Introduction
Fast food did not gain popularity overnight. The requirement for food that is available fast and thus, easily cooked has been ever present (History.com) (Whipps). When we picture the eating habits of the past eras, we see relaxed, exquisite, and elaborate dinners. However, we generally tend to think of royalty, not commoners. The farmer, the blacksmith, and the labourer might not have had sufficient time and means for elaborate repasts, and so these people probably sought food that was easily and quickly available (Whipps). Moreover, it is difficult to imagine that in times of hardship, such as during war, people could enjoy an elaborate meal. Thus, it is rational to deem that fast food was available and necessary centuries ago. The increase in its popularity, however, can be attributed to several factors. This paper undertakes a casual analysis to determine the reasons for the popularity of fast-food restaurants today.
Thesis
The popularity of fast-food restaurants is owing to the easy and speedy availability of fast food in today’s world, where eating is often viewed as a requirement and not a relishing experience.
Research and Evidence
A. Everyday life is demanding and hectic in almost every profession and few working people have the time and means to enjoy an elaborate meal.
Information technology (IT) is one the most popular domains of work today (Moore 24). However, studies find that several IT professionals suffer from health problems due to their bad eating habits (Moore 24). People in similarly demanding professions also neglect food and have developed eating habits that revolve around their profession, such as night shifts, long work hours, etc. (Tepas 204). “Grabbing a bite” is a term we hear often in today’s parlance, and it symbolizes the lack of interest in the quality of food consumed. Roos et al. (225) have shown that the presence of conflicts between family and work family life can affect the lifestyle and healthy food habits of men and women. It is thus advised that a balance-between health and family life be maintained for ensuring a healthy lifestyle. From the above-mentioned details regarding food habits, we can see that it is a proven fact that professionals today work under stressful conditions. Given this circumstance, the inclination to hasten meal intake is natural, and fast-food restaurants with their easily cooked and quickly delivered food are serving an increasing consumer demand.
B. Fast food is considered tasty and “fun” by most children today. A larger number of youngsters are inclined to intake fast food owing to its affordability and taste. Thus, fast-food restaurants have become cultural icons today.
The media has strong influence on the youth (Mittal 14) (Buijzena, Schuurmanb, and Bomhofb 234). Fast-food restaurants like MacDonald’s advertise fast food that is economical and affordable. Moreover, they also provide a “fun” quotient to children and families by giving away toys and having stalls with themes that are appealing to children. Unlike the movies of the previous generation, where people were shown spending their evenings dining and dancing, contemporary movies and literature show fast-food restaurants as the places where people meet and exchange pleasantries. Thus, it is evident that people today have adapted to a lifestyle that advocates eating in fast-food restaurants. Children and adolescents are especially affected by this, as they seem to have been nurtured with the idea that fast-food restaurants are a way of life.
Conclusion
This paper proves that the thesis statement that, the popularity of fast-food restaurants is owing to the easy and speedy availability of fast food in today’s world, where eating is often viewed as a requirement and not a relishing experience, is indeed true. The research conducted in the paper shows that this popularity is mainly harmful to people because of the lack of nutritious content in fast foods. It is likely that the work schedules and lifestyles of people will remain hectic and demanding in the future, and so, it is advisable that the quality of food available in these restaurants be improved.
Works Cited
Buijzena, Moniek ; Schuurmanb, Joris; Bomhofb, Elise (2008 ). “Associations between Children's Television Advertising Exposure and Their Food Consumption Patterns: A Household Diary–Survey Study.” Appetite, 5(2/3), 231–239. Print.
History.com. (2011). Ancient Fast Food 'Drive-Thru' Window Discovered In Western Iran. Retrieved 24/11/2011 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/1969/12/31/ancient-fast-food-drive-thru-window_n_1085088.html
Mittal, M. (2010 ). Parental Perception of the Impact of Television Advertisements On Children's Buying Behavior. IUP Journal of Marketing Management, 9(1/2), 12–17.
Moore, Jo Ellen. "Job Attitudes and Perceptions of Exhausted Is/It Professionals: Are We Burning out Valuable Human Resources?" SIGCPR '98 Proceedings of the 1998 ACM SIGCPR conference on Computer personnel research. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, 1998. Print.
Roos, Eva; Sarlio-La¨hteenkorval, Sirpa; Lallukka1, Tea; Lahelma1, Eero. "Associations of Work–Family Conflicts with Food Habits and Physical Activity." Public Health Nutrition 10.3 (2006): 222–229. Print.
Tepas, Donald I. "Do Eating and Drinking Habits Interact with Work Schedule Variables?" Work & Stress 4.3 (2007): 203-11. Print.
Whipps, H. (2007). Residents of Ancient Pompeii Liked Fast Food Retrieved 24/11/2011 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18983078/ns/technology_and_science-science/t/residents-ancient-pompeii-liked-fast-food/#.Ts37ftXS8_Q
Whitaker, Lisa Grey. Getting Started in Sociology. 3 ed. London: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc, 2008. Print.
