"Sometimes, the greatest love stories start with the tiniest things – a glance, a smile, a meal. Watch this unusual date and find out how a meal can give you 'More For Less' at just Rs.179! Visit a McDonald’s near you and get McVeggie Meals at Rs.179 (sic)," wrote McDonald's India on social media, releasing an Ad in which a male customer is seen showing romantic interest in a female employee at a McDonald's joint.
The ostensible purpose of the Ad is to promote the new Rs 179 package. The idea of dating an employee of the company is highlighted through the Ad, which many are finding rather unacceptable. "Imagine your employer advertising their services by telling their clients there's an opportunity to date their female staff members if they avail their services. Also sends the wrong message to the young boys normalising harassment of waitresses. Wrong on every level," wrote Mayank Parakh, a Chartered Accountant.
Akshay Sethi, a Twitter user, described the Ad as outrageous and disgusting. "You are inviting your customers to hit on your employees. You are creating a potentially unsafe workplace for your female employees. You are objectifying your female staff for profit by suggesting your customers can flirt and find a date here," he added.
The company hasn't responded to the criticism as yet.
https://twitter.com/mcdonaldsindia/status/1665772878741258241
https://twitter.com/chiragbarjatyaa/status/1666459413748514822
