The Americanization of China
KFC and McDonald's signs in Xiamen, China. Photo: sly06 / Flickr Creative Commons
As China and America’s relationship draws them ever closer together, it was inevitable that some influences would cross borders. UPI had a great photo essay dedicated to this topic: American brands in China.
How do you feel when you encounter American brands abroad? My reactions have varied. In Europe, I shunned Starbucks like the plague in favor of independent cafes. In contrast, I readily ate at Pizza Huts in China instead of Chinese pizza joints.
That being said, seeing these restaurants only reinforced the feeling of being in China for me. Those companies localize their decor and menus to cater to the domestic market, so even familiar restaurants could still feel quite foreign.
July 9th, 2010 at 4:26 am
In spain we’d go to the plaza mayor and get the gelato in the plaza every night. After the newness wore off, we realized how much we were paying for that and decided instead to grab a vanilla cone at mcdonalds. Half the price and twice as much ice cream…Who says American brands are bad? 🙂
July 9th, 2010 at 4:57 am
As an American living in China, this sort of thing is old news to me (and part of my daily life). I’m much more interested in what Americans think about Chinese brands in the US. How do readers here perceive brands like Haier and Lenovo? Would you drive a Chinese car brand?
July 9th, 2010 at 10:14 am
Having Subway in the UK was wonderful. Not much of a fast food person. Sometimes you just want something simple.
July 10th, 2010 at 8:03 am
I’m writing this from China, and given the — shall we call it alternative? — selection of bacteria in China, I’m quite happy that it’s easy to find something cheap, familiar and safe. It’s not as if there’s a dearth of local options for the days I’m feeling adventurous.
July 13th, 2010 at 6:43 am
Just found your blog through WorldHum!
It makes sense you’d avoid Starbucks in Europe since coffee in Europe is delicious! Chinese pizza? Not so much. I’m not ashamed to admit I was in Xian recently for two days and ate all of my meals in McDonald’s and Pizza Hut. I just wasn’t in the mood for local food and wanted to eat and be done with it. You just never know when explosive diarrhea will strike.
I completely agree about these places reinforcing the feeling of being far away from home. I enjoy dropping into McDonald’s in every city I’m in. It’s always interesting (and sometimes funny) to see what’s on the menu. Same with seeing a movie and enjoying the theater snacks the locals have.