Though it has existed for seven years, Eric Schlosser’s “Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal” remains unforgettable by those who have read it and shocking for those who have yet to read it.
In fact, “Fast Food Nation” and “Chew On This,” both written by Schlosser, are the chosen books by the “One Book, One Bakersfield, One Kern” program to be read and critically discussed by the community.
I couldn’t agree more that this book should be actively read by everyone because the fast- food industry affects everyone.
Schlosser, who is an investigative journalist, began his journey with an idea to explore the socialization of the fast-food industry.
What he found was so much more that it deserved a book to include all of the startling realities.
Most people know the impact that fast food has on the increasing obesity epidemic. It is undeniable.
However, a lot of people ignore the high levels of saturated fat, sugar and sodium because of its convenience.
People feel that it is it is better to feel full than to feel hungry.
But many people do not realize that they are consuming more than just saturated fat, sugar and sodium, and Schlosser addresses this issue in his book.
Are the flavors people taste in that juicy hamburger produced by what nature has to offer?
Or are those flavors produced by what science has to offer?
The answers are astonishing.
Not only did Schlosser investigate what is contained in the food, he reveals abrupt revelations about work environments, including the ranches, the meat-packing industries and the restaurants.
During the Industrial Revolution, many people endured horrific working conditions because speed and fast service was more of a concern than safety.
However, safety was a concern for employees; thus, they gave birth to unions.
But how much have conditions changed?
According to Schlosser, not much has changed. There are no unions in the fast- food industry.
Small farms can be replaced by corporate farms.
Fast-food employees can be replaced by younger employees.
Meat-packing employees can be replaced by more immigrant employees.
There are always eager employees to replace rebellious employees, and Schlosser discusses why.
No matter if people are employed by any of the organizations, Schlosser explains how all of us are affected by the fast-food industry. Thus, we all should read his book.
Though the book is not new, the issues that Schlosser addresses are even more relevant, and “One Book, One Bakersfield, One Kern” is doing their part to put a spotlight on these issues by hosting a number of events celebrating the book.
The organization is composed of various community members and organizations that are dedicated to highlighting books relevant to Kern County.
“It’s a real key issue in our community,” said Director of Public Health Services John Nilon at the Kick Off Ceremony held at Bakersfield College’s Renegade Room on Jan. 24.
Among the various events scheduled through Feb. 29 are panel discussions and an author visit during which Schlosser will be discussing his book and autographing his books.
A list of events can also be found at the Reference Desk located inside BC’s library, and all events are free and open to the public.