Fast Food
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Part 1 : Fast Food and Multicultural Impact
Fast food globalization is shifting the food preference for most individuals globally
especially in the urban setting. The preferred food choice is moving from the traditional fresh
foods from the farms to the more convenient processed packaged foods and sweetened drinks
that form the core products for fast food restaurants (Lin,2021). Fast foods’ popularity goes
beyond convenience to extend to its unique flavor and easy access from the many fast food
establishments in most urban centers. This trend will persist in the future as more individuals
embrace fast foods and more fast food chains being established.
In any area around the world, there is a culture that guides them on fending for
themselves and most importantly food preparation. Each region has its foods and methods of
preparation that entail their culture. However, this culture is slowly being replaced with more
individuals favoring the speed and convenience fast food chains offer (Lin,2021). As a result,
fast chains are replacing existing culture and heritage with the American ideals where the fast
food concept originated.
While the fast food craze is spreading to every region of the world, its consumption is
plagued with numerous risks. Fast foods significantly increase the risk for obesity and other
chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance (Fuhrman, 2018). They also
increase the risk for cardiovascular conditions and cancers which have high mortality rates.
These conditions are caused by the unhealthy ingredients and preservatives packed in fast foods
including sugars, saturated fats, excess sodium etc. coupled with a deficiency in key
nutrients(Fuhrman, 2018).Generally, fast foods are a health hazard despite their rising popularity.
However, they offer the luxury of convenience and timely service. Fast foods are easily
accessible at almost any time of the day and most importantly in most locations in the city. Its
consumers save time that would otherwise be wasted in seeking alternatives for instance going to
a fresh food market and having to prepare the food would be time consuming (McCarty, 2019).
Most fast food products are cheaper compared to alternatives. The nature and size of fast food
chains allows them to capitalize on the economies of scale and sale their products at a slightly
lower price than other businesses. The lower prices directly favor its consumers who would save
the extra money for other activities. Further, fast foods spur local economies through
employment opportunities, buying local supplies, and paying taxes (McCarty, 2019).
McDonald’s for instance has over 38000 locations in 100 countries which has created numerous
employment opportunities through its franchise. As the demand for fast foods soars more
economic opportunities would be triggered by the further expansion of the industry.
Part 2: Review
More consumer are moving away from their roots and adopting the more convenient fast
foods. Home made foods are losing popularity with majority of the population especially the
young generation lacking the knowledge of their traditional foods let alone preparing them.
Globalization is slowly threatening the individuality and uniqueness of culture threatening to
wipe it out. Individuals are slowly losing their identity adopting a more “ globalized” approach
which is currently popular.
I cook every meal at home with food sourced an organic farm I work on. I am also vegan
and thus avoid most of the fast foods with beef or its products. In essence, I do not like fast foods
due to health concerns. I am very conscious of the food I eat given the increase in metabolic
conditions in this era which potentially point at the modern diet including fast foods. I believe
being selective on my food items is part of my healthy living.
References
Lin, L. E. (2021). Fast Food Marketing. Analyzing the changing consumer diet behavior
towards healthy eating habits: Evaluating innovative marketing strategies for global fast
food restaurant chains to satisfy the new demands. GRIN Verlag.
Fuhrman, J. (2018). The hidden dangers of fast and processed food. American journal of lifestyle
medicine, 12(5), 375-381.
McCarty, J. (Ed.). (2019). The industrial food complex. Greenhaven Publishing LLC.
