Gunnar Nelson, Chapter 5, Question #5

The arguments and facts relayed in this chapter are very controversial. The topic that the author announces in the first paragraph is the Economics of Discrimination. Included in the argument are two main topics, racially discriminating as well as gender discrimination (specifically against females). Wheelan describes the thought process of a firm or companies view. If a young female is applying for the job, there are risks that would have to be taken where there would not be risks in hiring a male. The same can be said for race, Wheelan describes that minority races usually have a higher chance of having a criminal record. Like I said before economic discrimination is very controversal (and illegal), however it still happens. There are many people who stand against it and say that it is unfair for someone to be "judged by their cover." I personally think that it is a very difficult situation to be in. I also believe that it depends on the situation, you could take a chance and hire sombody who is a minority, who you would not usually hire, you are putting yourself, business, and reputation on the line. I think that it is up to the firm or business to decide who they hire. If them deciding who they hire leads to them not hiring you, then that is there opinion if they see you as a risk.

I was shocked at Wheelan's realization of advertising. The author uncovered the facts about the success at McDonalds, and the real life scenario. If somebody is driving away from their home and are looking for a place to eat, they are going to be looking for a place that they know and can personally trust to have "safe" food. McDonalds offers safe food, low prices, and every McDonalds is generally the same. My opinion on advertising is also cloudy. McDonalds, a widely known enterprise, has an extremely wide range of customers, and very many people know of McDonalds. However, the business going to McDonalds, is being taken away from privately owned, small food companies in the same general area. I see this as smaller companies being forced to close because of McDonalds widespread popularity. In my opinion this could also lead to Americans dependance of fast, cheap, and slightly less quality and unnappreciating the time and cost that smaller food companies provide.