The Golden Arches: How McDonald's and Capitalism Are More Powerful Than the Military – The American "Roman Eagle"
By Bobby Darvish
darvishintelligence.blogspot.com
As an Iranian-American ex-Muslim and a Christian conservative, I’ve spent a lifetime reflecting on the symbols and forces that shape our nation. Growing up, I was taught to respect the strength of military power, the kind of power that could protect a country from threats, secure borders, and promote peace through strength. However, as I’ve watched the spread of American culture across the globe, I’ve come to realize that something even more powerful than our military has achieved what armies rarely can: the Golden Arches of McDonald’s. Like the ancient Roman eagle, which stood as a symbol of Roman strength and unity, the Golden Arches now serve as the modern emblem of American influence and capitalism, transcending borders and winning hearts.
McDonald’s: The Unseen Power of Capitalism
It may seem strange to suggest that a fast-food chain could wield more influence than a military, but when we examine McDonald’s through the lens of American values and capitalism, its influence becomes unmistakable. Founded on the principles of efficiency, uniformity, and accessibility, McDonald's embodies the capitalist spirit in a way that makes it relatable and desirable to people around the world.
Today, McDonald's operates in over 100 countries with more than 38,000 locations, making it a far-reaching symbol of American culture. For many, their first taste of America comes not through diplomatic embassies or political speeches but through the comforting, predictable experience of a McDonald’s meal. The Golden Arches symbolize prosperity, convenience, and a sense of familiarity, values that resonate with people regardless of language or culture. Like the Roman eagle before it, McDonald's doesn't just represent a nation—it represents an entire way of life.
The Military’s Reach vs. The Reach of the Market
While our military protects American interests through force, it is limited in scope and impact. Military operations are constrained by politics, treaties, and national boundaries. In contrast, McDonald’s, through capitalism, enters territories without resistance and, instead, is welcomed by local populations. The restaurant itself becomes an ambassador of American ideals: freedom of choice, efficiency, and adaptability. Each Big Mac sold across the world is a soft assertion of American dominance, proving that capitalism can accomplish what military might often cannot.
As a Christian, I see this influence as both a blessing and a cautionary tale. On one hand, the spread of American businesses like McDonald's has elevated living standards, creating jobs and stimulating economies. On the other hand, there’s a subtle danger in becoming so absorbed in material comforts and consumer culture that we lose sight of deeper spiritual values. We are called in Matthew 6:24 not to serve two masters, warning us against becoming servants to wealth. As much as I admire the power of capitalism, I also see the need for discernment. The Golden Arches might symbolize American strength, but they must not replace our dedication to faith, family, and community.
The “Golden Eagle” of American Influence
When the Romans conquered a new land, the eagle standard was planted as a sign of Roman rule and civilization. The Golden Arches, in a way, do the same. Where American embassies may be avoided, a McDonald’s franchise is often welcomed as a mark of modernity. In many countries, McDonald’s even becomes a symbol of cultural status. This worldwide embrace is a testament to the strength of American capitalism, a system that thrives not by imposing itself, but by inviting people to participate in its promise of choice, convenience, and familiarity.
Yet, as much as McDonald's reflects American values, it also serves as a reminder of what we risk if we lose focus on the foundations of our nation. The Roman Empire, for all its military strength, eventually fell due to internal corruption, moral decline, and the erosion of values. The Roman eagle, once a symbol of power, came to signify a fallen empire. As we look at the Golden Arches, we should remember this history and recognize that no empire is immune to collapse if it loses its moral and spiritual anchor.
Capitalism and Christianity: A Delicate Balance
Some might argue that a conservative Christian shouldn’t embrace something as commercial as McDonald's or even capitalism itself. But capitalism, at its core, reflects our God-given freedom to choose. The choices we make—whether in a marketplace or in matters of faith—shape our lives and reflect our values. In a world where people yearn for freedom, capitalism allows individuals to build, create, and make decisions that can lead to prosperity.
However, capitalism must be balanced by Christian values. When we prioritize profit over people, we fall into the trap warned of in 1 Timothy 6:10: "For the love of money is the root of all evil." While McDonald's may symbolize the success of American capitalism, we must remember that capitalism should serve humanity, not the other way around. Prosperity without purpose, after all, leads to spiritual emptiness.
The Path Forward
As an Iranian-American Christian, I see the Golden Arches as a powerful emblem of what America has achieved through capitalism, but also as a reminder of what is at stake. America has always stood for something more profound than economic power: freedom, faith, and the pursuit of a higher purpose. Like the Roman eagle, the Golden Arches are a reminder that our influence must be grounded in something deeper than just commercial success.
If we want to maintain our position in the world, we must not rely solely on the military or on economic symbols. Instead, we must strengthen the spiritual and moral fabric of our society, guided by the principles of faith, humility, and stewardship. Only then can America’s influence endure and grow in a way that is meaningful, lasting, and ultimately fulfilling.
Sources:
Ritzer, George. The McDonaldization of Society: An Investigation into the Changing Character of Contemporary Social Life. Pine Forge Press, 2015.
Schlosser, Eric. Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal. Harper Perennial, 2002.
Fulcher, James. Capitalism: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2004.
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