McDonald’s is weaponizing classical music again
Every once in a while, we hear a story about how a business uses classical music to discourage loitering by teenage yoofs in and around their business. Years ago, some establishments (I seem to recall it being some 7-11 stores, but I could be wrong). Then McDonald’s, er, picked up the (conductor’s) baton.
The story has back. Musicradar reports that a number of Mickey D’s in the UK are piping in classical music to chase out uncultured ruffians, encouraging them to eat their McNuggets and move on.
Say what you want about this weaponization of music, but it works. One McDonald’s was having constant issues with fighting, threats to staff, intimidating other customers, and otherwise being antisocial douches inside and out in the parking lot. A year ago, this store in Chesterfield was making 18 calls a week to the cops.
Now? It’s much quieter. Free Wi-Fi has been switched off. Phone charge points have been removed. And classical music is being played.
Other McDonald’s locations have since picked up on the tactic with substantial success. The yoofs hate the music. However, classical musicians are insulted. One violinist says that she’s angry about this. “There’s always been this stereotype that classical music is for people who have lots of money and is too complicated for some people, and to weaponise it like this is appalling.”
She continues: “If you wanted to get rid of groups of young people, play something from K-Pop Demon Hunters, because no-one over the age of about seven wants to hear that song ‘Golden’ anymore.”
