Fast Food America Essay Example for Free

Fast Food America Essay Fast food has become a major phenomenon here in America. According to Eric Schlosser, he writes in the New York Times, on average $301,369,863 is spent a day on fast food. As Schlosser shows, American people are abusing fast food. In accordance with fast food binging, obesity has become a widespread epidemic. According to Joseph Mercola M. D. , on a personal website states obesity is, A chronic condition that develops as a result of an interaction between a persons genetic makeup and their environment. Here Dr. Mercola expresses how obesity is directly related to an individuals environment. Today it is not uncommon to find major fast food chains with in a short distance from residential areas. With so many choices for fast food, Americans turn to the fast food as an alternative to the healthy home cooked meal. The reason for so many Americans eating out is simply because they are in a hurry or unable to cook and just want something fast and easy. A majority of these people get into the habit of constantly eating at these fast food chains. According to Morgan Spurlock, in his documentary Super Size Me, he quotes Elliot Bloom, a young marketing wiz for Taco Bell, The fast food chains were sustained by a large group of diners who ate out more than twenty times a month. A big chunk of this group, about 30% of customers, were considered to be heavy users and accountable for bringing in a whopping 70% of total revenue. These numbers show how important fast food has become to Americans daily eating habits, and further demonstrates the connection between fast food eating and the increases in obesity. Accordingly, excessive amounts of fast food can be very damaging to ones body, and there is proof to back up this claim. Director Morgan Spurlock, set out to document a strictly fast food diet, I am trying to prove, fast food makes someone fat. Spurlock closely documented his thirty-day McDonalds binge, eating only foods and beverages served at the one of the many Golden Arches. Over the thirty-days, he underwent some amazing conditions that even the doctors and health care professionals could not have predicted. Besides the usual changes which included skyrocketing cholesterol and a major increase in body fat, his liver was showing signs similar to that of a smoker. Though the symptoms that Spurlock experienced were on a very drastic scale, this is what is slowly damaging many Americans who are unable to control their fast food cravings. Research has shown the severity of obesity since the late 1980s, and the studies show the common health problems related with obesity are Type 2 Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, and Osteoarthritis. However, little is known publicly about the dangers of obesity, and the future repercussions if obesity. According to Nanci Hellmich, writing in the USA Today, she states that, Overall, employers and privately insured families spent approximately $36. 5 billion on obesity-linked illnesses in 2002, up from an inflation-adjusted $3. 6 billion in 1987. Hellmichs statistics show a tenfold increase in obesity spending over a span of fifteen years. If obesity continues to increase at this rate, in the future obesity may become the deadliest disease in America. Hellmich goes on to say, On average, treating an obese person cost $1,244 more in 2002 than treating a healthy-weight person did. In 1987, the gap was $272. As Hellmich shows in her quote, there exist a connection between obesity and increasing health care cost. Since the majority of Americans pay for health care, the epidemic spreads beyond those affected directly, and raises prices for the healthy Americans too. Hellmich shows there is a cause for concern, simply because obesity has predominately increased over the past two decades. The problem starts with the media which influences Americans eating habits on a daily basis. Today Americans have numerous choices in fast food as compared to five to ten years ago. As well as more commercials there exists the convenience of eating fast food. Within minutes, fast food is ready to serve at most fast food restaurants, and for relatively cheap. Besides the fact food preparation is fast, every year thousands of commercials can be seen on TV. According to Spurlock, on average a single person watches about 10,000 different commercials per year, most of them being junk or fast food products. These influential commercials broadcast smart slogans and offer cheap food to attract customers. In a recent survey, at the Brea Mall Food Court, when asked if they ate on a daily basis, 28 % of males said yes, while 25% of women said they too ate out daily. A surprising portion of people, 30% said they enjoyed the taste and quality, while majority about 46% said there was no time to cook at home because of work or hectic schedules. With so many great food specials and a plethora of commercials, its no wonder Americans turn to fast food for meals. Fast food is practical, quick, and reasonably cheap, though unhealthy many seem to no care. The first signs of concern came in 2003 when legislation was passed by Congress to help to slow obesity among children. The new law banned all junk foods from public schools and enforced new cafeteria food requirements. Robert Colin Carter a medical researcher from the John Hopkins School of Medicine showed that the meals served prior to changes by school cafeterias exceeded the newly established limits for total and saturated fats, set by the National School Lunch Program and National School Breakfast Program. Here Carter shows the importance for the legislation, as well as exposing children to healthier foods. In a recent interview, with Sonya Dravenstatt, a School Nutrionist, she