| In the McSpotlight
After reading Eric Schlosser's Fast Food Nation (a book dedicated to the history and horrors of fast food culture), I decided not only to eat more candy and less beef, but to pursue further knowledge online.
I found what I was looking for at mcspotlight.org, a huge site that has been run by volunteers since 1996 under the moniker of the McInformation Network, "dedicated to compiling and disseminating factual, accurate, up-to-date information – and encouraging debate – about the workings, policies and practices of the McDonald's Corporation and all they stand for."
The site welcomes first-time visitors with a breakdown of its offerings, including guided tours, a debate room, campaigns and an excellent pro-activist information centre under "Beyond McD's," which provides details about questionable practices involving pharmaceutical, tobacco and soft drink companies.
The site is run out of the U.K. and has a large database of info related to the longest trial in England (two-and-a-half years) involving two London Greenpeace activists sued by McDonald's for libel after they handed out leaflets criticizing its policies and practices. You'll find court transcripts, photos and information about the trial, including a copy of the leaflet that started it all.
With updates every few days and coverage of international incidents involving the McDonald's corporation – from strikes in France to Snoopy toys in China – you can keep an eye on current events. You can also support the cause by offering donations or purchasing T-shirts, buttons, posters or stickers that show a different side to McDonald's than is usually portrayed by the company's media machine. |
