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Faster Food

In "Marrying Absurd," Joan Didion mentions Las Vegas marriages — what she sees as a destruction of a once sacred and respected tradition. Consumerism and the American culture has led to this breakdown of marriage traditions, but are the effects of consumerism really limited to just events that happen rarely in one's lifetime?

Not really.

Worth over $250 billion, the American fast food industry — or the "quick service restaurant industry" as they call themselves — continues to dominate the refined palates of many Americans. The extreme speed at which products are served and taste created as a result of trans fats, sodium, and sugar create a desirable, almost addictive taste and hunger for more.

Despite required health classes, we (including me) continue to indulge in such foods for the convenience and often flavor — not my proudest moments. The health issues associated with fast food have long been established and critiqued by experts, but the cultural aspect is scarcely mentioned while discussing the topic. 

Food serves a couple of different roles: (a) physically nourishing the body so that one does not starve, and (b) indulging in sensory luxuries, and perhaps most importantly (c) spending time with friends and family (a notable honorable mention includes (d) providing a platform for food snobs, but this point is not as noteworthy for this conversation). 

However, the fast food industry works against (c); the consumerist and high-speed culture of the United States (and many other developed nations) tries to maximize profits and minimize time, thus leading individuals to choose fast fast food instead of sitting down to eat with family and friends. As a result, obviously, family and friends spend less time together and bonds can break apart.

Thus, it's important to consider that fast food is not just detrimental to our health, but to our relationships. I've been trying to cut down on fast food, and although difficult, it's certainly good for my long-term health. And even though I can't altogether eliminate fast food out of my life together, it's certainly become evident to me that I should try to prioritize eating — and bonding — with my family and friends, even in this consumerist culture of ours. 

Comments

  1. Abby LiangMarch 8, 2020 at 10:18 AM

    This was an amazing post! I also discussed this in my creative write (from Consider the Lobster), comparing the popular eating culture in America versus France, where meals can take hours in order to truly indulge and relax with friends/family. Connecting back to Didion, it definitely is unfortunate that even in the food industry, people succumb to consumerism, convenience, and affordability

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kayla TompkinsMarch 8, 2020 at 2:01 PM

    I think you make a really good point when you said fast is food is detrimental to our health and our relationships. That is a very good connection. I also like how you fit in little excerpt of your thoughts throughout the piece.

    ReplyDelete

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