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Have you ever had that weird feeling where you're aching to eat something, but you don't know what it is? Could it be a juicy burger, served on a fluffy, warm egg bun, soft like the bosom of an angel, served with crisp lettuce leaf from the freshest head from God's seed, with a slice of the finest cheese from a pampered bovine, and adorned with a perfectly seasoned patty, crisp on the outside, yet chewy and savory on the inside? Or is it sweet, like the creamy decadence of a tiramisu, satisfying your sweet tooth with its thick, creamy mascarpone cheese, and the hit from the coffee the cake has been soaked in? Well, eating is not just satisfying your mortal desires anymore. It's more than just gaining nourishment to live. It has become a fine art that anyone could understand, the friend that we are seeking when we're depressed, and the solace we've desired to free ourselves from the outside world. So what's the problem here? Could there be any downside to food? Well, how would you feel if a company was ruining that blissful feeling you get when you bite into something special? When they industrialize your favorite meal, it instantly loses its greatness.

Unfortunately, too much of a good thing usually leads to disaster. Just think, what if you had your favorite meal every day for the rest of your life? Yes, you'd say it was awesome at first. But trust me, that delicious food you're begging mom to make will lose its specialness if you have it too much. However, eating the right amounts at the right moments will make you feel like a king receiving the finest gift in the land, whether it is a perfectly aged, roasted prime rib or pasta served with Grandma's secret sauce. While I hate to admit it to those who see me as the type of prick that likes fancy food, I love a good burger. Nothing pleasures me more than juicy meat being crammed into my mouth repeatedly, bite after bite. But when the fast food 「restaurants」 out there defile the name of burgers, things become personal. These franchises are not only ruining the colons of fat kids everywhere; they are also ruining the dignity of food. Instead of appreciating the gifts that food gives us, fast food restaurants have shown through quick service and low prices that it's just an inconvenience we must deal with.

Eric Schlosser is the man who wrote Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal. He examines the influence fast food has had on us, not only on our bodies but also our dignity as humans. Fast food corporations have spread their influence everywhere, taking advantage of the naïve and trusting nature of children. Advertisements are everywhere, targeting a wide age range. Toys that come with certain meals appeal to children, while the low prices and deals appeal to adults. This indicates the loss of respect we've had for food.

When people are in a hurry and need a bite to eat, fast food restaurants come up with the idea to look good and provide a convenient and fast way of filling stomachs up. Behind their 「good guy」 persona for always being there to provide 「nourishment」 lays the evil schemes companies have come up with. During the recession, people did not go out to eat much, in order to save money. However, fast food restaurants became the last resort for many; such cheap food appealed at the time, giving the industry financial security while others suffered. As such, many view food as a human inconvenience; they have to eat in order to survive.

Now I admit, I do eat fast food sometimes, probably because I have cravings for certain things that the home cannot provide. I am usually horribly ashamed, not thinking of the hypocritical act that I had just committed. After I finish my low quality meal, I reflect on what I just did, and immediately start sweating from the shame, similar to when I make contact with a female. I remember when McDonald's Happy Meals were the coolest things ever, and collecting all the toys in a series was a goal that one kept. This unforgivable childish behavior is the result of fast food corporations' ingenious business tactics. Kids' television shows also feature fast food commercials, in order to entice the little ones to eat their food. The financial power is just too much, as Mr. Schlosser had pointed out in his book.

The power these franchises possess is immense; even having a finger in the chili couldn't bring down Wendy's. This shows that we've become too dependent on quick and easy food; fast food has become essential to American life. We would rather give up the dignity of food in order to save a buck. Such a phenomenon has spread worldwide, changing the eating habits of people everywhere. Now, we would even settle for a tasteless burger from McDonald's, instead of making one ourselves.

What has become of our once venerable cuisine? The influence of fast food has caused the world to see American cuisine as cheap crap that anyone can buy, and not delicious, comforting food that reminds one of home. So yes, fast food restaurants are to blame for losing our civilized demeanor. They may provide a quick bite at a small price, but at the cost of our dignities. While I am not saying we should boycott McDonald's or Wendy's, we should all understand what food is. Next time, think of the beauty of your meal, and think of the respect it deserves.

Schlosser, Eric. BBC Collective Interview by Leigh Singer. 26 Apr 2007. BBC. Web. 7 Aug 2011. .

Corwin, Tom. "Food Ads Still Bombard Kids." (GA) Augusta Chronicle Aug 2 2011, Print.

"Google Finance." Google. McDonald's Corporation, 07 Aug 2011. Web. 7 Aug 2011. .

Spain, William. "Fast-food chains 'holding up' in bad economy." SFGate 17 Jan 2010: n. pag. Web. 7 Aug 2011. .

Spurlock, Morgan, Dir. Supersize Me. Dir. Morgan Spurlock." Perf. Morgan , Spurlock. Samuel Goldwyn Films, Roadside Attractions: 2004, Film.