stated, The new menu now consists of vegetables, low calorie pizzas, and salads. The unhealthy items such as Tatter-tots and French Fries have been substituted with corn, green beans, and fruit cocktail. As Mrs. Dravenstatt mentioned, the meals are better for the students and follow the limits recently established by NSLP and NSBP. As well as healthier foods in cafeterias, there has been a fairly recent ban of unhealthy foods and drinks in public school vending machines. The soda selection has been exchanged with Dasani water, Minute Maid Juices, and various PowerAde flavors. As for food, all candy and snacks high in fat and sugar have been replaced with healthy low fat alternatives. As well as the changes Spurlock noted in his documentary, there has also been recent public out cry for fast food restaurants to create healthier portions. In 2004 McDonalds forever banished their Super Sized soft drinks and fries, and in 2005 Arbys abolished their Giant Size offerings. While removing these bigger portions from the menu, food chains like McDonalds now offer healthier portions and substitutions. For example french fries can be replaced with a side of apple slices or mini salad and instead of soda a variety of juices are offered (Spurlock). These healthier changes need to be continued due to the fact fast food is a major contributor to obesity. However, the change must begin with the consumers. The numbers show that people are dining out too often and it is affecting their physical health. Since a majority of Americans are either unaware or uninformed on how to prevent obesity, the solution should be enforced by the Government. By issuing a plan of action for fast food companies, a majority of unhealthy food can be exchanged with healthier portions. If the Government passed legislation subjecting fast food chains to restrictions on what consumers can purchase, maybe then fast food consumption could help the obesity epidemic. Fast food companies need to abide by nutrition laws, in the same way schools do, to protect naive consumers. The creation of a program could strictly regulate the unhealthy content commonly found in fast food. A program with capabilities to regulate big corps such as McDonalds, Taco Bell, and Kentucky Fried Chicken would be a major success in terms of stopping the widespread disease. Americans need to wake up and face the facts. Consumers must take the initiative to learn the facts on healthy dieting. The problem needs to be dealt with now, and not in the future. Obesity is affecting millions of Americans each year and is a major threat to American childrens future health. If parents and children are not held accountable now, obesity will continue to shorten lives and cost billions of dollars in health care. Hellmich, Nanci. Health Spending Soars for Obesity. USA Today on the Web 26 June. 2005. 18 Oct. 2005 http://www. usatoday. com/news/health/2005-06-26-health-spending-obesity_x. htm Mercola, Dr. Joseph. Home page. 2005. 18 Oct. 2005. Schlosser, Eric. Fast Food Nation, The Dark Side of the All-American Meal. New York Times on the Web 2000. 18 Oct. 2005.

Media Use of Stereotypes Essay -- Media Stereotypes Stereotyping

Media Use of Stereotypes We live in a world of technological innovation where mass media is a major part of us today. People make assumptions on what they hear. They do not try to analyze the situation to see who is right and who is wrong, and mass media is the main source of manipulating one's mind. The concept of propaganda has changed over time. Propagandists create ideas stereotypically through the use of propaganda and use media to promote it and target people's minds to have influence on their views towards a certain group of people. These ideas create negative or positive images in the intended audience's minds. However, it is notable that the information is only the one that is exemplified through media and therefore, can be wrong or changed than what reality is. Different stereotypes work well in propaganda with the help of propaganda tactics through the use of political campaigns and commercial advertising exposed by mass media. Many critics define propaganda differently; however, there is a general agreement that propaganda is concerned with influencing opinions (Cole, 1998). The word propaganda has many other synonyms such as big lie, persuasion, brainwashing, disinformation, etc. Propaganda is not a realistic portrayal of an issue; rather it is something that is changed to manipulate the intended public. Propaganda is the aim to change people's views about an issue and the way these aims are intended on the targeted audience is the way propaganda is presented, especially through mass media. Evidently, people strongly tend to select the media, which carry contents with which they already agree (Jackall, 1995). Media tends to produce what they know people will like to hear. On the other hand, people make ce... ...hat how much of the information they consume reflects reality and therefore, propagandists benefit by creating stereotypical views, which work well in portraying propaganda. WORK CITED "Definitions of Propaganda." Ed. Robert Cole. The Encyclopedia of Propaganda. 3 vols. New York: Sharpe Reference , 1998. "Do The Math." FIRST For Women On The Go 19 Apr. 2004: n. pag. Johnston, Carla B. Screened Out - How The Media Control Us & What We Can Do About It. Armonk: M. E. Sharpe, Inc, 2000. 23-24. LaRose, Robert, and Joseph Straubhaar. Media Now - Understanding Media, Culture and Technology. 4th ed. Belmont: Wadsworth Thomson Learning, 2004. 379. Propaganda. Ed. Robert Jackall. New York: New York UP, 1995. 89. Ryan, John, and William M. Wentworth. Media & Society - The Production of Culture in the Mass Media. Needham Heights: Allyn & Bacon, 1999. 52.

