Super Size Me

In our modern era, everyone seem to know what they want to do. But most importantly, they want it done fast. Highways, bullet trains Concorde and last but not least, fast food. But do they not realise the dangers of eating fast food? Luckily, Morgan Spurlock did a very interesting documentary on the dangers of eating such food. Nicely constructed video images that suprisingly made me very interested. I dont really care about all the fats or calories that i gain by eating all these junk food but after watching this documentary, I now understand how and why.

My only decent argument to this documentary is the thought of two girls who have accused McDonalds for making them obese. In my opinion, its not all McDonalds fault. We have been given a choice, to eat or not to eat. These two girls have made their choice and received what they have, indirectly, asked for. Obesity. In the movie, it shows several overweight people chomping down on burgers. Where they forced to eat those burgers? Nope, they were all eating at they own free will. But there is one thing to blame McD for, the fact that they didnt set provide their consumers on the nutrition that they consume. Only a handful of outlets had a nutrition chart and most of them were hidden from view.

From a McDonald's directors' perspective, they are making huge profits. Creations of certain cartoon characters such as, Ronald McDonald, Hamburglar and Mac Tonight, have widen their customer base. It has attracted many young children hence more money being pumped into the bank. The media has also played a part in McD's rise. In advertising alone, McDonalds has made huge amounts of profits. In a recent article it stated that, more importantly, it would instill brand loyalty in them, which would persist throughout adulthood through nostalgic associations to McDonalds. Its ills are discussed: the exploitation of children's naivety, trusting nature and that the average child watches 21 hours of television per week. This also includes 10000 tv advertisements a year. (Source:Wikipedia) (Unreliable, i know but i have to cite)

McDonalds also has truism in some of its campaigns. It says it has introduced new salads. Manipulating consumers thought into a so called healthier food type. In reality, the salad contains even more calories than a hamburger. (Source:Wikipedia) Wouldnt it be nice if we were told of this fact? McDonald wouldnt take the risk, besides its a business a company. What they all care about is the money, not consumers health.

Globalization of the fast food world is what McDonald has done. More and more people are becoming obese because of this. Since its introduction into the Chinese and Japanese market, the death rate due to obesity has increased. This has had an economic and social effect on both societies. Of course the fast food industry is having a blast with the money gained but isnt it ironic that some peoples liver might blast too?

As a World Issues student, Im very concern of the rate of people dying due to obesity. It definitely is a world issue. But who are the people to blame? The society? Fast food companies? Whoever it is, this movie 'supersized me' knowledge about the fast food industry.