it's a little embarrassing, but what can i even say in my defense? i was an american child growing up in the 90s/early 2000s. of course i fucking love mcdonalds. everywhere i looked, capitalism was constantly being shoved down my throat and in this case, i was literally shoving it down my throat. i'm well aware of the irony. even so, i have a profound attachment and sense of longing and nostalgia for the comforts that a happy meal was to me. looking at old mcdonalds happy meal toys and advertising makes me feel cozy. it makes me feel loved. i realize how seriously fucked that is, but it's the truth. i lived outside of the US multiple times as a kid and no matter where i was in the world there was always a mcdonalds. it was familiar. and it sort of became a constant to me in that way. also seriously fucked because i think the rapacious nature of a mcdonalds being everywhere in the world is symbolic of the continued colonial expansion of america and its greed.

another quick anecdote and then we'll get to the fun stuff- when i moved to the area i lived in now, i was quite surprised and elated to find that the local mcdonalds was untouched by the "modernization" of fast food restaurants. it was a brick building with an angular style roof, sporting a giant grimace statue by the drive thru. i was so excited that i planned on returning soon to take some photos of it with my film camera. the next time i went to that area, prepared with my camera in my bag- the mcdonalds was shut down. preparing for renovations. and most upsetting to me, the grimace statue had been removed. i literally cried. i hate how everything is very minimal and beige these days but it particularly bothers me in fast food restaurants. nothing has the same novelty and silliness as it used to- all the heart and personality of it is gone. it feels like eating in a doctor's office lobby tbh. i miss when everything was colorful and everything was designed with intention to be a part of the theme and showcase the novelty of it. anyway, if you are mourning after the loss of novelty with me, perhaps you will enjoy this page- where i plan on documenting what i can of the mcdonalds i remember.