Fast food industries have taken over with advertisement everywhere they can. Why has fast food evolved into one of the most consumed foods? Why is it so popular with children? Is it because of the advertisement posters hanging in their school hallways? Possibly, and because of this it affects the health of the students who go to these school.
Advertisements of fast food restaurants in schools support an unhealthy lifestyle. Allowing posters by Mc Donald’s or Burger King to be put up around the school makes it seem as if the school suggests kids should eat fast food. Yes, fast food is cheaper for a kid who only carries a few dollars around for lunch, but promoting fast food also gives them the impression that it is okay to eat fast food. Having advertisements for fast food restaurants and having the school serve greasy food, isn’t helping the child’s help but affecting it more. Kids consider school their second home because of how much time they spend there, so they should have healthier meals to choose from. Students should be surrounded by positive healthy posters.
School faculties and principals are in charge of what can be posted on school walls and what cannot. Agreeing to have fast food advertisements posted on school walls suggest that it is recommended for students to eat fast food. The schooling system and Board of Education is supposed to influence kids to make healthy and positive choices throughout their lives. Since school is supposed to be an educational environment, schools are sending the wrong idea to children. Children trust the opinions and lessons from both their parents and teachers who try to teach them to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and show they care about what they learn, eat and do, but fast food advertisements are not proving the right message they should be sending. Fast food advertising can have major effects on a childs health. In one article written in 2006 by The Post Standard, it says banning junk food from school isn’t the answer. This article believes that eating better begins at home. Parents should be responsible for what their children eat and should help them choose meals more wisely. If they don’t like what their children are eating in school, they should pack lunch for them or make healthier meals at home. This will influence the child to want to eat better food.
When I was in high school, I realized how unhealthy I was eating. Between my schools being surrounded by fast food restaurants and being filled with vending machines didn’t help me make wise decisions in eating. Since McDonalds was close by, they said that they would deliver to students in the school if they paid over a certain amount. Their advertisement of delivery made it more accessible for students to get fast food quickly, and instead of walking to go by food, they will sit and wait for it to be delivered to them, which also isn’t very healthy. Having options such as delivery by a fast food restaurant is one step before other unhealthy decisions. Fast food advertisements have taken over so much of what we see everyday and affects our thought process. We know it’s not a healthy choice for us to eat but we choose to still eat it because we are sort of hypnotized by the product they are selling to us. We are so used to seeing promotional ads for Mc Donald’s or Burger King that we don’t even bother to think twice if it is a smart choice for us to eat. Students will see the posters everyday whether they choose to or not, and eventually they will want to buy that food. Since there are so many children in schools, about half or more are most likely to eat at a fast food restaurant even though they have a choice of cafeteria food at school.
On the other hand, school is meant to be a place for positive education, not a place for products to be sold. Advertisements are very influential especially on children and fast food companies are smart enough to take advantage of school students knowing that they are the ones who spend most of their money towards their food. Most students are so used to eating food from their school cafeteria that seeing fast food posters makes them want to eat their food even more. This may also change the way students view their school. School is the place for them to know right from wrong but its giving students the choice to eat fast food and not providing them with the education on fast food that they need. Fast food restaurants have tried everything to advertise their product and realized putting posters in schools is one of the best choices.
If advertisements for fast food restaurants are going to be placed in schools, then advertisements for sports or activities should also be posted on school walls. Since children are beginning to be less active and rather play video games than go out and plays basketball or soccer, then more options should be available and noticeable for them. In the book Fast Food Nation, one chapter named “You’re Trusted Friends” by Eric Schlosser says that the typical American child now spends about 21 hours a week watching television. (pg.46) Kids aren’t as active as they used to be which causes them to be lazy out of school. This is where parents should come in and limit the time they spend watching television or using the internet and help their child become more active. Parents know how much television ads, posters and commercials influence their children to want to buy something, so they should take more control.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Prospectus
In this paper, I will discuss the use of antibiotics and steroids and how it affects the way we treat animals and our well being. Also the fact that today’s life span is shorter than previous generations, and one effect of that is due to all the chemicals that are being used to make to preserve and conserve the food that is being imported and exported
The use of antibiotics and steroids in our foods has affected both animals and the people who eat them. Antibiotics have been known to be used for treatment or prevention of bacterial infection. In this case, the food industry has managed to negatively use these drugs to enhance farming and the meat industry that is being consumed by a majority of the population. The use of these drugs are harmful and unethical not only to the animals that are it is being supplied to, and a big problem it leads to is that all of this is being silenced. You would think that the government who is in charge of protecting societies well being would do something to change this but in reality they’re not.
