AP Lang Fast Food Nation (Ch. 1-5) Quiz

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Questions and Answers

How does the amount spent on fast food compare with the amount spent on other things in our society?

$6 billion on fast food in 1970, to more than $110 billion in 2000. Americans spend more money on fast food than higher education, personal computers, computer software; also movies, books, magazines, newspapers, videos, and recorded music combined.

Why is fast food worth studying?

It is a revolutionary force in American life that has completely changed the American diet, landscape, economy, workforce, and popular culture.

What are some observations about McDonald's made by the author?

It is a powerful symbol of America's service economy and the largest owner of retail property in the world, operating more playgrounds than most private entities.

What does the author say about independent farmers?

Farmers and cattle ranchers are losing their independence, becoming hired hands for agribusiness giants and being replaced by gigantic corporate farms. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author say about the political clout of the meat packing industry?

It used to be highly skilled work but is now the most dangerous job in the USA, with deadly pathogens in burger meat. Signup and view all the answers

According to the author, why did he write this book?

To inform people about the behind-the-scenes of fast food businesses and deals. Signup and view all the answers

What restaurant chain did Carl Karcher start?

Carl's Jr. Signup and view all the answers

Why did General Motors want to buy trolley systems throughout the U.S.?

To disassemble the systems and turn the companies into bus lines, forcing people to buy cars. Signup and view all the answers

What was the 'Speedee Service System' and how was it different from what other fast food restaurants were doing?

It was a self-serving system with fewer utensils, a condensed menu, division of labor, and lower prices. Signup and view all the answers

What were some characteristics of the men who started the fast food industry?

They often dropped out or started working at young ages and copied the Speedee Service System. Signup and view all the answers

What were some of the other fast food restaurants inspired by McDonald's approach to food service?

Carl's Jr., Taco Bell, Burger King, Wendy's, Domino's, KFC. Signup and view all the answers

What are some parallels between Ray Kroc and Walt Disney?

They went to school together, wanted to copy Disney's success, and both made impacts on American culture in unethical ways. Signup and view all the answers

How does the author describe Walt Disney and Ray Kroc's involvement in politics?

Walt Disney depended on federal funds, while Kroc contributed money for Nixon's campaign. Signup and view all the answers

What is synergy in marketing and how do fast food companies practice it?

Agreements allowing businesses to use substances to market things, such as McDonald's incorporating the American flag. Signup and view all the answers

Why did companies start marketing to kids in the 1980s, and how did they do this?

To increase future consumption of products and persuade parents through kids' whining and nagging. Signup and view all the answers

How successful have efforts been to limit advertising aimed at children?

They were initially successful but then became unsuccessful and unethical, as schools were taken advantage of by fast food companies. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways is Colorado Springs today much like southern California?

There are subdivisions, shopping malls, and repeated fast food joints. Signup and view all the answers

What new businesses have moved into Colorado Springs in recent years?

New military bases, aerospace/air force operations, Burger King, Subway, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, McDonald's, and Wendy's. Signup and view all the answers

What type of business is the largest private employer in the state of Colorado?

The restaurant industry. Signup and view all the answers

How does McDonald's decide where to build new restaurants?

Based on attractions in densely populated places, often following other fast food chains. Signup and view all the answers

Why are so many fast food employees teenagers?

They are part-time, unskilled workers who accept low pay and are less expensive to hire. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'throughput' and how does it apply to the fast food industry?

It refers to the speed and volume of a factory's flow, enabling more efficient assembly to produce standardized products. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'McDonald's English'?

They don't speak English well and only know terminology related to McDonald's, like the menu. Signup and view all the answers

What is the average job turnover rate in the fast food industry?

300 to 400%. Signup and view all the answers

How has the 'real value' of wages at fast food restaurants changed over time?

Between 1968 and 1990, wages fell by 40%, remaining 27% lower than in the late 1960s during the 1990s. Signup and view all the answers

How has the fast food industry responded to efforts to unionize its workers?

