Fast Food Nation: A Clash Between Consumerism and the Greater Good

This essay provides an in-depth analysis of Richard Linklater's film, "Fast Food Nation," examining the central conflict between consumerism and the pursuit of a greater good within American society. The essay explores the film's portrayal of American identity, highlighting the tension between individual desires and the collective well-being. It delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by the protagonist, Don Anderson, and other characters, who navigate the complexities of the fast-food industry's impact on health and societal values. The essay also considers the film's commentary on consumer culture, the Civil Rights movement, and the portrayal of characters who challenge the status quo. The essay concludes by emphasizing the film's ability to break down stereotypes and its message of empowerment, encouraging viewers to question the impact of consumerism on society.

Fast Food Nation: A clash between “Consumerism” and “Greater Good for the Society”
Introduction
The broken chain at the feet of the statue of liberty symbolizes that the USA is the land of
enlightenment and embodies the concept of the “American Identity.” The concept of American
identity identifies “equality” for all the citizens and promotes “fair competition and opportunity”
in the society where an individual can pursue his American dreams. Director “Richard
Linklater” captures an interesting clash between two very essential components of American
identity. These two components are “consumerism” and “creation of a greater good for the
society” in a heartwarming Political-drama film under the title “Fast Food Nation.” This film can
be treated as a great vehicle to explore the concepts of “consumerism” and “concerns for the
future of the society.” Sometimes “Consumerism” and “concern related to the greater good of the
society” can create a paradox that can cause a moral dilemma in the life of a person. The basic
storyline of the “Fast Food Nation” deals with one such moral dilemma.
The conflict of the protagonist depicted in the film can be explored under a hypothesis that goes
as under. “Consumerism” and “creation of a greater good for the society” are essential
components of the American identity, however, sometimes consumerism and the statements of
profit and loss can take a back seat when it comes to serving the best interests of the society.”
Blow the whistle for a right cause and it will reverberate as a trumpet of truthfulness

The concept of American identity promotes the culture of consumerism. Consumerism is an
important social activity for US citizens because it ensures optimum distribution of the wealth
designed for all strata for society. The tale of the protagonist in the “Fast Food Nation” revolves
around the character of Don Anderson; Don is another worker earning a livelihood in the fast-
food industry of the USA. While attending a vigilance inquiry about the quality of the fast food,
Don finds himself amidst a journey where the ethical dilemma between consumerism and the
creation of greater common good grips him. It happens when he discovers that regular
consumption of fast food can cripple the health of youngsters in the USA and it may have bad
impacts on the overall health of the US society.
The film “Fast Food Nation” then picks up an ensemble cast of the characters, to act as the
reformist, the supporting characters of Cindy, Amber, and their friends are not stereotyped
characters. They represent an inner layer of average looking US teenagers who believes in
consumerism but has this strong instinct of patriotism running among them. Although the
characters in the film are doing a behavior that can be considered as a cliché, still they are not
stereotyped. They are a set of distinctive people participating in the life journey of a protagonist
who is keen to change a few things in the marquee. He wants to challenge a popular culture and
modify a few things related to it. The basic essence of American identity promotes this behavior
and allows an individual to explore the culture with an intention to make necessary amendments.
The Civil Rights movement of the USA is a great example of that.
In terms of the cultural settings, the protagonist Don Anderson and others represent the semi-
urban localities of the USA. All these characters are governed by the ambition forced upon them
by the consumerism; however, the story of the film establishes that the common good of the
society is not out of their sight. On a surface level sometimes it seems that it is a case of

stereotyping of an idealistic character, however, the finer detailing of the character reveals that
he is one among us, just like us he is also exploring and explaining a few things that are
questionable.
The undertones of this film represent the “never say die” approach of a true American. One of
the twists in the plot of the story forces the protagonist to pick between lucrative offers against
the crusade that he designed for himself. The protagonist shows grit and determination to
overpower greed. He denounces an offer that could have supported his materialistic dreams and
opt for something which is necessary for the welfare of the society (Wright).
The behavior of the other members of the cast doesn’t follow any stereotypes. This film
comments upon the darker side of the fast-food industry. It was essential for them to create
parallel images that can be compared with the real world. The director of the film successfully
created these prototypes in the film. However, he never stereotyped any of the establishment of
the practices (A.Scott).
This film also defines a “liberated sub identity” under the tree of “American identity.” Most of
the characters in the film are living a normal design by the free environment of a free country.
They are free to make choices, they are following consumerism to the limits prescribed by the
American identity, and still, they are not greedy. One of the biggest contributors to the cause of
American identity is the “Civil Rights movement of America.” Under this movement the leaders
of the USA revolted against the wrongdoings of a clan of government, they opposed certain laws
and practices; however, they never picked up any antiestablishment methods.
The story of the Fast Food Nation also introduces us with some characters that are keen to
change a few things in the society forced by a strong establishment; however, in order to achieve

it, they are not adopting methods that can be considered as anti-establishment methods. This film
also shows that US Society respects radical thought processes and they are ready to accept them
as the mainstream norms if it is necessary (Ann).
Conclusion
The narrative of the “Fast Food Nation” breaks the stereotyping of the characters and symbolizes
them at an interpersonal level while living with their American identity. The narrative of this
film unfolds a tale where “consumerism” makes an entry in the life of the protagonist and forces
him to denounce the honesty and morals. The subplot of this film shows how “American culture
“ allows a person to first set himself free from the boundaries and then invites him back in the
periphery of social realms, With the help of the journey from “consumerism to the removal of
the wrong means that can destroy the next generation of the country. The storyteller captured one
of the most fascinating and distinctive qualities of the US society. Most of the characters in the
film were not stereotyped but their power to inflict a catharsis in the viewer is very strong. This
catharsis also sets the right tone for the inspirational message imbibed in the film.

References
A.Scott. "The Ties That Bind America’s Food Chain." The New York Times (2006):
https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/17/movies/17fast.html.
Ann, Marry. "Fast Food Nation ." Sprituality & Practice (2008):
https://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/films/reviews/view/16308.
Wright, Mollie. "MOVIE REVIEW: "Fast Food Nation"." Crimson Harvard (2006):
https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2006/11/16/movie-review-fast-food-nation-fast/.