In this paper I will be using research and information from Eric Schlosser, LexisNexis
The use of antibiotics and steroids in our foods has affected both animals and the people who eat them. Antibiotics have been known to be used for treatment or prevention of bacterial infection. In this case, the food industry has managed to negatively use these drugs to enhance farming and the meat industry that is being consumed by a majority of the population. The use of these drugs are harmful and unethical not only to the animals that are it is being supplied to, and a big problem it leads to is that all of this is being silenced. You would think that the government who is in charge of protecting societies well being would do something to change this but in reality they’re not.
In this paper I will be using research and information from Eric Schlosser, LexisNexis
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Essay 1
Fast food industries have taken over with advertisement everywhere they can. Why has fast food evolved into one of the most consumed foods? Why is it so popular with children? Is it because of the advertisement posters hanging in their school hallways? Possibly, and because of this it affects the health of the people who do choose to eat fast food, especially children.
Advertisements of fast in schools support an unhealthy lifestyle. Allowing posters by Mc Donald’s or Burger King to be put up around the school makes it seem as if the school suggests kids should eat fast food. Yes, fast food is cheaper for a kid who only carries a few dollars around for lunch, but promoting fast food also gives them the impression that it is okay to eat fast food. Schools say how they want to help kids eat healthier, yet you walk into a school cafeteria and there are 2 to 4 vending machines full of candy, chips and soda, while the lunch menu is serving processed cheeseburgers, French fries and pizza. Having advertisements for fast food restaurants and having the school serve greasy food, isn’t helping the child’s help but affecting it more. Kids consider school their second home because of how much time they spend there, so they should have healthier meals to choose from.
Fast food advertising and school lunches aren’t the only reason for unhealthy kids. The reason why they eat fast food and school lunches whether they like it or not, is because they either choose to or they are used to it. In one article written in 2006 by The Post Standard, it says banning junk food from school isn’t the answer. This article believes that eating better begins at home. Parents should be responsible for what their children eat and should help them choose meals more wisely. If they don’t like what their children are eating in school, they should pack lunch for them or make healthier meals at home. This will influence the child to want to eat better food.
When I was in high school, I realized how unhealthy I was eating. Between my school being surrounded by fast food restaurants and being filled with vending machines didn’t help me make wise decisions in eating. Since McDonalds was close by, they said that they would deliver to students in the school if they paid over a certain amount. Their advertisement of delivery made it more accessible for students to get fast food quickly, and instead of walking to go by food, they will sit and wait for it to be delivered to them, which also isn’t very healthy. Having options such as delivery by a fast food restaurant is one step before other unhealthy decisions.
If advertisements for fast food restaurants are going to be placed in schools, then advertisements for sports or activities should also be posted on school walls. Since children are beginning to be less active and rather play video games than go out and plays basketball or soccer, then more options should be available and noticeable for them. In the book Fast Food Nation, one chapter named “You’re Trusted Friends” by Eric Schlosser says that the typical American child now spends about 21 hours a week watching television. (pg.46) Kids aren’t as active as they used to be which causes them to be lazy out of school. This is where parents should come in and limit the time they spend watching television or using the internet and help their child become more active. Parents know how much television ads, posters and commercials influence their children to want to buy something, so they should take more control.
