Fast Food Frenzy: An Examination of the Industry's Success and its Toll on America

Abstract

This thesis is an in-depth study of America's fast food industry. It explores changes in the American lifestyle that result from fast food and weighs the conveniences and consequences of that life. Fast food history reveals an extensive climb to the success and popularity presently attached to it. The industry is so powerful that it is a widely-held idea that American food is fast food. There are innumerous conveniences that fast food offers and various rationalizations for its appeal. Nevertheless, the consequences refute all of those conveniences and more. There are grave risks associated with the industry for consumers, employees, and society of which many are ignorant. The key to fighting the industry lies in education and awareness. People are slowly moving away from fast food and toward healthier living. Hopefully, advocacy against fast food will make people attentive of the consequences and empower them to make better choices.