I can’t believe the Hamburglar had fangs!

His de-fanging was more symbolic than literal. I’m not sure where he’s positioned now in the scheme of things (or if he’s even still used) – but when last I checked he’d moved from Ronald’s arch-nemesis to Ronald’s lovable, roguish pal. Not a complete “face turn” – but as near as dammit.

I don’t have any recollection of the Birdie girl from my childhood.

She’s been around for a while, but she’s mega lame and highly forgettable. You know what they say: fast-food advertising hacks just can’t write for women.

On the other hand, I always sneered at the absence of any female characters in McDonald’s realm. I don’t have any recollection of the Birdie girl from my childhood. Maybe all the processed food erased the memory.

Did you ever hear Grant Morrison talking about sigil magic?

I’ve seen a rambling, but highly enjoyable, lecture he gave online somewhere where he touched on it (and life, the universes and everything in between). Must go see if I can dig it up again.

I suggest that this thesis be posted forthwith on the forums of every conservative religious group followed by the word “discuss�.

At least two possible types of response spring to mind.

Response 1:
McD’s is merely a spineless corporate lackey in thrall to the sleepless (all-powerful) armies of political correctness. You know the ones. They want to make all our children gay!

McD’s no doubt secretly want to promote old-fashioned moral values. They’re not bad folks necessarily (they love the free-dom market after all). They just don’t have the courage and moral strength to resist the ubiquitous gay-ening of the entire planet!

To summarise:

McDonald’s = The put-upon little guy.

Gay rights activists = Our omnipotent global overlords.

It’s so clear. How can anyone not see it?

Response 2:
zzzt…zzzt…does not compute. Ignore! IGNORE!!

The last few days my husband’s been wearing my daughters strongly colored beach towel on the way to the shower. Yesterday my daughter said, ‘Daddy, you look like a hula-girl!’

“All children are openly gay”

The religious right, normally so keen on capitalism, have missed a trick. Most of what we know about the market system so beloved of conservatives tells us that if a demand exists, the market, in its infinite efficiency, will rush in to fill it. So by claiming that Tinky Winky, Spongebob, etc are leading the kids astray, the God-botherers are betraying their own ideology. Rather, the chiddlers are all flaming gayers to begin with, and the market merely reflects that. I suggest that this thesis be posted forthwith on the forums of every conservative religious group followed by the word “discuss”. Then we sit back and enjoy the fun.

Inky, Are there many openly gay children looking to spend their disposable income on objects that affirm their sexuality? If so, the world has become a more progressive place than it was about 5 minutes ago (when I last checked). If there’s even a hint of a market there, however, you can bet the McD sorcerers have woven spells to capture it.