Advertisements of fast in schools support an unhealthy lifestyle. Allowing posters by Mc Donald’s or Burger King to be put up around the school makes it seem as if the school suggests kids should eat fast food. Yes, fast food is cheaper for a kid who only carries a few dollars around for lunch, but promoting fast food also gives them the impression that it is okay to eat fast food. Schools say how they want to help kids eat healthier, yet you walk into a school cafeteria and there are 2 to 4 vending machines full of candy, chips and soda, while the lunch menu is serving processed cheeseburgers, French fries and pizza. Having advertisements for fast food restaurants and having the school serve greasy food, isn’t helping the child’s help but affecting it more. Kids consider school their second home because of how much time they spend there, so they should have healthier meals to choose from.
Fast food advertising and school lunches aren’t the only reason for unhealthy kids. The reason why they eat fast food and school lunches whether they like it or not, is because they either choose to or they are used to it. In one article written in 2006 by The Post Standard, it says banning junk food from school isn’t the answer. This article believes that eating better begins at home. Parents should be responsible for what their children eat and should help them choose meals more wisely. If they don’t like what their children are eating in school, they should pack lunch for them or make healthier meals at home. This will influence the child to want to eat better food.
When I was in high school, I realized how unhealthy I was eating. Between my school being surrounded by fast food restaurants and being filled with vending machines didn’t help me make wise decisions in eating. Since McDonalds was close by, they said that they would deliver to students in the school if they paid over a certain amount. Their advertisement of delivery made it more accessible for students to get fast food quickly, and instead of walking to go by food, they will sit and wait for it to be delivered to them, which also isn’t very healthy. Having options such as delivery by a fast food restaurant is one step before other unhealthy decisions.
If advertisements for fast food restaurants are going to be placed in schools, then advertisements for sports or activities should also be posted on school walls. Since children are beginning to be less active and rather play video games than go out and plays basketball or soccer, then more options should be available and noticeable for them. In the book Fast Food Nation, one chapter named “You’re Trusted Friends” by Eric Schlosser says that the typical American child now spends about 21 hours a week watching television. (pg.46) Kids aren’t as active as they used to be which causes them to be lazy out of school. This is where parents should come in and limit the time they spend watching television or using the internet and help their child become more active. Parents know how much television ads, posters and commercials influence their children to want to buy something, so they should take more control.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Annotated Bibliography
Martin, Andrew. "Nickelodeon to Limit Use of Characters on Junk Foods." The New York times [New York] 16 Aug. 2007, Final ed., sec. C: 3. Lexis Nexis. Web.
In this article, the childrens television channel Nickelodeon says that it will prohibit their characters pictures on junk food products. Taking characters off junk foods may help prevent the children from choosing that snack jsut because their favorite cartoon character is on it. Other companies such as Disney and Dicovery Kids have agreed that they would even stop advertising unhealthy products to children under 12, unless they have certain nutritional facts. Changes to this took effect in 2009 and will remain effective with the exception of certain holidays.
Coseo, Dale. "Obesity Fight Begins at Home with Good Meals and Exercise." The Post Standard [Syracuse, NY] 26 Mar. 2010, Final ed., Opinion sec.: A17. Web.
An opinion by Coseo, Dale who represents Coca Cola goes against the increase in soda tax stating that it has nothing to do with obesity. the tax on drinks isnt only for soda, it goes for all drinks including water. Coseo feels that help for obesity begins at home with balanced meals, less technology and more exercise. Unemployment will be increased due to the effect of the "soda tax"and will not help to decrease obesity.
Stokes, Leonard. "Junk Food Tax Not a Fair One." The Times-Union [Albany, NY] 21 Aug. 2009, Final ed., Opinion sec.: A10. Web.
This article states that if the goverment really cared about obesity in America, they would have a policy focused soley on the group of obese people. Raising the price of soda will just charge Americans more more for no reason. if obesity was such a big deal, why dont they find other ways to go about solving it rather than effecting everyone including people who are not obese. It seems like the increase in revenue is more important than the decrease in obesity.
Weitzen, Terry. "Our Unhelathy Diet." The New York Times [Highland Park, NJ] 5 Apr. 2010, Final ed., sec. A: 18. Print
This article states the fact of people choosing unhealthy food over healthy food because its faster and cheaper. Its easier to grab a cookie rather than cut up fruits as a snack. Making foods and drinks with "low" in it doesnt always mean youre eating better because what youre eating is still unhealthy. If healthy foods were just as quick and cheap as unhealthy foods are, more people will choose more wisely because they can afford both.
