Trying a Chicken McBite is Less Risky than Being Struck by Lightning

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Theomnipresent fast food chain, McDonalds, in an advertisement designed tointroduce a new menu item, the chicken McBite, claimed "Trying a new menuitem at McDonald's isn't risky. You know what's risky? Petting a stray pitbull". To those who understand that not all pit bulls are dangerous,though some pit bull owners are, the ad seemed like a cheap shot against analready disparaged and beleaguered breed of dog.  These dogs are banned,euthanized, disallowed under home insurance policies, and automatically assumedto be vicious, just because they appear to be pit bulls. In two instances, pitbulls working as service dogs were prohibited from performing their functionsin what is currently being litigated as a violation of the American withDisabilities Act.  McDonalds in playing to their “unsafetiness”perpetuates a stereotype and reinforced the seeming unsuitability of every pitbull dog as a possible family pet.McDonalds alsocrowed that it is less risky to try the chicken dish than "naming your sonSue", again suggesting acceptance of the routine tormenting and bullyingof boys with any effeminate trait!  At a time when we are trying to teachopen mindedness and tolerance these ads just ring flat.Ironically, itwas also reported that a carcinogen known as tertiary butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ)is used in another McDonalds ‘chicken treat  called the McNugget, ostensiblyto preserve freshness.  Unlike pit bulls who can be nurtured to be lovingand loyal pets, and children who can be educated not to taunt those perceivedas different - carcinogens can’t be taught to be safe!A corporationwith the financial resources of McDonalds, that is able to fund slick “ad men”and purchase expensive air time might think about using their resources toeliminate carcinogens from their food and donating to organizations that teachresponsible pet stewardship and respect for diversity.McDonalds didapologize and did halt the pit bull advertising spot. But they need to puttheir mcmoney where there mcmouth is.