Fast food has become a rather influential part of people’s everyday lives. It has had multiple effects on America’s economy, society, politics, food, and culture. The industry is commonly known for its tremendous growth and great influence, both negative and positive. The following essay will review this topic with the help of an article called What We Eat by Eric Schlosser and will discuss some of the effects and aspects.
Primarily, one of the most amazing aspects of the industry is how it became powerful and popular. It was fronted by non-conventional entrepreneurs, whose deeds then resulted in the formation of rather conformist businesses (Schlosser, 2000). Second, the changes in US society have contributed to its rise, specifically, women joining the workforce and inflation. Third, the industry managed to form an alliance with the American government, as some of the economic issues, such as wages, were ignored.
Understandably, consequences would follow the rise of the industry: negative, positive, and neutral. The industry, unfortunately, tarnished the farming industry as the latter became less profitable and lost its middle-class status. The fast-food industry has made the meat packing occupation one of the most dangerous ones, as the exposure to dangerous pathogens was increased. Ronald McDonald, the mascot of McDonald’s, one of the most famous fast-food companies, became the second most recognizable fictional character after Santa Claus. Moreover, hamburgers and fries became America’s most stereotypical meals, as fast food became one of the greatest imports from the US, alongside blue jeans, pop music, and Hollywood movies. Generally speaking, the industry marked the best and worst of early 21st-century American capitalism: a larger gap between the rich and the poor and the rise of innovations and new products.
However, fast food should not be blamed for all of America’s social issues. The industry became the cause of multiple economic trends and shifted the behaviors of consumers. While fast food is, without a doubt, rather delicious and enjoyable, the experience caused by that pleasure is short and forgettable. Moreover, consumers are not as seriously concerned by the context behind the industry as they should be; they just mindlessly take their tasty order, unwrap it, eat it, and move on with their lives. In conclusion, the fast-food industry has had a great influence on economics, society, and politics. This is something a lot of people are unaware of, mindlessly consuming its products.
Reference
Schlosser, E. (2000). Fast food nation. The New York Times Web Archive.