Wright, Christine. "Banning Junk Fodd In Schools Is Not The Answer." The Post Standard [Syracuse, NY] 23 May 2006, Final ed., Editorial sec.: A9. Lexis Nexis. Web.
Removing junk food from public schools willl not solve the issue of obesity. Parents should be held accountable for their child well being and should take control of what their children eat. When children want junk, they will find a way to get it no matter where they are. Parents should set better example on what and how their children should eat. Schools shouldnt be scrutinized jsut because they sell junk food. They have a choice whether or not to eat it, and if they are being led by a healthy example at home, they will less likely choose to have as much junk daily.
In this article, the childrens television channel Nickelodeon says that it will prohibit their characters pictures on junk food products. Taking characters off junk foods may help prevent the children from choosing that snack jsut because their favorite cartoon character is on it. Other companies such as Disney and Dicovery Kids have agreed that they would even stop advertising unhealthy products to children under 12, unless they have certain nutritional facts. Changes to this took effect in 2009 and will remain effective with the exception of certain holidays.
Coseo, Dale. "Obesity Fight Begins at Home with Good Meals and Exercise." The Post Standard [Syracuse, NY] 26 Mar. 2010, Final ed., Opinion sec.: A17. Web.
An opinion by Coseo, Dale who represents Coca Cola goes against the increase in soda tax stating that it has nothing to do with obesity. the tax on drinks isnt only for soda, it goes for all drinks including water. Coseo feels that help for obesity begins at home with balanced meals, less technology and more exercise. Unemployment will be increased due to the effect of the "soda tax"and will not help to decrease obesity.
Stokes, Leonard. "Junk Food Tax Not a Fair One." The Times-Union [Albany, NY] 21 Aug. 2009, Final ed., Opinion sec.: A10. Web.
This article states that if the goverment really cared about obesity in America, they would have a policy focused soley on the group of obese people. Raising the price of soda will just charge Americans more more for no reason. if obesity was such a big deal, why dont they find other ways to go about solving it rather than effecting everyone including people who are not obese. It seems like the increase in revenue is more important than the decrease in obesity.
Weitzen, Terry. "Our Unhelathy Diet." The New York Times [Highland Park, NJ] 5 Apr. 2010, Final ed., sec. A: 18. Print
This article states the fact of people choosing unhealthy food over healthy food because its faster and cheaper. Its easier to grab a cookie rather than cut up fruits as a snack. Making foods and drinks with "low" in it doesnt always mean youre eating better because what youre eating is still unhealthy. If healthy foods were just as quick and cheap as unhealthy foods are, more people will choose more wisely because they can afford both.
Wright, Christine. "Banning Junk Fodd In Schools Is Not The Answer." The Post Standard [Syracuse, NY] 23 May 2006, Final ed., Editorial sec.: A9. Lexis Nexis. Web.
Removing junk food from public schools willl not solve the issue of obesity. Parents should be held accountable for their child well being and should take control of what their children eat. When children want junk, they will find a way to get it no matter where they are. Parents should set better example on what and how their children should eat. Schools shouldnt be scrutinized jsut because they sell junk food. They have a choice whether or not to eat it, and if they are being led by a healthy example at home, they will less likely choose to have as much junk daily.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Whats tax gonna do?
Tax on soda may not be as effective on people as the government thinks. Putting a tax on soda will not stop people from buying it, it will only make us spend more money on it, and that money will go to the government.
Soda tax will not be such a big deal to people. We all travel to different stores to buy soda and they each have different prices. Since we don’t know the exact amount a bottle of soda is, we don’t really notice an increase or decrease when we purchase it. Taxes to soda also won’t positively affect the issues with obesity. Adding a couple of cents to a sugared drink isn’t going to make people stop drinking it and effect people’s weight as much as they think it would.
