McDonald’s ‘Happy’ Mascot Is Vaguely Creepy
McDonald’s new Happy Meal mascot has gone viral. Unfortunately, the response of far from positive. Although it was developed to appeal to children, the new mascot is vaguely creepy. The animated Happy Meal box could actually frighten children, as it features a huge mouth, large teeth, and bulging eyes.
Although “Happy” has been around since 2009, it was not featured in the United States. The mascot debuted in France, and is currently popular in Europe and Latin America.
On May 23, McDonald’s Happy Meal Mascot will make its debut in the United States. The fast food giant made the announcement on Monday, via social media. Included with the announcement is a photo of the new mascot.
“Happy” is meant to be fun, friendly, and encouraging. Instead, commenters have described it as downright scary.
@McDonalds THAT! is Scary!
— Doctor Zombield (@DrZombield) May 19, 2014
@applextree @McDonalds it’s the meal that eats you
— steev (@Naive_Steve) May 19, 2014
.@McDonalds might want to go back to the drawing board, I think I’m going to have nightmares.
— #FiveSeasons&AFamily (@applextree) May 19, 2014
McDonald’s is no stranger to vaguely creepy mascots. The fast food chain’s primary mascot is a clown named Ronald McDonald. Like “Happy,” the animated meal box, Ronald McDonald was created to appeal to children. Despite the fact that many children, and adults, are frightened of clowns, Ronald has represented McDonalds for more than 50 years.
Although it is receiving stark criticism, McDonald’s Happy Meal mascot was developed to promote “balanced and wholesome eating.” As discussed at McDonalds.com, “Happy” is part of a larger campaign, which will encourage children to eat healthier foods:
“Happy… will encourage kids to enjoy fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and wholesome beverages such as water or juice… At McDonald’s, we’re always looking to bring fun and happiness to families and listening to our customers’ asks to have more variety and wholesome options for kids to enjoy in their Happy Meals.”
The fast food giant has partnered with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to review their menu options and offer healthier foods for children. As they continue to modify their menu, McDonald’s hopes to “reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity and empower kids to develop lifelong, healthy habits.”
McDonald’s Happy Meal mascot has an important message for children. Unfortunately, its appearance is somewhat bizarre. Following the announcement, Twitter users posted numerous responses, including “GIVE US BACK GRIMACE AND THE HAMBURGLER,” “… this was a mistake…,” and “oh god who thought this was a good idea.”
@sevendeadlywins @McDonalds this is horrifying
— ¯_(?)_/¯ (@ArielTaBAKA) May 19, 2014
@applextree @McDonalds I didn’t want to sleep tonight anyways, it’s cool.
— Jamie (@wonkachu) May 19, 2014
It is obvious that McDonald’s Happy Meal Mascot is meant to be a positive new addition. However, it was met with a lot of criticism.
[Image via Twitter]
