Marcel Winatschek

A Batman Burger for the Streets of Hong Kong

While students and protesters were filling the streets of Hong Kong demanding free elections, the local McDonald’s branches were running a Justice League promotional tie-in: a double beef patty called the Diner Double Beef, served alongside Squeezy Cheesy Fries and a green tea apple soft drink. Available for delivery, in case the blockades made it impractical to reach a fast food restaurant on an empty stomach.

The collision of these two things is almost too clean. Genuine civic courage in the streets; a branded superhero burger on every corner. The Caped Crusader, eternal champion of justice, rendered in processed cheese and a name that sounds like it was workshopped by a committee. Maybe that kind of western solidarity is exactly what tips the scales against corrupt politicians. Or maybe people were just hungry. Probably just hungry.