Fast Food Nation--The Movie

Well, I went to see this Movie on Sunday because I was interested to get a visual look at what I had read in the popular book. For starters, this movie will not be winning any awards for acting or coherent story lines, but it did an excellent job of portraying the different areas of life that are affected by the Fast Food industry.

To be honest I have avoided the major fast food companies after I read the book, mostly because of the way the workers are treated in the franchises and in the slaughter houses. I have had a harder time changing my buying habits of meat in general, and it is really a monetary reason. When I look at the price of organic beef or chicken, I wonder if I can really afford to change my habits in that respect. Of course, this might point to the bigger problem in America, that we consume way too much meat to begin with.

The movie did an excellent job of reminding me about the horrible treatment of illegal immigrants in the slaughter houses, taking advantage of cheap labor that is less willing to report unfair working conditions. The movie also touches on the effect the Fast Food industry has with corporate America and the teenager going to high school, but needing to work at the local fast food place.

I left the movie a little sickened by the images on the screen, and with a sense of powerlessness. I wonder how much it would really take to change this billion dollar system we have in place. Is it possible to beat corporate America? I can at least start with my own spending habits, committing myself to change for the better.

A Chance to Buy Nothing

So,

In our never ending world of consumption and consumerism, I invite everyone to participate in the annual "Buy Nothing Day". It is so simple and makes a bold statement.