McDonalds responds...
Ok, so as you know, I wrote to McDonalds and complained about the fact that the toys in their Happy Meals are being given out with specificity to the child's gender (ie: boys get Batman toys, girls get Wizard of Oz toys) and here is their response to my complaint, which I admit was slightly bitchy as I was riled up and I admit to implying I had a little boy, which I plainly do not have...
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Thank you for taking the time to write McDonald's and to share your thoughts with us about our Happy Meals.
I'm sorry you're disappointed with some of our Happy Meal programs. First, please be assured that none of our toys are meant to be gender-restricted. Rather, all of our toys are meant to be enjoyed by all our younger customers -- both girls AND boys.
When we offer a Happy Meal with two different themes, our employees have been specifically trained to ask customers which of the two toys offered that week they would like, and not whether they would like a "girl" toy or a "boy" toy. I'm sorry if you've experienced anything different.
Please be assured, we would never want any of our promotions, games or premium items to disappoint our customers. Because you're a valued customer, your comments are very important to us, and have been shared with our Marketing staff for their on-going review.
Again, thank you for contacting McDonald's. We look forward to serving you for many years to come.
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Hello Joe:
Thank you for taking the time to write McDonald's and to share your thoughts with us about our Happy Meals.
I'm sorry you're disappointed with some of our Happy Meal programs. First, please be assured that none of our toys are meant to be gender-restricted. Rather, all of our toys are meant to be enjoyed by all our younger customers -- both girls AND boys.
When we offer a Happy Meal with two different themes, our employees have been specifically trained to ask customers which of the two toys offered that week they would like, and not whether they would like a "girl" toy or a "boy" toy. I'm sorry if you've experienced anything different.
Please be assured, we would never want any of our promotions, games or premium items to disappoint our customers. Because you're a valued customer, your comments are very important to us, and have been shared with our Marketing staff for their on-going review.
Again, thank you for contacting McDonald's. We look forward to serving you for many years to come.
Quinn
McDonald's Customer Response Center
ref#:10390781
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You wrote:
I was pretty disappointed to discover that when parents ask for a Happy Meal for their child they are then asked if the toy will be for a girl or a boy. Apparently, at this time if it's a toy for a girl they are presented with "Wizard of Oz" toys, and Batman toys for boys. What if you have a girl who loves Batman or a boy who loves "The Wizard of Oz"? When did Oz become strictly girl fare? Why make gender judgments at all?
I'm sure you just want to make your customers happy and not make my little boy feel awkward for wanting a Wizard of Oz toy? Am I correct in this?
McDonald's Customer Response Center
ref#:10390781
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You wrote:
I was pretty disappointed to discover that when parents ask for a Happy Meal for their child they are then asked if the toy will be for a girl or a boy. Apparently, at this time if it's a toy for a girl they are presented with "Wizard of Oz" toys, and Batman toys for boys. What if you have a girl who loves Batman or a boy who loves "The Wizard of Oz"? When did Oz become strictly girl fare? Why make gender judgments at all?
I'm sure you just want to make your customers happy and not make my little boy feel awkward for wanting a Wizard of Oz toy? Am I correct in this?
I admit to being appreciative of their quick response, and their progressive policy, although I DO have a hard time thinking that they are actively enforcing this policy, as this isn't the first time I've heard of this happening, and they've had other campaigns which were much more blatantly targeted to different genders.
This being said, I may have to get ahold of these Happy Meal toys, even if I don't buy the food that it comes with. They are so CUTE!