by Todd Pheifer

Created on: June 10, 2009   Last Updated: June 21, 2009

Societal impact

Measuring the relative impact of a book (also made into a movie) and a documentary film is difficult, particular when applied to a general society. Since the nation is probably more into watching movies rather than reading, Super Size Me has probably made a larger impact. An edgy documentary will always be more entertaining than a thick book, even if the book has greater depth of information. Both offerings tackle different aspects of the issue, even though the broader subject is about American consumption. Still, there is always the difficulty in measuring how much information really makes people change their behavior. Therefore, here are a few thoughts on ways that Fast Food Nation and Super Size Me have impacted the fast food industry.

The "ick" factor

Fast Food Nation and Super Size Me attempted to expose the "dark side" of the fast food industry. This included treatment of animals, production of raw materials, marketing, advertising, deception, and societal health concerns. In essence, the book and movie painted a target on the fast food companies and gave the American people someone to blame for their troubles. Granted, they did also talk about personal responsibility and lifestyle choices, but there was definitive attempt at establishing culpability, which fits very nicely into America's litigious society.

"Gotcha"

Overall, companies never like bad press, and there is often a reactionary strategy that is conveniently introduced soon after a particular type of exposure. For example, certain fast food chains have started to produce "healthier" alternatives for their menus. It is debatable whether these changes occurred because of things like Fast Food Nation and Super Size Me. However, the fast food establishments have started to shift in some of the products they offer to the consumer. Of course, in some cases the salad that is now on the menu comes with deep fried chicken on top and dressing that has a large quantity of fat grams.

Tell me something I don't know

One could also argue that these publications did nothing to change the business and practices of the fast food industry. Despite the stated desires of some Americans to be healthier, the fast food companies aren't exactly going out of business. The fact that a burger, fries, and shake are not the healthiest of meals is not exactly a mystery to the general public. People seek out fast food because it is quick and cheap, and they can fit it in between events in their

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>