It’s a sandwich that replaces the bread with two pieces of fried chicken. It’s “hand-breaded and cooked in store!” It’s available for a limited time only. It’s KFC’s Double Down, and it appalls New Yorker business writer Ian Crouch. He explains why in this article from April 2014.
Read it here: Crouch, "Fast Food Doubles Down"
- Crouch is clearly horrified by KFC’s Double Down, describing it as “not only affronting but almost threatening,” and suggests that it’s far worse than other fast food offerings. Do you agree? Why or why not? Would you eat a Double Down?
- Crouch uses descriptive phrases such as “deranged Frankenfood” and “prideful grotesquery” to express his disdain of the Double Down and similar fast food items. Find other examples of lurid descriptive phrases in Crouch’s article. Which ones are particularly evocative for you? Why do they work so well? What effect do they have on you as a reader and an eater? What impression of fast food do you get from Crouch’s descriptions of it?
- Crouch gives a detailed description of a comedy sketch that parodies a fast food restaurant, arguing that the sketch is an example of “a devil-may-care, finger-in-your-eye, patriotic American recklessness.” Did that sketch serve as effective evidence for Crouch’s argument? Why or why not?
- Do you enjoy eating the Double Down or any of the items like it that Crouch criticizes? What is your opinion of the fare at fast food chains such as KFC, McDonald’s, or Taco Bell? Do you agree in whole or in part with Crouch’s arguments about fast food and the industry’s attitudes about health? Using Crouch as your “they say,” write an essay in which you respond to his criticisms of fast food. Use your own experience as evidence, and feel free to draw on any of the essays in Chapter 16 of your text for additional support.
They Say I Blog 
I do agree with Ian Crouch on his side in the argument, however when he claims that fast food restaurants are simply making people obese with its food, that is not entirely true. Crouch stated “You want three patties on your burger—why not four? And let’s add bacon and onion rings while we’re at it. Tired of wasting bites on mere bread—why not replace that bun with two pieces of chicken?” he was trying to show that fast food companies keep coming up with new ways to help Americans become more obese, however I feel that it is not the fast food companies fault. Sure, they created the food, but they are not forcing anyone to eat it, it is up to every American whether to eat at the restaurant or not, and it is there choice what they order. Just because the restaurant puts something on the menu, does not mean that it needs to be ordered.
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I disagree with Ian Crouch because the food Americans eat today is not a healthy choice and those life style choices are the normal eating habits. By changing what resturants serve and fast food restaurants then the can lead to the “normal eating habits”. For example, in the last sentence of this article says “Maybe next year KFC will have to start selling apple slices.” apple slices that McDonalds has doesnt make anything healthy what so ever just ADDS in apples just so another food item to eat not even a substitute of anything because then its more expensive to not buy the meal which consists of fries and a drink then apples also!! Its better just to have meals that are healthy overall so Americans can get used to that lifestyle.
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Crouch makes some valid points. The company is trying to make money and introduce new products in a market where that isn’t the easiest thing to do. Making fried chicken sound new and interesting isn’t easy. So, criticizing it for being deranged or crazy isn’t really putting it nicely or in a respective manner. The company, KFC, is a chicken company. People don’t go to KFC for salads or fruit, they go for fried food. The consumer knows that. So if they complain about it, just don’t eat it. It’s all about personal choice it’s not all on the company.
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The rise in obesity levels has continually been connected with fast food restaurants and their products. While I concur with Kaitlin that most Americans do not make healthy choices for all of their meal options, I agree with Tyson and Justin that it is the consumers choice to do so. Forcing fast food chains, or any other restaurant, to change items on their menu is wrong. When Crouch mentions that former New York City mayor Michael Bloomburg proposed forcing New York restaurants to get rid of oversize soda portions, he shows yet another way government is trying to take more control over citizens’ lives. While I agree that in no way is a “super sized” Coca-Cola healthy, it is not up for the government to tell restaurants that they can not offer it to customers. America prides itself on allowing its citizens to make their own choices- and that right also extends to choosing what they want to consume.
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I agree with Crouch with the Double down sandwich being threatening, not only is looks grotesque but I cannot imagine that all the grease will settle very well in one’s stomach. Though I believe it is up to everyone to have their own opinion about the sandwich, on commercials, food are made to look good, they are made to look delicious so that the consumer will want to purchase it. I personally looked intrigued when it first debuted back in 2010 but if I really think about it I knew it was not healthy; fried chicken is one thing but a sandwich made up entirely of friend chicken with bacon and sauce is another. The way that Crouch describes fast food, he uses words that even people cannot turn away from, that is what makes writing so powerful. My view on fast food has not really changed even after reading the article, only because that is the norm for all fast food chains, it is what they do. He described it has the most unattractive and inhumane thing to exist on this planet, blaming all these companies for the health problems in America when in actuality it is one’s choice whether to consume their products or not. I do agree however that their advertisement and marketing techniques are top notch. It is hard to turn down fast food when it is on every corner and it is very convenient for the everyday busy individual. I also agree with Sydney that no one can tell restaurants what they can and cannot sell. It is their right as the owners to put whatever they deem fits their menu with no restrictions as long as they follow all food safety and regulations set by the health department.
