America's Fast Food Trend

It's not so much a fast food story as much as it was an experience, but growing up back home in New York a McDonald's restaurant was located only a few blocks away from my home. While I didn't frequent that location very much because of my general disdain for McDonald's food, that particular restaurant rarely received business, and almost always mis-prepared my food when I ate there. After receiving an order of chicken nuggets that were entirely frozen on the inside, I decided one day to outright stop giving them business. Whenever I went, employees looked miserable and their lack of care for the job showed in their efforts to make quality, or even edible food. This may have been the turning point for me at a young age when I realized that the way most fast food chains operate could be considered unethical, or shady at the very least. Minimum wage can only go so far, and when the employee is overwhelmed with tasks to accomplish for $7.25/hour before taxes, it can make for quite an unbecoming atmosphere.

Fast food is largely viewed as American partially due to the stigmas attached with our nation. We're viewed as hard working and blue-collar in many regions, and as such we have fast food chains geared at the every man who doesn't have time to spare for lunch. He or she simply needs a quick meal before going back to work, or tending to their children, and the consequences that come with the lack of nutrition aren't viewed as important. Much of the fast food culture is aimed at convenience; it's quick, easy, and lets you proceed with the rest of your day. Our country's willingness to put aside frightening health risks in the name of ease and laziness could be viewed as a glaring negative from an outside perspective.

While my travels outside of the country has been limited to Puerto Rico and London, the food in each location was significantly more different from American dining. Emphasis on fast food was at a noticeable low compared to America. People generally seemed fitter as a whole than I've seen in the US. I don't remember seeing nearly as much fried food being offered in restaurants, and exercise was emphasized much more on television and other forms of pop culture.

Overall, I think some very small progress is being made in the issue of fast food consumption in America. Many chains, such as Wendy's and McDonald's are increasingly advertising their salad options, and other healthier routes than burgers and fries. The fact remains, however, that millions of Americans are choosing the quick fix easy solution of unhealthy, fattening fast food every day, and the US obesity rates will continue to skyrocket unless that changes. Until we begin putting rationality ahead of convenience, America will still be viewed as the fattest nation in the world.