After decades of transformation and evolution, fast food has become a necessity in America. The American fast food industry has grown immensely and at such a rapid pace that we are known world-wide for it. Because of its massive growth America has received the infamous name of "Fast Food Nation", provided by an investigative journalist named Eric Schlosser, who not only exposed the unsanitary and discriminatory practices of the fast food industry, but also revealed how the fast food industry has shaped and defined society in America and other nations as the fast food culture spreads globally. I believe Schlosser said it best, "A nation's diet can be more revealing than its art or literature." (Fast Food Nation. 3). In what ways has the culture of the U.S. been affected by fast food?.
Fast food has been a part of American culture and history for years. Since the 1970s, the amount of fast food restaurants in business have doubled. (Schlosser). Americans as a whole have allowed fast food to invade American society and culture. What used to be small food stands selling hotdogs and burgers, has evolved into huge, prosperous fast food organizations and corporations. However, the changes do not stop there. As the fast food industry grows, the amount of money spent on fast food has increased drastically. Eric Schlosser the writer of "Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal" reported that "In 1970, Americans spent about $6 billion on fast food; in 2000, they spent more than $110 billion."(Schlosser 3). The amount of money wasted on fast food could have been used for educational purposes, computers and TVs, or a new car. Although each individual fast food meal may seem cheap at the time, the amount of money spent grows larger over time. .
In the past, it was unthinkable to eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner at a fast food joint, because it was more common and traditional to eat at home with your family.