In an article called Soda Taxes Are Nothing More Than a Money Grab which can be found in the Advertising Age, the writer states his opinion disagreeing with the government saying that we don’t have to “swallow everything the activist and local governments are telling us.” People are beginning to believe that children who choose soda over another beverage are told to do so by the “Magical TV set” rather than their parents. As the writer describes, it is also a parents fault because they are providing children with money and transportation to get the sugared, high fructose corn syrup drink. T.V shouldn’t always be the blame for children wanting something that’s unhealthy for them. If a parent chooses to let their child have soda all the time knowing that it’s not great for them, then that blame should be put on the parent. The parents know more than a child health wise so they should be blamed for allowing their child to have sugary syrupy drinks all the time.
In the article named Soda Tax is a Sweet Idea which was published in Crain’s New York Business, the writer agrees the states claims and reality. One claim is “The tax will kill thousands of jobs”, while the reality says “The effect on beverage makers, shippers and sellers will be minimal. Consumers will buy more diet soda and bottled water from the same companies.” Companies will not be very much affected by this due to being able to sell out other drinks. As I stated before, people will not be affected by this tax.
From experience I have a family member who can’t go a day without drinking soda. She is so used to the taste and the caffeine from it that without it, she can’t function the way she usually does. She knows it’s not the best choice of drink for her and her body but in her opinion, she “needs” it. A lot of people are like this with many things, soda being one of them. They will not easily just give up soda because the price of it will go up. They will still pay the price for it, probably without even knowing the change in price.
I don’t think this Soda tax is going to affect anyone. If people want soda, they will still buy it. I don’t think this tax will help obesity or help turn people to choose healthier drinks. If people want soda, they will buy it.
Soda tax will not be such a big deal to people. We all travel to different stores to buy soda and they each have different prices. Since we don’t know the exact amount a bottle of soda is, we don’t really notice an increase or decrease when we purchase it. Taxes to soda also won’t positively affect the issues with obesity. Adding a couple of cents to a sugared drink isn’t going to make people stop drinking it and effect people’s weight as much as they think it would.
In an article called Soda Taxes Are Nothing More Than a Money Grab which can be found in the Advertising Age, the writer states his opinion disagreeing with the government saying that we don’t have to “swallow everything the activist and local governments are telling us.” People are beginning to believe that children who choose soda over another beverage are told to do so by the “Magical TV set” rather than their parents. As the writer describes, it is also a parents fault because they are providing children with money and transportation to get the sugared, high fructose corn syrup drink. T.V shouldn’t always be the blame for children wanting something that’s unhealthy for them. If a parent chooses to let their child have soda all the time knowing that it’s not great for them, then that blame should be put on the parent. The parents know more than a child health wise so they should be blamed for allowing their child to have sugary syrupy drinks all the time.
In the article named Soda Tax is a Sweet Idea which was published in Crain’s New York Business, the writer agrees the states claims and reality. One claim is “The tax will kill thousands of jobs”, while the reality says “The effect on beverage makers, shippers and sellers will be minimal. Consumers will buy more diet soda and bottled water from the same companies.” Companies will not be very much affected by this due to being able to sell out other drinks. As I stated before, people will not be affected by this tax.
From experience I have a family member who can’t go a day without drinking soda. She is so used to the taste and the caffeine from it that without it, she can’t function the way she usually does. She knows it’s not the best choice of drink for her and her body but in her opinion, she “needs” it. A lot of people are like this with many things, soda being one of them. They will not easily just give up soda because the price of it will go up. They will still pay the price for it, probably without even knowing the change in price.
I don’t think this Soda tax is going to affect anyone. If people want soda, they will still buy it. I don’t think this tax will help obesity or help turn people to choose healthier drinks. If people want soda, they will buy it.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Teens for Hire
When teenagers are in desperate need of a first job, we usually choose anything that seems convenient or easy. Fast food restaurants do the same. They choose teenagers with no experience to work for them rather than adults who had previous jobs because they are easier to control. Teens take a first or part time job usually to start paying for things they want such a a car or clothes, and they put making money before school which tends to back fire on them.