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I agree with Crouch and a bit horrified with the creation of the double down sandwich. I do agree with the fact the people should be responsible for what they eat. There comes a point though, that when something becomes so easily available, such as these sandwiches, who wont buy them? Most people love trying out something new, especially when it looks or sounds appealing. Our society is a very fast pace society and when food is fast and cheap to get, why not buy it? Its is way more convenient for some to buy fast food. When fast food restaurants come up with these new unhealthier creations, it becomes something that people would want to try out and buy. There being a lack of much healthier and cheaper food options really makes it easier for people to be unhealthy. Although there are better options then McDonalds or KFC, most people buy whatever is more easily available. Yes people should know better than buy various meals through out the day at fast food restaurants, most don’t really consider what they are doing when they buy fast food. Even with fast food labels put on some of these food items, people don’t really look at it or care. People should put into consideration having healthier foods easily available.
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Just hearing about the KFC Double Down it made my stomach hurt. I agree with Crouch that things like the double down is not good and should not be sold to the public. There are different restaurants that have things that are equal to the Double Down and people either really like the sandwich or they are appalled that a company would allow this sandwich to actually be served. We are in the age where weight and obesity are a big discussion, so it is not a good idea to be selling a sandwich that is over half of the recommended daily intake. I personally would much rather go to Panera or Chipotle just like Crouch said. This is because they have better options that don’t include more than the half recommended calorie intake. When Crouch fully explained what was in the Double Down is just sounded like it should not be allowed in stores. Also the problem with the sandwich people would only know that the sandwich is bad but they will not know exactly how bad. That is why I think there needs to be calorie labels on all menus. In the future to be able to stay in business companies will have to put only healthy things because it won’t be acceptable anymore.
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I agree with Crouch and his point that sandwiches and fast food items, such as the Double Down and McRib are threatening. The fast-food is successful and does a good job at creating ads, such as the Double Down Sandwich advertisement, that makes the product seem appealing and causes consumers to want to try the new item that commercials and advertisements brag about. I support Crouch’s assertion that the fast-food industry can be misleading and their advertisements of new products can be intimidating. However, I believe that fast-food restaurants should not be blamed for obesity. Restaurants do not force its customers to eat their food. Fast food restaurants simply place food items on the menu and it is the consumers decision and responsibility to choose which foods are best for them and even with nutrition labels being provided by restaurants, some consumers do not read the nutrition facts. I agree with Crouch that the industry can be misleading at times, but ultimately it is the consumer’s responsibility on whether or not they should eat the Double Down Sandwich or any other food products.
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I strongly agree with Crouch’s opinion on KFC’s Double Down sandwich. The thought of a sandwich made up of only chicken, cheese and bacon is disgusting. This sandwich turns turns my stomach and I’d never purchase a sandwich that unhealthy. However, KFC is not the only fast food company guilty of drawing customers in with their seemingly tasty yet unhealthy food options. McDonald’s is one of the biggest culprits of doing such. Adding nutritional information to the wrappers will not change anything. When people consume fast food their only thinking about fulfilling their hunger not whether or not they’re having a nutritional meal. For those who actually take the time to read nutritional labels might not even understand what they’re reading. I agree with Tyson and Justin’s opinion on taking responsibility for personal actions. Those who are looking for more nutritional options will look for a places such as farmer’s market instead and not a KFC or Burger King. Although fast food companies are guilty of producing these unhealthy options the company is not solely to blame. No one is forcing these unhealthy options down the consumer’s throats. On the other hand, I agree with Rebecca’s opinion on the lack of healthier food options. It seems that the healthier options are more expensive.
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I agree with Crouch as far as the KFC’s Double Down sandwich is unhealthy and should not be given to the public. However, it is the public’s decision to try the sandwich. If no one buys the sandwich, it will end up being taken down from the menu. Now, if everyone loves the sandwich, KFC could potentially take it from a seasonal item and leave it on the menu all the time. For example, Taco Bell tried out the taco with the Doritos nacho cheese shell and many people loved it. So they then tried the cool ranch shell. Now you see its on the menu all the time and is not just a seasonal food item. Americans are the ones that push the fast food restaurants to sell these types of food items. But no American is going to admit they are wrong, especially when it comes to food.
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Not only is the Double Down affronting, but is also threatening. The Double Down is a sandwich that replaces the bread with two pieces of fried chicken. This kind of sandwich is a hard attack waiting to happen! There is so much grease from the friend chicken and is full of fat. The sandwich must be 1000 calories! I would never eat the Double Down even if it sounded delicious to me. Knowing how bad it is for your body is scary. KFC should not offer something this unhealthy to any of their customers.
