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Rutgers University, Newark *
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920:302:01
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Philosophy
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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docx
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Uploaded by DeaconAlpacaMaster1012
A revolutionary force or change entails a transformation that substantially modifies established norms, behaviors, and societal structures. It frequently challenges existing systems, values and ways of life in a society. Eric Schlosser, author of “What We Eat”, presents various pieces of evidence and supporting details to prove his point regarding the impact of the fast-food industry on American society. Through comprehensive analysis of economic, cultural, health, and societal implications, he effectively builds a compelling argument. Schlosser successfully supports his claim that the fast-food industry has brought on a revolutionary impact socially and politically.
A social revolution often pertains to culture, social movements, activism, and changes in societal norms. Eric Schlosser illustrates a notion of a social revolution throughout “What We Eat” by highlighting several
different aspects. Providing narratives that showcase how fast food has challenged social norms and values, highlights how the fast-food industry has caused a cultural change to food traditions. “A generation ago, three-quarters of the money used to buy food in the United States was spent to prepare meals at home. Today about half of the money used to buy food is spent mainly at fast-food restaurants”
(37). Showing the difference in numbers supports Schlosser’s claim showing it underlines the significant transformation in American eating habits and societal norms over the years. The shift from three-
quarters of food spent going toward home-cooked meals to half of it being channeled into fast-food establishments is a clear indicator of how deeply ingrained fast food has become in our culture. It has changed the food on society’s tables, but it has also changed the lives of the farmers who provided the food to everyone. Either the farmers give in to the ‘giant corporations’ and change the way they farm, or they lose out on their consumers also.
After Schlosser sets the stage that society has been affected by the fast-food industry through social revolution, he dives into the political change it has caused. Political revolution involves rapidly changing the current political order of an existing government or ruling authority to a new one. This new order reflects different principles and goals than the previous one. “Ever since the administration of President Richard Nixon, the fast-food industry has worked closely with its allies in Congress and the White House to oppose new worker safety food safety and minimum wage laws. While publicly espousing support for the free market, the fast-food chains have quietly pursued and greatly benefited from a wide variety of government subsidies. Far from being inevitable, America's fast-food industry in its present form is the logical outcome of certain political and economic choices” (146). Schlosser points out that some of these
corporations are trying to oppose new food safety laws proving they are not exactly sure what is in this food. He reveals how these corporations have actively opposed essential laws related to worker safety, food safety, and minimum wage, all while advocating for the free market publicly. The incongruity between their public image and private interests is striking, underscoring the extent of their influence in shaping political decisions. By showing the fast-food industry has an active engagement in politics benefiting from government subsidies supports his claim of being politically revolutionary.
Eric Schlosser presents a successful argument that the fast-food industry has caused a political and social
revolution throughout society. He highlights the profound impact of fast-food on American culture, eating habits, and the government. Schlosser provides sufficient evidence throughout his written text to support his argument. He draws attention to the farmers dilemma, emphasizing how the fast-food ‘giants’ demands have altered their landscape by simply setting the stage about how society has changed
their cultural and societal norms. He reveals how these corporations have actively opposed essential laws related to worker safety, food safety, and minimum wage, all while advocating for the free market
publicly. “What We Eat” by Eric Schlosser is a successful portrayal of the fast- food industry’s impact on American society causing a social and political revolution.
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