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The following is an excerpt from George Ritzer's _The McDonaldization of
Society_ (c)1993 Pine Forge Press.

The following list contains suggested actions that individuals can take
to cope with McDonaldization.  In most cases, they assume prior action
by others to create nonrationalized enterprises in those niches.


atypical environment, preferably one you have built yourself or have had
built for you.  If you must live in an apartment or a tract house,
humanize and individualize it.  In fact, the residents of Levittown, the
original tract house community, have done just that so that one now sees
"The Levitt box disguised as a Tudor Manor, a Swiss chalet, a
Pennsylvania Dutch Barn."


possible in a different way from one day to the next.


must use various servers, frequent nonrationalized, nonfranchised
establishments.  For example, lubricate your won car.  if you are
unwilling or unable to do so, have it done at your local, independent
gasoline station.  Do not, at all costs, frequent on of the franchised
lube businesses.


accountant, preferably one who works out of an office in the home.


to think of a visit to a "McDoctor" or a "McDentist," resist the
temptation and go instead to your neighborhood doctor or dentist,
preferably one who is in solo practice.


optometrist rather than the Pearle Vision Center.


hair needs cutting, go to a local barber or hairdresser.


greasy spoon.  For dinner, again at least once a week, park the car,
unplug the microwave, avoid the freezer, and cook a meal from scratch.


than your credit card.


addressed to "occupant" or "resident."


the floor, thereby allowing the disembodied voice to drove on and
occupying the line so that others will not be bothered by such calls for
a while.


permits you to speak to a real person.




those that use material like styrofoam that adversely affect the
environment.


seen, these systems do adapt to such protests.  If you work in such a
system, organize your coworkers to create more humanized working
conditions.


Macheezmo Mouse Mexican Cafe, that has demonstrated some sensitivity to
the dangers of McDonaldization.


counterpeople; try to get to know them.  Also, do what else you can to
humanize it.  In fact, curing the breakfast hours, customers have done
just that' they have "subverted the process" of McDonaldization.  Instead
of hastening through their meal, many breakfast customers "come every
day of the week to read their papers, cat, drink coffee, and gobble down
an Egg McMuffin."  If breakfasts can be de-McDonaldized, why not other
meals?  Other aspects of the fast food experience?


a week.  Similarly, watch PBS news once a week with its three long
stories rather than the network new shows with their numerous snippets
of news.


watch TV, keep the channel selector on PBS.  If you must watch one of
the networks, turn off the sound and avert your eyes during commercials.
After all, most commercials are sponsored by rationalized enterprises
and they tout the virtues of rationalization.






periodic pilgrimages to Fenway Park.


a computer-graded exam is unavoidable, make extraneous marks and curl
the edges of the exam so that the computer cannot deal with it.





It is particularly important that steps be taken to prevent children form
becoming mindless supporters of McDonaldization.


neighborhood parent interested in earning some extra money.


is especially important they they not be exposed to the steady barrage
of commercials from rationalized institutions, especially on Saturday
morning cartoon shows.




educational institution.


restaurants or their clones in other areas of society.  If no
alternatives are present (for example, you're on a highway and the only
options are various fast-food chains), blindfold your child until the
ordeal is over.