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Comment by thinkpad20 | Hacker News Reader

I think that's BS. They're an American company, providing a product that people can feel free not to use if they're so inclined. They're not imposing western standards; that's like saying McDonald's is "imposing" a western diet by selling hamburgers in Riyadh.

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Its called Cultural Imperialism. I'm not saying it makes sense, but you're underestimating human ingenuity for making silly arguments.

A better analogy might be a western outlet which, outside of that country, normally sells something which is considered illegal.

"Damned if they do and damned if they don't" doesn't mean damned by the same parties. They are in hot water with the authorities if they bring in the contraband, and vilified by some of the local users and human rights activists if they don't.

McDonald's customizes their menu in many parts of the world. I'm pretty sure they still don't serve beef or pork anywhere in India.

Correct:

  India is the first country in the world where McDonald's
  does not offer any beef or pork items. McDonald's has 
  developed a menu especially for India with vegetarian 
  selections to suit the Indian palate, and has also re-
  engineered its operations to address the special 
  requirements of vegetarians. Special care is taken to 
  ensure that all vegetable products are prepared 
  separately, using dedicated equipment and utensils.

- http://www.mcdonaldsindia.com/aboutus.html

They do serve serve chicken though.

What about lamb and goat?

In 1999 I ate a mutton burger in McDonald's in New Delhi. Not lamb but pretty close.

Nope. Although I was not allowed to go to McDonald's when I was a kid, I haven't seen anything with lamb or goat lately.

People have absolutely made that argument before.

As examples, look at Kong Qingdong in China and Vladimir Zhirinovsky in Russia. Two of the better known people who like to make these sorts of arguments.

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