Defining Philosophy Essay

Philosophy derives from the two Greek words philein, which means ? to love,’ and sophia, which means ? knowledge’ or ? wisdom’ (Moore & Bruder, 2002, p. 2). This is not the only definition of philosophy as philosophy is a very vast subject. â€Å"A critical examination of reality characterized by rational inquiry that aims at the Truth for the sake of attaining wisdom† (Russo & Fair, 2000, 4). My interpretation of philosophy is a field of study where one thinks â€Å"outside of the box† in the search for knowledge or wisdom that does not involve scientific explanations. There is no consistency in the nature of philosophical questions. The nature of many philosophical questions concern norms. The application of norms, also known as standards occurs when people decide whether something is good or bad, right or wrong, beautiful or ugly. Normative questions ask about the value of something. The field of science explains how things are but does not tell us how things ought to be. Sometimes philosophical questions arise when different people believe different things. For example, some people believe that a cause-and-effect relationship exists in everything. If a person drinks spoiled milk, he or she will get sick. There are others that believe when one voluntarily decides to do something- nothing made them decide to do that. This refutes the cause-and-effect relationship belief. Then there are many other ways to look at the situation. Is every happening caused? Or are some happenings uncaused? Or is it perhaps that decisions are not â€Å"happenings†? These questions cause a dilemma that involves philosophizing. The importance of some philosophical questions-Is there a God who is attentive, caring, and responsive to us? and Is abortion morally wrong? -is obvious and vast. A justification would have to be given for not contemplating them. But some philosophical questions are of more or less obscure, and seemingly only academic or theoretical, consequence. Not everything philosophers consider is dynamite. But then, every field has its theoretical and non-practical questions. Some questions are inherently interesting to the people who pose them. Some philosophical questions are asked because the philosopher wants to know the answer simply to know the answer. Most philosophical questions tend to fall into one of these four areas: Questions related to being or existence (Metaphysics), Questions related to knowledge (Epistemology), Questions related to values, and Questions of logic or the theory of correct reasoning. Metaphysics and Epistemology are branches of philosophy that are very similar to one another. The questions related to values are standards of conduct and conditions of responsibility. Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy that is concerned with these areas: Cosmology- Theory of reality and Ontology- Theory of being. The two basic questions of metaphysics ask what is being?  and what are its fundamental features and properties? Some specific examples of metaphysics questions are: What is the mind? Do people have free will? â€Å"Metaphysical bookstores,† for example, specialize in all sorts of occult subjects, from channeling, harmonic convergence, and pyramid power to past-life hypnotic regression, psychic surgery, and spirit photography. However, the true history of metaphysics is quite different. Metaphysics has little to do with the occult or Tarot cards and the like. Epistemology is the theory of knowledge that asks what is the nature of knowledge and what are the criteria, sources, and limits of knowledge. Specific examples of epistemology questions are: What is truth? and Is it possible to know anything with absolute certainty? The questions related to values involve four different philosophies: (1) moral philosophy (ethics)- is the study of right and wrong in human action or the philosophical study of moral judgments; (2) social philosophy- the philosophical study of society and its institutions; (3) political philosophy- which focuses on the state and seeks to determine its justification and ethically proper organization; And (4) aesthetics- is the study of beauty or the philosophical study of art and of  value judgments about art. Questions of logic or the theory of correct reasoning, seeks to investigate and establish the criteria of valid inference and demonstration. Logic is the study of the principles of right reasoning. Logic is the basic tool that philosophers use to investigate reality. The questions raised by logic are: (1) What makes an argument valid or invalid (2) What is a sound argument? Philosophical questions differ from questions of a scientific or factual nature because philosophical answers usually entail making careful distinctions in thought, words, argument, and recognizing subtle distinctions among things and among facts. Philosophical solutions also require logic and critical thinking skills, discussion, and exposition. Philosophy involves one to learn how to look carefully for similarities and differences among things and develop an ability to spot logical difficulties in what others write or say and to avoid these pitfalls in their own thinking. In addition, in philosophy people learn to recognize and critically assess the important unstated assumptions people make about the world and themselves and other people and life in general. These assumptions affect how people perceive the world and what they say and do; yet for the most part people are not aware of them and are disinclined to consider them critically. Finally, learning philosophical lessons allow people not to become trapped by stubbornness. Philosophical lessons instill the value of open-mindedness and seeking solutions to problems that meet standards of coherence and reasonableness. References Moore, B. N. , & Bruder, K. (2002). Philosophy: The Power of Ideas (5th ed. ). Boston: McGraw-Hill Russo, M. , & Fair, G. (2000). What is Philosophy Anyway. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on March 17, 2006 from: http://www. molloy. edu/academic/philosophy/SOPHIA/what_is_philosophy_anyway. htm.