On page 78 from Fast Food Nations chapter "Behind the Counter", Schlosser says "As more and more kids work to get their own wheels, fewer participate in after school activities. They stay at their jobs late into the night, neglect their homework, and come to school exhausted." Teens are beginning to put work before school which effects their school work and may cause them not to graduate. Having a job but not being able to graduate high school have a big effect on your life. If you plan on getting a new and better paying job later in life, they see that you either dropped out of high school to work or couldnt graduate and will not hire you. Some places such as fast food chains or retail stores tend to over work teens because they know the teens will not say no. Since teens usually get bored at work, they tend to become interested in negative or illegal activity.
From previous experiences, I worked at my first job at a dance theater as an usher when I was in my senior year of high school for 8 months. I didnt have to work for a lot of hours but when I did work, it was at night during show times. Shows would start at 7 and would end between 10 and 1030 and by the time i would get home it would be 12. Sometimes they would ask me to stay a half hour later and I would say yes because I knew I would get paid more. Then I had to get home, finish homework get ready for school and had about 5 hours asleep. Even though there wasnt alot I had to do, I still felt tired. Sometimes I wouldnt do my homework just because I didnt want to stay up an extra hour and it began to effect my grades even more than they were already.
I cant imagine working more than just the little I did and having to maintain good grades in school, so I guess people dropping out or not graduating high school is one of the effects of this. Teens who are over worked especially by fast food chains are effected more becuase of demanding hours. Us teens usually dont say no to the amount of hours we need to work knowing well be able to have our own money and rather let it effect our school work. Learning to balnce out the two could be helpful but if work begins to overwork and tire you and effect your school work, you should look for a job that is not as demanding. Any pay would still be better than no pay!
On page 78 from Fast Food Nations chapter "Behind the Counter", Schlosser says "As more and more kids work to get their own wheels, fewer participate in after school activities. They stay at their jobs late into the night, neglect their homework, and come to school exhausted." Teens are beginning to put work before school which effects their school work and may cause them not to graduate. Having a job but not being able to graduate high school have a big effect on your life. If you plan on getting a new and better paying job later in life, they see that you either dropped out of high school to work or couldnt graduate and will not hire you. Some places such as fast food chains or retail stores tend to over work teens because they know the teens will not say no. Since teens usually get bored at work, they tend to become interested in negative or illegal activity.
From previous experiences, I worked at my first job at a dance theater as an usher when I was in my senior year of high school for 8 months. I didnt have to work for a lot of hours but when I did work, it was at night during show times. Shows would start at 7 and would end between 10 and 1030 and by the time i would get home it would be 12. Sometimes they would ask me to stay a half hour later and I would say yes because I knew I would get paid more. Then I had to get home, finish homework get ready for school and had about 5 hours asleep. Even though there wasnt alot I had to do, I still felt tired. Sometimes I wouldnt do my homework just because I didnt want to stay up an extra hour and it began to effect my grades even more than they were already.
I cant imagine working more than just the little I did and having to maintain good grades in school, so I guess people dropping out or not graduating high school is one of the effects of this. Teens who are over worked especially by fast food chains are effected more becuase of demanding hours. Us teens usually dont say no to the amount of hours we need to work knowing well be able to have our own money and rather let it effect our school work. Learning to balnce out the two could be helpful but if work begins to overwork and tire you and effect your school work, you should look for a job that is not as demanding. Any pay would still be better than no pay!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Response #1: "You're Trusted Friends"
The popular chain restaurant McDonalds has changed its eating environment over the years. From its earlier years, the mascot who represented McDonalds known as the clown Ronald Mc Donald was more popular than it is today. His face and the popular red and yellow colors that represented the empire covered almost everything that had to do with the restaurant. The exterior for McDonalds for the most part has remained the same, but the interior has been making big changes such as changing the colors, chairs and taking away the play space for kids. One of the few things that have stayed the same was the toys that came in a child’s happy meal.
Part of the McDonalds franchise is the advertisement techniques they have is including toys in a child’s meal. As time changes, so do their toys. The toys they give vary depending on what is popular to kids at the moment such as television shows, characters and games. Keeping a child entertained is one of the key things in their business. As I read a chapter from Fast Food Nation called “You’re Trusted Friends” It told me about how much work they put into their advertisements and toy ideas to make sure they were appealing children. Keeping a child interested in their business is a big deal. Children will see a commercial or billboard that intrigues them and tell their parents about it and will want to go there.
