A big pet peeve here at Kid You Not is the insidious ways McDonald’s tries to scratch its way into your kids’ lives. Regular readers (Hi Mom!) know I’ve criticized the Derby public school system and the Derby public library for inviting a guy in a Ronald McDonald suit to talk about safe behavior and the benefits of reading. I believe McDonald’s motives are not pure: let’s say 20 percent genuine concern for safety and reading; 80 percent locking up a future generation of consumers of the worst food you could possibly give a child. And I’m probably being generous.
Now comes the Wallingford public library selling itself out for $5,000. The "charitable arm" of McDonalds paid for the construction of a puppet theater in the library. You can be sure there’s going to be a plaque on the puppet theater featuring the Golden Arches. A public library should be a place free of advertising, marketing or any attempt to use little minds to further corporate profits.
Don’t you think it’s funny that all these charitable efforts are focused on kids? How come McDonald’s didn’t pay for the library’s air conditioning system or new roof? It’s often said 4 percent of kids don’t recognize Ronald McDonald. This is all about reaching the 4 percenters. School and library officials should not give in to the temptation when McDonald’s comes knocking. Do a fund-raiser. Solicit a local business to donate the materials and have a Boy Scout troop build the puppet theater.
Look, I know Ronald McDonald Houses are wonderful places that help families of children admitted to hospitals. But please let it stop there. Ronald McDonald, stay out of our libraries and schools.