Fast Food in a Globalized World

The world we live in is moving faster than ever and the food industry is no exception. Fast food has become a major part of American culture and is moving rapidly into other countries. McDonald’s is leading the way in this homogenization of cultures with over 30,000 restaurants in over 100 different countries (Super Size Me). Although many people think that this high speed way of life is a good thing, it does have some draw backs.
Americans have greatly moved away from home cooked meals and family dinners. Many people would not think that this is a big deal but regular family meal times give children more than just a nutritious meal. In 2006, Baylor All Saints Medical Center conducted a study showing that regular family mealtimes have fewer weight problems, develop healthier eating habits, and have a healthier self-image; which makes them less likely to develop drug and alcohol problems (“Family Meals…”).
The fast food industry has aided in globalization, over-connectedness, and, in turn, disconnectedness. This documentary is an attempt to explain the effects the fast food industry, with the aid of globalization, is having on the world. Through interviews, readings, and advertisements from other countries, this film shows that fast food makes up a highly profitable industry almost everywhere in the world, with little diversity among these restaurants, no matter the country of location. Though many are thrilled by the cheapness and convenience of fast food, the industry is, conversely, having numerous negative effects by stripping the uniqueness of cultures and “Americanizing” them.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• fast
• food
• globalization
• global
• consumer
• culture
• CAHS
• 2000