A Strategic Application of Apple Inc. - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 6 Words: 1809 Downloads: 3 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Marketing Essay Type Case study Did you like this example? Purposes of different types of organisation The variety of legal types of organisations, including with corporations, governments, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, armed forces, charities, not for profit corporations, partnerships, cooperatives, and universities. The organization of a hybrid is a body that alternates in both the public sector and the private sector simultaneously, fulfilling the wants of public duties and developing commercial market activities. Organisations are the object of analysis for a number of disciplines, such as sociology, economics, political sciences, psychology, management and organizational communication. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "A Strategic Application of Apple Inc." essay for you Create order The organization of broader analysis is commonly referred to as organisational structure, organisational studies, organisational behaviour, or organisational analysis. From a purpose related perspective, an organisation is viewed as an entity is being reorganized, and the focus is on the organisation as a set of tasks or actions. From a functional perspective, the focus is on how entities like business or state authorities are used. From an institutional perspective, an organisation is viewed as a purposeful structure within a context. Sociology can be defined as the science of the institutions of modernity; specific institutions serve a function, to the individual organs of a coherent body. In the social and political sciences in general, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“an organisationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  may be more loosely understood as the planned, coordinated and purposeful action of human beings working through collective action to reach a common goal or construct a tangible product. Th ey distinguish the term organisation into planned formal and unplanned informal organisations. Sociology demonstrates organisations in the first line from an institutional perspective. In this sense, organisation is a permanent arrangement of elements. These elements and their actions are determined by rules so that a certain task can be fulfilled through a system of coordinated section of labour. Economic approaches to organizations also take the division of labour as a starting point. The division of labour allows for economic of specialization. Increasing specialization necessitates coordination. From an economic point of view, markets and organizations are alternative coordination mechanisms for execution of transactions. Introduction Apple Inc.is a global computer manufacturing company that is going through changes in its organizational culture and its organizational structure due to several events of the past few years. This is of course that grew faster in little amount of time, that their management could not able to keep the operations and finances under control. Apple Inc, has been forced to revaluate and design again its organizational culture and organizational structure to avoid with bankruptcy. The organizational of Apple is one of change; with the drive to succeed as the major objectives. The organizational structure of the company has also transformed to be more rival in a critical juncture in the companyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s history. Apple is going through rebuilding to regain control of its alternation and finances in order to stay competitive with global market. Organizational Culture The culture of Apple was based on an ideal that self-stimulated individuals will work harder if they do not have a less managing every action. The unique structure of Apple had allowed it to grow and react more quickly to changes than its competitors .In order to the quick responsiveness make simple; it is much easier to achieve a project beg an if there are only a less amount of people to get approval from. Apple initially grew fast, because the decision level reached less point. Corporate headquarters made policy and oversaw all activities, but the local staff made the day-to-day decisions on the ground in countries all over the world. This type of top-down philosophy allowed for quick responsiveness and resolutions to situations without involving the corporate headquarters, thus for avoiding corporate red tape. Organizational Structure The organizational structure of Apple was almost non-existent and focused on planning decision making in the hands of citizen in the field. Apple was doing incredibly well and had received the attention of many people because the company done well and very responsive to change, However, things took a downward turn and Apple research themselves in a financial nightmare. Apple suffered problems in regional areas, specifically in the accountability of using and in fiscal decision-mak ing. The same à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“top-downà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  ideology that supported Apple grow also opened the door for some serious financial losses. With employees at different levels planning decisions, it became hard for the corporate office to keep track of spending and purchasing. Stakeholders and their objectives People are included in running a business. Some have direct interest while on the other hand has indirect interest in the section of running of the business. This part of groups are known as stakeholders. Objectives of State Holders in conflict Many business objectives complement each other and are acceptable to a broad range of stakeholders. For example ,an objective for a business set up of earning survival would be assistant by nearly all the stake holders. No-oneà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s interest for a business to fail. However, if a business becomes better demonstrated and larger, then potential conflicts begin to high. Business expansion Vs Higher short-term profit The aims of increasing the size and scale of a business might be helped by managers, employees, suppliers and the local community largely for the extra jobs and sales that expansion would bring. However, an expansion is often related with increased costs in the short-term (e-g extra marketing spending, new locations opened, more production capacity added).This method result in lower overall profits in the short-term , which may cause conflict with the business shareholders or owners. In the long-term, however, most business owners would be better to support an expansion If it increases the overall value of the business. Job losses