Make a research on a geography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Make a research on a geography - Essay Example McDonald’s dates its origin to the opening of a franchised restaurant by Ray Kroc, in Des Plaines, Illinois in the year 1955, the ninth McDonalds restaurant overall. Ray Kroc in the later years purchased the McDonald brothers equity in the company and launched its worldwide expansion. In fact the company became so popular that with the successful expansion into the international markets it was called as the symbol of globalization. However, in the recent years it was also debated that the company was responsible for spreading unhealthy eating habits and has increased the incidence of obesity and other health problems. Besides, its prominence has also made it a common subject of public debates about corporate ethics and consumer responsibility. McDonalds restaurants are found in about 100-120 countries and territories around the world. In general, it is estimated that it serve nearly 54 million customers each day. McDonalds has become symbolic of globalization and since it is directly identified with United States culture and lifestyle, its expansion into the international market has been pointed out by critics as a part of Americanization and American cultural imperialism. Anti-globalization is a common term used to describe the political stance of people and groups who oppose the aspects of globalization and McDonalds remains a target of anti-globalization protesters worldwide (Wikipedia, 2007). Additionally, film’s such as â€Å"Super Size Me† that explores the horror of school lunch programs, declining health and physical education classes, food addictions were also blaming fast food restaurants like McDonald’s. Even will all these resistance and reparations in the world around, the company has improved and grown with more than 31,800 flagship restaurants serving burgers and fries in different countries and today McDonalds is more than a household name. It is estimated that about 30% of its locations are company-owned