Prices Not Listed on the Menu essays

Prices Not Listed on the Menu essays In Eric Schlossers first book, Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal (2001), through hard facts, witty insight, and meticulous research, he produces a book-length view of how quickly and methodically the fast food business has taken over our country. Schlosser tracks the fast food industry from Americas first infatuation with fast food to its origins in 1950s California and its global triumph. Additionally Schlosser discusses the full transformation of our landscape, work force, economy, pop culture, and our diets. This infiltration of the booming fast food industry has invaded every aspect of our culture. Our diets are forever changed because of the fast food industry. Peoples lives have become busier and busier, leaving little time to sit for a meal. The fast food business has taken advantage of this fact, creating an easy solution for many Americans: cheap food, numerous locations, and quick service. When people started having to work longer hours and women started working also, so that the family could have enough money to live the lifestyle theyve become accustomed to, fast food restaurants became a necessity. These restaurants provide busy people with a quick and cheap replacement for a meal. But, fast food establishments have been serving up a lot more than burgers and fries; the lasting effects on diets have increased obesity and malnutrition among Americans. As Schlosser writes, The typical American now consumes approximately three hamburgers and four orders of french fries every week. (6) Schlosser clearly illustrates, through facts like these, the damage this industry h as had on the American way of eating. One particular fast food chain Schlosser continues to use as an example in this book is the American favorite, McDonalds. Schlosser begins his deconstruction of the fast food industry with the analysis and history of McDonalds as an American economi...