In the US a new McDonald’s character named 'Happy' is inspiring a different emotion among Twitter users: fear.
The box-shaped creature -- with Gumby-like arms, eyes that pop out of the top of his head and a gaping mouth filled with large teeth -- was intended to promote healthier Happy Meals for kids. So far, though, it’s mainly drawn alarm and ridicule on social media.
Since debuting on Twitter in an official McDonald’s post recently, Happy has elicited responses such as “I think I’m going to have nightmares,” “What the f--- is that creature?” and “THAT! is scary!” A video featuring Happy was posted to the McDonald’s Facebook page, drawing additional scorn: “Epic fail,” “I regret watching this” and “This makes me crave Burger King.”
McDonald’s isn’t alone in making changes. Burger King is ditching its 40-year-old “Have It Your Way” slogan for the new “Be Your Way” tag line. The move is meant to better connect with consumers worldwide and highlight the chain’s customizable sandwiches. Happy, meanwhile, isn’t totally new. The toothy box character was introduced in 2009 in France and has since made its way into other countries in Europe and Latin America.
Bloomberg News, edited by Hospitality Ireland.
