Fast Food Nation

1. Matthew Day Fast Food Nation By: Eric Schlosser Chapter 10: Global Realization

2. Author’s Intent • to illuminate America’s fast food chains’ spreading to other countries and the effect of the fast food culture on the world

3. Specific Assertions • Fast food companies have greatly expanded their overseas business • The American fast food industry is helping to create a homogenized international culture based on Western modernization, efficiency, and culture • The effect of American fast food and a Western diet on overseas countries • Activists have protested and brought to court American fast food companies for corrupt business practices and unhealthy food

4. Given Evidence • Many points are proved through simple numbers, statistics, and data • Such as the number of American fast food chains opened in various countries or positive correlation of obesity rates with more numerous fast food restaurants • Uses the court case McDonald's Corporation v Steel & Morristo show activists are fighting against fast food chains • McDonald’s brought the activists to court for libel, or giving out false information about a company. • The activists were from an organization called London Greenpeace

5. Given Evidence • Uses evidence such as advertising and the portions of fast food meals to prove that fast food is Americanizing other cultures, both culturally and physically • Decoration in a German McDonald’s is the same as décor in an American McDonald’s or a Chinese McDonald’s • Little Caesars slogan, “Big! Big!” • A “Large” Coke at McDonald’s is now thirty-two ounces

6. Author Bias • Data and statistics seem to be used fairly and not be skewed • i.e. today it has about seventeen thousand restaurants open in more than 120 foreign countries • Author is trying to make an argument; the evidence given is fairly one sided • Few concessions are made that fast food could be helpful • However, author lets the evidence speak for itself

7. Relevance • The broad nature of the chapter makes sure there is relevance to present culture • Much of the argument is just how the fast food industry has grown • The “McLibel” court case likely is the precursor to similar cases in the modern day fast food industry