While I was enjoying a Friday afternoon, relaxing and watching television, the slogan “Have it your way” from Jack in the Box caught my interest. This made me start to doubt some of the statements made in their commercials, taking into account what is commonly known about fast food companies.
After reading Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser, it became evident that fast food chains like Jack in the Box are primarily driven by the desire for profit. They employ persuasive and manipulative tactics to convince customers that they can have their desires fulfilled exactly as they wish. Interestingly, even one of my closest friends regards McDonald’s as her preferred option for food, contending that it is preferable to going without a meal. While there may be some validity to this claim, there are additional aspects to contemplate when consuming fast food beyond its detrimental impact on health.
The book Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser has provided me with a fresh perspective on fast foods. It offers a thorough examination and critique of the fast food industry, shedding light on its impact on American culture. Schlosser’s goal is clear: he intends to discourage us from purchasing fast food. In his final remarks, he underscores the significance of our preferences as consumers, as they empower us to make choices that carry significant consequences.
According to the author, fast-food companies will enhance their products according to consumer demands if we choose not to purchase from them. This notion is suggested after the author uncovers these facts in their book, leading them to recommend discontinuing fast-food consumption. Did you know that every time you buy fast food, you indirectly support and perpetuate abnormalities, discrimination, and other negative aspects prevalent in this industry? It is a cultural decline that we are witnessing and allowing. After reading the book, I am completely persuaded that we should stop buying fast food, and I will elaborate on the reasons why.
The author’s inquiry also centered on the abuse of teenagers by fast food companies. These companies primarily hire teenagers, who often possess limited skills, so they can be paid minimum wage. In the present fast food sector, advanced technology and machinery have diminished the need for skilled employees. Teenagers are preferred as they are willing to work part-time and do not qualify for overtime pay. Additionally, their ability to work swiftly offers a substantial benefit to these establishments.
Fast food restaurants have strict regulations that can result in termination for the slightest mistakes, as they believe it is easy to find new workers and therefore don’t hesitate to fire employees. The fast-food industry primarily employs teenagers, senior citizens, disabled individuals, and immigrants who earn minimum wages. Despite a decline in employee earnings, executives in the restaurant sector have experienced substantial salary growth. The author contends that employee theft is prevalent in this field despite increased security measures. It is important to acknowledge that these teenagers could be our own children and the immigrants might be our relatives.
Hopefully, we will prevent these occurrences. Online Dictionary defines encroachment as the act of stealthily or gradually trespassing upon someone’s property, domain, or rights. In this case, encroachment occurs when a new franchise opens near an existing franchise of the same chain. For example, having multiple Starbucks outlets on the same block or street. As a Starbucks franchisee, I would rather not have to compete with another Starbucks just across the street. Conflicts between franchisors and franchisees often arise from situations like these.
While franchisees may experience dissatisfaction when new franchises are established in close proximity, franchisors remain unconcerned as their royalties depend on the overall sales. In Eric Schlosser’s book, it is highlighted that meatpacking has evolved into the most perilous occupation in the United States due to its labor-intensive nature and employment of undocumented or recently arrived immigrants. Despite individuals voluntarily opting for this profession, fair treatment should still be ensured.
The job poses potential dangers including injuries from machinery and knives, employee illness from cleaning fume exposure, and physical strain due to poor working conditions. Every profession carries risks, but it is disheartening that this industry neglects employee safety precautions. Moreover, it has become more difficult to receive workers’ compensation for slaughterhouse injuries. Can you imagine working for an uncaring employer?
The occurrence of these unfortunate events and our acceptance of them as normal is concerning. However, we should question the justification for this acceptance, as it is clear that these companies do not consider the consequences of their actions. Allowing such incidents to continue will negatively affect future generations, including our children.
If you have been following current events through radio, newspapers, or television news, you may be aware of the nuclear site in Iran, issues related to terrorism, and struggles within the healthcare system. In times like these, it is natural to wonder how we can contribute to improving the world. Each individual has the power to make a difference.
To bring about meaningful change, recommendations for Congress include banning TV advertisements that promote unhealthy foods on children’s networks aimed at young viewers. Additionally, Congress should act by eliminating tax benefits for corporations with high turnover rates and inadequate training programs. It is crucial to enforce minimum wage and child labor laws while also implementing workplace violence regulations established by OSHA.
The USDA should demand the utmost standards for food served in school cafeterias, while Congress should establish a unified food safety agency. Both state and federal authorities must reevaluate the meatpacking industry’s injury rate from a fresh standpoint. To further address the issue, OSHA should substantially raise fines and enforce mandatory plant closures, as well as pursue criminal charges for negligence when meatpacking workers suffer injuries or fatalities. Additionally, consumer involvement is vital to ensure progress.
The consumer should cease purchasing fast food, as there have been unreported incidents in fast food establishments. These incidents involve the targeting of children through fast food advertising, mistreatment of fast food workers, unsafe conditions in meatpacking, and the provision of unhealthy meals with a potential for diseases like E coli.
While speed and convenience are often seen as beneficial and desirable, it’s crucial to acknowledge that there may be drawbacks associated with what we consider fast and convenient. As consumers and individuals with rights, we hold the power to bring about change. Therefore, it is important for us to reject the consumption of fast food and work towards creating a better world. So, let us initiate the process of constructing a society that no longer considers fast food as the standard.
