There was an article I read about Americans getting skinnier and I thought it was great that people are starting to lead healthier lives, but no.....it is because other countries are becoming fatter. I am not saying that there are not people trying to become healthier, because there definitely are. I just find it very ironic and funny that the reason we are becoming thinner is because the obesity epidemic is spreading to other countries. The reason other countries are becoming fatter? They are following in America's footsteps. McDonald's, Burger King's, Wendy's, and other fast food chains are now being established in many countries, leading to higher rates of junk food consumption and obesity. Of all the things to learn from America, other countries chose our way of eating. Our eating habits is one of the worst aspects of America and is one of the last things other countries need.
Many people from other countries want to have something resembling the American Dream where they live and it seems as though they think having these “cool” places to eat will eventually help them achieve the American Dream. And I am saying this from experience. I have been to other countries where going to a place like McDonald's is a treat and they think it makes them more American to go to such places and they do not understand that fast food is one of the worst aspects of American life. They do not seem to realize that the American Dream is about much more than that. It is about having opportunity to change your life and control your destiny (to whatever extent you can).
If anything, other countries should take and learn from the ideals that our government was built on. There are definitely countries who do not need to change their government and are doing fine. I am obviously referring to countries such as those in the Middle East and Africa when speaking of places that need change. America is a much more peaceful place to live in compared to many of these other countries (I am not saying we don't have flaws as well) and our government is one of the major reasons for that. Turmoil in other countries usually stems from an unstable government and fear the government instills in its people, both of which prevent them from achieving the true American Dream. Building fast food restaurants is not going to improve the state of these places because their problems run much deeper than that. Until they realize this and act upon it, it will be hard for them to achieve the opportunities they are longing for.
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I completely agree with you. I think it's a shame that other cultures are becoming so affected with the negative aspects of our society. There are over 31,000 McDonald's restaurants worldwide and there are over 80 on the island of Manhattan alone. I personally don't eat at McDonald's after watching the documentary Supersize Me. However, for many people in American and in other countries, I understand why McDonald's would be there choice of restaurant. McDonald's serves extremely inexpensive food and for large families or families living paycheck to paycheck, McDonald's is a cheap option for them. One of the aspects to our country that has always frustrated me is that a large french fry and a burger costs less than a salad or fresh fruit. I think it is important that we support schools in feeding our children better food and educating families on the problems that can arise from bad eating habits. It's sad to think that we are the first generation that may not outlive our parents. It is important that everyone be versed on this problem in our society.
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