While workers were encouraged to share experiences, corporations strongly opposed unionization and lied about the process. Signup and view all the answers

How many workers at McDonald's in North America are unionized?

15,000. Signup and view all the answers

What are the benefits and costs of having teenagers work after school?

Benefits include discounts, social opportunities, and gaining experience; costs include neglecting homework and risking educational success. Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of the Fair Labor Standards Act and Colorado state law on the hours that kids in Colorado Springs work at fast food restaurants?

It mandates minimum wage, overtime for 40+ hours, and limits hours for children, with specific state laws on work conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author say about robbery and murder in fast food restaurants?

The rates are twice as high as among adult workers, with many injured and more being murdered on the job than police officers. Signup and view all the answers

Who is often responsible for committing robberies of fast food restaurants?

Employees or former employees with a vendetta against the company. Signup and view all the answers

How has the fast food industry responded to efforts by OSHA to reduce workplace violence?

The industry fought against OSHA guidelines intended to decrease violence. Signup and view all the answers

What was different about the way McDonald's franchised businesses?

Ray Kroc prioritized making sales over financial details, being patient with franchise growth. Signup and view all the answers

How does the cost of McDonald's franchise compare with the cost of a franchise from other fast food chains?

McDonald's has a low franchising fee ($950) compared to other chains that demand large fees upfront. Signup and view all the answers

How does the failure rate of franchises in general compare with that of other businesses?

Self-employment has higher failure rates (38.1%) compared to other businesses which are 6.2% lower. Signup and view all the answers

Among franchises, what is 'encroachment'?

Restaurants of the same chain being placed closer together to take away customers. Signup and view all the answers

What are some disadvantages of running a franchise?

Franchisees are on their own, must obey directives, and aren't covered by federal labor laws, risking financial and operational stability. Signup and view all the answers

What fast food chain is considered the worst in its treatment of franchisees?

Subway. Signup and view all the answers

What connection does J.R. Simplot have to the fast food industry?

He manufactured frozen french fries, helping accelerate the growth of the fast food industry. Signup and view all the answers

How have potato farms in Idaho changed in the last 25 years?

The industry has experienced large gains while losing half of its potato farmers, with land devoted to potatoes increasing. Signup and view all the answers

What is PGI and how successful has it been at organizing potato farmers?

PGI (Potato Growers of Idaho) is a nonprofit that helps farmers negotiate contracts but has been unsuccessful due to insufficient membership. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'fallacy of composition'?

A logical error that assumes what is good for an individual is also good for the group. Signup and view all the answers

What makes McDonald's French fries taste different from the fries of other fast food restaurants?

They are cooked in a mix of 7% cottonseed oil and 93% beef tallow, yielding a unique flavor. Signup and view all the answers

What are some similarities and differences between 'artificial flavors' and 'natural flavors'?

Both are man-made chemical additives; artificial flavors use newer methods, while natural flavors utilize traditional techniques. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Economic Impact of Fast Food

Fast food expenditures rose from $6 billion in 1970 to over $110 billion in 2000.
Americans spend more on fast food than on higher education, personal technology, and entertainment combined.

Significance of Fast Food

Fast food acts as a transformative force affecting diet, economy, workforce, and culture in America.

McDonald's Observations

Represents a major facet of the service economy, generating 90% of new jobs.
Expanded from 1,000 restaurants in 1968 to over 28,000 globally by 2000.
Largest provider of retail property and a significant purchaser of beef, pork, and potatoes.
Exceeds competitors in advertising spends and operates a vast number of playgrounds.
Major distributor of toys in the U.S.

Independent Farmers Challenges

Farmers face a loss of autonomy, becoming employees of large agribusinesses.
Increasingly displaced by corporate farming operations, leading to greater social stratification.

Meat Packing Industry Politics

Historically a skilled sector, it now ranks as one of the most hazardous industries.
Contamination issues in meat often go unaddressed due to political lobbying.

Author's Intent

Aims to raise awareness about the complexities and realities of the fast food industry.

Carl Karcher and Franchising

Founder of Carl's Jr., showcasing the rapid growth of the fast food franchise model.

