Generations of kids have grown up with Ronald McDonald as a friendly companion, and the spokesperson for the multi-billion dollar corporation McDonald’s; but recent threats from the creepy clown epidemic have put Mr. McDonald in a meaty situation.
According to Katie Mettler from The Washington Post, the red and white painted clown that has brought smiles to many will be put on the sidelines for awhile until things die down. Mettler said, “The announcement came after weeks of reported creepy clown sightings across the United States that have led to something approaching mass hysteria, playground panic and even some arrests.”
Although these clowns have caused quite a scare across the nation, some students from West High don’t agree with the disassociation of the clown America has come to know and love. Brendan Poli (12) has commented on the matter. He said, “I think that these people who dress up as clowns have it coming, they know the community’s reaction to the whole situation, yet they still decide to dress up. As for Ronald McDonald however, I believe that seeing as how [he] is an American icon (whether we like it or not), he shouldn’t be treated any differently than normal.”

Even being an American icon since 1963, there’s still reasoning as to why McDonald’s has taken this drastic move into consideration.
The frenzy of clown terror began in August, when residents of South Carolina claimed to have seen clowns luring children into the woods. That report was followed by many others in over two dozen states, from Alabama to Wisconsin. Clown costumes have also been banned from a number of schools — including West High!
However, some still disagree with McDonald’s decision. Krystal Chong (11) expresses her feelings towards the situation. She said, “I think it’s rather funny, because this whole thing is supposed to prevent people from feeling threatened, right? But didn’t everyone adore [Ronald McDonald] before? If people were dressing up as him I’d understand, but since they aren’t then why are people feeling threatened by a fast food character?”
It’s safe to say that these threats — with or without Mr. McDonald — have definitely changed the circumstances for our favorite pumpkin filled holiday; but whether it’s trick-or-treating around the neighborhood or staying in to catch a Halloween flick, be aware of your surroundings, try and stay safe, and most of all, have fun!