VIDEO – McDonald’s airs a coming out commercial in France

McDonald’s wouldn’t dare directly flirt with a gay-friendly attitude in the United States, so they came up with a clever work-around ploy to market processed oils and sugars to American gay people, and Americans who support gay rights.

This French commercial (conveniently subtitled in English and uploaded on Youtube) depicts a young man talking to his lover on the phone while gazing at his all-boys class picture in a McDonald’s booth. His father sits down with their artery busting meal and they share an awkward moment as his dad says he wished there were girls at the school so his handsome son could be a ladies’ man. The teenager smiles nervously back, and just before he comes out, a moody singer croons in English “I’m going on my road,” and fades into a slightly less peppy version of the Da-du-da-da-da McDonald’s jingle. Mickey D’s then tells instructs to “come as you are.”

It’s been a huge internet sensation, but I’m not sure it’s having the desired effect. Instead of making want to gorge on corn syrup, trans fats, and meat and potato-like substances, I want to organize coming out parties for young gay teens. Pass the ketchup.