As I ordered food, noticed a big change in the menu. On each meal picture, there were the calories for each meal. I also recognized they sold small wraps which were called “snack wraps” and also saw salads on the menu. I watched the workers dressed in black and red with two golden arches on their shirts that were all in full view of their customers work fast and put food in trays and fryers. After I ordered, I sat at one of their table, ate my food and observed the people around me. In this particular McDonalds, I noticed how different it looked compared to how I remember it as a child. It was full of more green, blues, brown and grays. Each table included either four or 2 metal chairs that sat across from each other. There were pictures of families on the wall rather than the characters such as the Hamburglar, Grimace and Ronald. It felt cleaner than it used to be when I walked in there, more welcoming. The McDonald’s sign that is known as a big golden “M” was branded on my fries and fountain drink. I also noticed there wasn’t one thing that had Ronald McDonalds face on it.
Since it was earlier in the afternoon, there weren’t many people in the restaurant. The people who were there consisted of a few teens out of school, a couple senior citizens sipping on coffee and reading the paper and a nanny and child. I observed the child who looked to be about 5 and tried to take note of the way he reacted to being in McDonalds. He seems interested in a toy and bag his happy meal came in which seemed to be the only thing that had Ronald’s face on it. He played the mini games on his bag while he ate his food, and then left with his nanny.
McDonalds doesn’t exactly look the same as it used to but something about keeps children and adults coming back for more. Instead of their commercial with the Ronald McDonalds characters, they have regular people like you and me singing about how good the food is and why we should go in. Or maybe it’s the healthier choices of foods such as salads, snack wraps and counting the calories on their menus that may interest more people to go into their restaurants. Either way new and old customers keep coming back.
Part of the McDonalds franchise is the advertisement techniques they have is including toys in a child’s meal. As time changes, so do their toys. The toys they give vary depending on what is popular to kids at the moment such as television shows, characters and games. Keeping a child entertained is one of the key things in their business. As I read a chapter from Fast Food Nation called “You’re Trusted Friends” It told me about how much work they put into their advertisements and toy ideas to make sure they were appealing children. Keeping a child interested in their business is a big deal. Children will see a commercial or billboard that intrigues them and tell their parents about it and will want to go there.
As I ordered food, noticed a big change in the menu. On each meal picture, there were the calories for each meal. I also recognized they sold small wraps which were called “snack wraps” and also saw salads on the menu. I watched the workers dressed in black and red with two golden arches on their shirts that were all in full view of their customers work fast and put food in trays and fryers. After I ordered, I sat at one of their table, ate my food and observed the people around me. In this particular McDonalds, I noticed how different it looked compared to how I remember it as a child. It was full of more green, blues, brown and grays. Each table included either four or 2 metal chairs that sat across from each other. There were pictures of families on the wall rather than the characters such as the Hamburglar, Grimace and Ronald. It felt cleaner than it used to be when I walked in there, more welcoming. The McDonald’s sign that is known as a big golden “M” was branded on my fries and fountain drink. I also noticed there wasn’t one thing that had Ronald McDonalds face on it.
Since it was earlier in the afternoon, there weren’t many people in the restaurant. The people who were there consisted of a few teens out of school, a couple senior citizens sipping on coffee and reading the paper and a nanny and child. I observed the child who looked to be about 5 and tried to take note of the way he reacted to being in McDonalds. He seems interested in a toy and bag his happy meal came in which seemed to be the only thing that had Ronald’s face on it. He played the mini games on his bag while he ate his food, and then left with his nanny.
McDonalds doesn’t exactly look the same as it used to but something about keeps children and adults coming back for more. Instead of their commercial with the Ronald McDonalds characters, they have regular people like you and me singing about how good the food is and why we should go in. Or maybe it’s the healthier choices of foods such as salads, snack wraps and counting the calories on their menus that may interest more people to go into their restaurants. Either way new and old customers keep coming back.
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