General Motors and Transportation

GM sought to monopolize trolley systems, transforming public transport into bus lines to accelerate car sales.

Speedee Service System

Introduced a self-service model with minimized utensils and a streamlined menu, reducing prices.

Characteristics of Fast Food Founders

Many founders dropped out of school or began working young, emulating efficient service models.

Influence of McDonald's on Competitors

Inspired other chains including Taco Bell, Burger King, Wendy's, Domino's, and KFC.

Ray Kroc and Walt Disney Parallels

Both were unschooled and sought to replicate each other's commercial success in culture but through controversial means.

Political Influence

Disney relied on federal funding while Kroc supported Nixon's campaign financially.

Marketing Synergy

Fast food brands employ marketing synergy by leveraging partnerships and promotions with recognizable symbols, like the American flag.

Marketing to Children

Initiated in the 1980s to foster brand loyalty, children’s marketing was aimed at ensuring future consumption and influencing their parents.

Challenges to Advertising Restrictions

Initial efforts to limit child-targeted marketing were ineffective; schools became venues for corporate advertising due to budget constraints.

Changes in Colorado Springs

Architectural similarities to Southern California with increased fast food presence and expansion of military bases.

Restaurant Industry Employment

Restaurants dominate as Colorado's largest private employer.

Location Strategy for Fast Food Chains

New establishments target high-traffic areas and are strategically placed near existing chains.

Teen Employment in Fast Food

Attracts young, part-time workers due to manageable scheduling and lower pay.

"Throughput" Concept

Refers to operational efficiency increasing production speed, transforming kitchens into factory-like environments.

"McDonald's English"

Employees often know limited English, only familiar with restaurant-specific terminology.

Employee Turnover Rates

Fast food industry suffers turnover rates between 300-400%, highlighting job instability.

Wage Erosion

Fast food wages diminished by 40% from 1968 to 1990, remaining significantly lower than previous standards in subsequent decades.

Unionization Challenges

Fast food corporations resist employee unionization efforts and discourage open discussions about experiences.

Workplace Violence

Fast food workers face higher incidents of robbery and violence compared to other professions, with many perpetrators being former employees.

Regulatory Battles

The fast food sector challenges OSHA guidelines aimed at curbing workplace violence.

Distinct Franchising Model

Kroc emphasized a patient expansion model, prioritizing sales over initial financial arrangements in franchising.

Cost Structure of Franchises

McDonald's low franchising fee ($950) contrasts sharply with other chains that demand higher upfront investment.

Franchise Failure Rates

Franchises experience higher self-employment failure rates, with 38.1% compared to lower rates for independent businesses.

Encroachment in Franchising

Refers to the issue of multiple franchises of the same chain opening too close, competing for the same customer base.

Franchise Disadvantages

Franchisees operate independently under corporate rules, lacking protection from common employment law and facing potential exploitation.

Subway's Franchising Problems

Recognized for its poor treatment of franchisees, making it a standout example in the fast food industry.

J.R. Simplot's Influence

Instrumental in supplying frozen french fries, significantly contributing to the expansion of the fast-food sector.

Changes in Idaho's Potato Farming

Significant growth in production occurred despite a dramatic drop in the number of independent farmers.

PGI's Role with Farmers

Potato Growers of Idaho offers assistance yet struggles to unify enough farmers for meaningful influence.

Fallacy of Composition

A logical flaw assuming individual benefits collectively apply, misleading farmers regarding market dynamics.

Unique McDonald's French Fry Flavor

Their fries utilize a blend of cottonseed oil and beef tallow, creating a distinctive taste profile while raising health concerns.

Flavors: Artificial vs. Natural

Both types are synthetic, but differ in production methods, with artificial being more modern and natural adhering to traditional practices.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the key concepts from chapters 1 to 5 of 'Fast Food Nation'. This quiz covers how fast food spending impacts society, comparing it to expenditures on education and media. Challenge yourself with essential flashcard questions that highlight the significance of fast food in American culture.