Cheap Scottish Themes in Corporate America

Scottish people are stereotyped as being spendthrifts. Whether or not they are is somewhat beside the point as they are cast as such. If you keep your eye out you might see where in corporate America this theme is capitalized upon. Below are a few examples starting with McDonald's which is known for its dollar menu, value meals and unquestionably Scottish sounding name. 

Times Square New York McDonald's US-PD

Ronald McDonald is the trademark mascot of McDonalds, he also could be of Scottish descent as red hair and whitish skin is a feature of some Scottish people. The highlander reenactor on the right also has red hair. Why Ronald McDonald is also a clown is up for speculation, but there you have it. 

Ronald McDonald by Ru K, GFDL, CC BY-SA 3.0, Highlander by David Ball GFDL, CC BY-SA 3.0

Scottrade supposedly got its name from its starting headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona according to its founder Roger Riney. In this case it is a striking coincidence that the name matches the firms role as a discount broker quite nicely and conveniently.

Image source: Dwight Burdette, CC BY-SA 3.0

Here's another one with two ts, maybe it's named after a guy called Scott who is Scottish. Scott toilet paper is one of the cheaper brands in terms of cost. A roll of the most affordable Scott brand could last a while and save you a few dimes.

If all the above seem somewhat questionable or have alternate themes that coincide with low priced products there is another one that makes the case. McFrugal, a tool shop that claims it has "Quality Tools at a Frugal Price", right next to the image of a very Scottish looking man with bagpipes.

MacFrugal's furniture is more corporate Canadian, but all the same when it comes to stereotyping Scottish people. If the red haired Scotsman does not give it away, the name does. Too bad the furniture isn't tax free aka scot-free, which allegedly has less symmetry with Scottish "frugalism" as much as the English language; another stereotypically fitting coincidence that inadvertently reinforces the belief.