A McWhopper? Genius. Creative. Satisfying. But it won’t happen.
Hats off to Burger King for the spectacular idea of inviting McDonald’s to join them in making a shared sandwich called the McWhopper. Each company would use elements of their signature sandwich to create, for a limited time, a unique sandwich. And the sandwich would symbolize peace.
If Burger King had its way the long-time fast food competitors would arrive at a truce. Why? And why create a McWhopper? The idea is to celebrate Peace Day on September 21. I love the idea. Two fast food giant competitors coming together for one day to promote peace.
Burger King is so serious about it they have a special website explaining the invitation to McDonald’s. On the site you can read their letter to McDonald’s. It starts like this: “Good morning McDonald’s, we come in peace. In fact, we come in honor of peace. We know we’ve had our petty differences, but how about we call a ceasefire on these so-called “burger wars?” They then go on to explain their idea of a McWhopper. The letter ends with “Let’s end the beef, with beef.” (If you want to read the entire letter click HERE.)
What a brilliant idea. But wait! Not so fast. McDonald’s is not biting. Steve Easterbrook, the CEO of McDonald’s, posted a reply on Facebook and said:
“We love the intention but think our two brands could do something bigger to make a difference.” And then this line: “We commit to raise awareness worldwide, perhaps you’ll join us in a meaningful global effort?” Yeah. Right. So sad.
What’s going on? Why has McDonald’s so far spurned this genius peace offer? I’m of the opinion the idea fell through because of pride.
Think of it from McDonald’s viewpoint:
- It wasn’t their idea.
- Burger King would gain an incredible bump in goodwill.
- I can see McDonald’s thinking, “Who needs their help?”
- Burger King might make more money off the deal than McDonald’s.
- McDonald’s thinks they can do something better and bigger than the idea posited by Burger King.
The McWhopper has so many positive things going for it. Pride, however, will not allow there to be peace.
We all need to be reminded of this lesson. Pride must never stand in the way of peace. Imagine the possible peace between warring parties when pride is laid aside.
- Countries might end hostilities.
- Husbands and wives might embrace.
- Parents and kids could go to bed at night without the electricity of hostility in the air.
- You and your boss might come to an understanding.
- And, who knows. When you lay your pride aside you might even come to experience peace with God.
Think of someone right now with whom you have a strained relationship. Imagine what would happen if you set your pride aside and offered an olive branch of peace. Maybe the broken relationship is their fault. Maybe they were the ones who became ugly. Maybe all of the hurt came from them. Maybe you are pure and innocent. So what? Lay your pride aside and make peace.
Its time for the war to stop. All I am saying is give peace a chance. Its time to end your beef.
Wouldn’t you like to taste your own version of a McWhopper?
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Yes…imagine!