Vs Keeping Jobs This has been a big issue for many businesses during the economic downturn in 2008-2010. Because of reducing costs and conserve cash, business managers have often made redundancies amongst the workforce or introduced other measures like short-time working to reduce wage costs. This could lead by business owners and manag ers. However, it makes a potential conflict with stakeholders such as employees (who are directly affected), the local community (affected by local job losses) and suppliers who suffer from a reduction in business). à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Short-termà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  thinking by managers may discourage important long-term investment in the business. New developments in the business such as a major product launch or new factory may require extra finance to be raised, which decreases the control of existing investors. Investing in new machinery to achieve better efficiency may get in job losses. Extending products into mass markets may result in lower quality standards. Stakeholders areà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Owners: Invest capital in the business and get profits from the business. Workers: Employees of the business who help to make a business successful. Managers: Managing a business. Also they can lead and control the workers to achieve organisational goals. Consumers: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Without customers without businessà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ . They buy the goods and services of the business. Government: Charging a tax from the business and also monitors the working of business in the country. The Community: People who are directly or indirectly affected by the actions of the business. Stakeholders of Apple Appleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Owners: They are internal stake holders and also they can say about Apple news. They put the most money into the business. Appleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Suppliers: Supporting to make any products with good quality. Appleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Employees: They are able to get their products that they purchase from the Apple store with a discount, they will buy their products and also treating their customers very good. Apple inc customers: Apple incs customers are very important to Apple in order to help thems to make a profit, Apple customers are shared in other companies such as T-Mobile and O2.They are external state holders. But they donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have a chance to say in what happens in the business and what specifications their products have. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17835234 The link above is one way of how Appleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s customers influence the aims of Apple, this is as they keep buying Appleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s products which has helped Apple to make more profit and now they can us their profit to create new products. Appleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s strategic position In this report, I have made a detailed market analysis of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Mobile phone industryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  and Apple strategic of position in the selected market while considering its company background. By using different techniques such as S.W.O.T analysis and Porterà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s analysis, Cultural change, PESTEL analysis (Power and Politics) in order to analyse the strategic position of the company in relation to the market. APPLEà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢S STRATEGY Apple is a incorporated company that industrializes and supplies the whole range of hardware, software as well as its own innovative operating systems. APPLE Inc, preferred the following strategy to substain the profit level with a guarantee not to lose their profit growth and margins by investing somewhere else. Allow for a two-way communication between employees, board of directors, CEO and management. By randomly visiting stores and help chains involving Foxconn, this will motivate employees to work diligently while maintaining Appleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s higher prices and standards. Provide financial aid for struggling employees. Increases communication with stakeholders. Include a forum for all employees to be given relevant information pertaining to Apple Inc. and the direction it is going in. APPLEà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢S MISSION AND VISION Introduce the best personal computing experience to students, educationalist, inventive experience to students, educationalist, inventive proficient and clients in the world through Appleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s inventive hardware, software and internet offerings. Tries to launch with unbeatable computers, e. g OS X operating system and i-Life and professional applications. Also leading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music, video players, iTunes online store, and it also introduced the new online phone in the coming year along with its ground à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"breaking phone. Apple is committed to ensure the highest standards of social responsibility in everything. Their company provide safe working conditions, treat employees fairly, and use environmentally responsible manufacturing processes wherever Apple products are made. STRENGTHS Respected brand on an international scale. Produces Variety of technological equipment to the masses. Exceptional interface Provides higher than average wages to staff members in America and Canada. Customer relations- responsive to customer feedback. Strong financial performance. Innovation of skills and creativity. Provide safe and comfortable working environment for employees. WEAKNESS Under fire for labour issues at Foxconn Workers being paid less amount of wages and long working hours, causing dissatisfied employees to commit suicide. OPPORTUNITIES Strategic partnerships Increase and implement new employee programs. Collaborations with rivals. International growth and expansions. Pressure of pricing as competitors create new products at the fraction of the cost. THREATS Potential boycott of the brand if customers find out about the working conditions. Loss of brand reputation and share prices KEY STAKEHOLDERS Employees Shareholders Board of directors, CEO Suppliers, Foxconn Family of employees Wages of employees can dramatically affect family members, especially workers that have commit suicide. .