clowns looked scary at the time. Fluffy red hair, chalky faces and red noses were disturbing, especially to parents. Bozo the Clown was one of them.

Of course, there were other clowns on this hard ground.

Bozo the Clown, created by Larry Harmon.

DC Comics’ unique character Joker, from the movie IT Pennywise, From Capstone Software Homey D. Clown, Even though they’re clowns eerie They were characters. These characters now changed the perspective on clowns and were replaced by fear.

When the feeling of fear became more dominant, Ronald McDonald encountered similar reactions. Although clowns at first Although it is introduced as comedy material After a while, they became the stuff of horror movies.

A group of people taking shelter behind the innocent appearance of clowns, wearing clown costumes without carrying a gun They committed many crimes, ranging from smuggling various substances. These crimes involve people using clowns as their mascot. It damaged many brands.

How do obesity and clowns have anything to do with it?

Ronald McDonald was a character that especially attracted the attention of children. After becoming famous in America, Ronald also opened up to the world. Because it attracts the attention of children The demand for McDonald’s has increased even more. Children, especially in America, where obesity has been a big problem for years, started consuming more fast food and the age of becoming obese has gradually decreased.

drawn for public benefit awareness ads, Clowns were wanted to be withdrawn from the market in order to reduce the risk of obesity and to raise awareness of people, especially children, about being obese. Robert McDonald gradually became aware of the danger posed by his own fame.

in 2010 the increasing danger of obesity, All eyes turned to Ronald McDonald’s. According to CBS News at the time More than 500 doctors, He wrote an article explaining that including elements that may attract children’s attention in fast food advertisements harms ethical and moral values. This being the case, Ronald began to sink even further.

Even its rival, Burger King, did not want Ronald to disappear and launched an advertising campaign.

Burger King in its commercial for Valentine’s Day #LonelyNoMore He tried to draw attention to Ronald McDonald with the hashtag. In this short advertising campaign, McDonald’s clown lonely and unhappy We see that it is.

When history showed 2016, McDonald’s bought Ronald McDonald for the reasons we listed. decided to withdraw it from the market. Even though he is one of the signature faces of the brand, he had to take such a step because people’s perspective on clowns does not change easily. What do you think about this move by McDonald’s?

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