Fast Food Nation: The IntroductionHow does the amount spent on fast food compare with the amount spent on other things in our society.
- In 2000, Americans spent more than $110 million on fast food alone. The article reads that Americans spend less on higher education i.e. College, which costs on average $35,000. This amount is drastic, considering the hullabaloo college usually is for most families. More Americans are spending the cost of books, movies, magazines, and videos combined on fast food. That is a lot of big macs.
What are some observations about McDonald's made by the author?
- In the article the author conveys that McDonald's is the nations largest purchaser of pork, beef, and potato's. He makes it clear that it is ridiculous that 96% of children are able to identify Ronald McDonald in a fictional character lineup the only fictional character recognized more is Santa Claus. Considering Mickey Mouse isn't higher than Ronald McDonald, I do believe our children need some serious mental reconstruction. Mr. Schlosser compares the McDonald's empire to that of Disney. He says that they share similar qualities such as impressive machinery, electronics and automation.
According to the author, why did he write this book?
- The author claims to have written his book to inform readers what lies behind the happy fast food wrappers we all know so well. He references the cliche: " You are what you eat", to make his point that America is far to lenient and ignorant about what they are consuming.
