Participate alone in at least two visits or experiences that allow you to contemplate the ideas from the book. Use the list below as a guide in selecting these experiences; you are free to consider your own ideas not on the list for this purpose, if you wish. You may use the same option more than once (e.g., go through a drive-thru twice). Whatever you decide, be safe by maintaining social distancing, wearing a mask, washing hands for at least 20 seconds, etc.; and stay within your comfort zone. 1) Use the self-checkout at a grocery store. 2) Use grocery store home delivery or store pickup. 3) Have restaurant food delivered to your home (e.g., with Bite Squad or similar service through the restaurant). 4) Utilize a fast-food drive-thru window to pick up food or a beverage. 5) Order a home necessity (e.g., shampoo) with any of the many online options, such as Amazon, Wal-Mart, or Target. As soon as possible after the experience, reflect on the experience by taking notes on paper. Record the dates and visit times on the notes. Discuss key ideas from the book. For example, what aspects of the four primary dimensions or principles of McDonaldization did you experience or observe? Did you experience or witness any irrationalities? What are your thoughts on McJobs? What scripts were present and how did they influence the experience? Referring to specific points in the book, what did you like or dislike about the experiences and why? You are not restricted to these questions, as Ritzer addresses many interesting ideas to consider for this memo. Reminder: Make explicit and frequent references to your notes and the book.