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It kind of scares me to see what fast food is coming to. All these fast food chains that were mentioned have all these specials out that are attracting more and more people into this trap. They make these advertisements making it look so great and delicious, when in relatively its disgusting. Even after passing the law making fast food places but the nutritional facts on their food, it’s still not enough. When I go to McDonald’s and order fries, there is no where on it saying how many calories I’m eating. They’re hiding this information for if people were reading it as they ate, they wouldn’t continue to eat it. Same with any fast food chain. If every food that looks so “great” showed the consequences behind it, no one would eat it.
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I agree with Crouch The Double Down seems completely unhealthy and actually horrifying.I personally would never eat the Double Down even if i was forced to.Fast food is notorious for coming up with new ways to make their food the biggest and the greasiest.Consumers are often blinded by how “glamorized” fast food portrays their products that they dont see the real health risks these foods possess. For example the Double Down is two pieces of chicken with cheese and slathered in sauce, this just sounds like a clogged artery waiting to happen. Consumers need to become educated on what they are putting in to their bodies before its too late.
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I agree with Ian Crouch and how fast food is trying to be creative with new choices, even though these choices aren’t the greatest. Fast food joints were slowly on the decline and are looking for anything to keep them afloat. Mcdonalds has the McRib and Shamrock Shake, Taco Bell brought the Doritos Loco’s Tacos, and KFC brought the Double Down chicken sandwich. People blame the companies for putting out new menu items and how they don’t help people eat healthier. These places are known for greasy, fat, reconstituted food. Most fast food places don’t care about the health of others, they are looking for money. This is the basis for every business and why should fast food change because it doesn’t make people healthier, when that isn’t the concept of fast food?
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I agree with Crouch on how fast food restaurants should provide healthier food for consumers even though it is up to consumers on what they order and if they become obese that is based on the decisions they made at the time.He talks about how the KFC double down sandwich is half of your daily intake with 95 grams of fat in just that one sandwich which is just unnecessary and ridiculous. It is definitely appealing in my opinion but that doesnt mean we you should buy it. I believe that long term health is way more important than momentary pleasure.
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I agree with Crouch in many aspects of his article, however I feel that while it is dependent upon the consumer to make the proper dietary choices, why even provide such a diet ruining item for our consumers? 95 grams of fat is unacceptable for any individuals dietary tract. These fatty items are being consumed so vigorously due to the ease of access, as well as the time-saving qualities (as opposed to going and cooking a more healthy meal). The consumer holds partial ownership in the obesity epidemic that we are seeing today, but who can really blame them?
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I agree with Crouch because one of KFC’s Double Down probably has more calories than 4 of McDonald’s cheeseburgers. I believe the reason Crouch is so appalled by KFC’s Double Down because obesity is such a problem in America and KFC is basically say “we don’t care, all we want is more money.” I feel that all fast food places say this, but you don’t see McDonald’s or burger King making more unhealthy choices for people you see them coming out with healthier options even thought it’s still technically “fast food.” I won’t lie I enjoy eating fast food but only once in a blue moon and if I do get the chance to try KFC’s Double Down I would but I would only try it that one time and probably be sick and slugish from all the fat and grease.
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I agree with Crouch, I think the double down, which consists of 2 pieces of fried chicken with bacon and cheese between them, sounds revolting. You can tell how others perceive this sandwich by the comments that Crouch includes. One by Sam Sifton caught my attention about the sandwich. “A slimy and unnaturally moist thing, with flavor ginned up in a lab.” Crouch states that it was a “deep-fried symbol of American gluttony gone wild.” I think the comedy sketch Crouch added was effective in the way that it makes you realize that though fast food restaurants sell apples instead of fries, they don’t necessarily want everyone to order the apples all the time.
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Crouch is clearly horrified by KFC’s Double Down, describing it as “not only affronting but almost threatening,” and suggests that it’s far worse than other fast food offerings. Do you agree? Why or why not? Would you eat a Double Down?
I believe that KFC’s Double down is quite threatening like Crouch says. I agree to this statement because of how unhealthy the ingredients are. Quoted by Crouch “two pieces of chicken, two pieces of bacon. There is some off-white cheese poking out, along with a thick line of sauce”. If you can consider any of that healthy then you probably need to reconsider doing some research. Something like this if eaten on a regular basis could be a major cause of health risks such as obesity and high cholesterol to say the least. It my sound delicious as most people do love chicken, bacon and cheese and I would at least give it a try. In the end I agree that Crouch has the right idea. More food like this is NOT what our country needs.
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I agree with Crouch about just how unhealthy the Double Down is. Having 50 percent of your days recommended sodium, cholesterol, and fat in just one sandwich is nothing that should be eaten on a regular basis. And it very well could be worse than most other fast food offerings like Couch says, if it is the second worst on KFC’s menu. there can’t be much out there worse than it. However I do not think it is “affronting” and “threatening.” I do not feel threatened by the Double Down sandwich, and nobody should. Personally I would eat one to see what it tastes like, but I wouldn’t be eating the Double Down frequently. It’s just another crazy fast food item that tries too hard to top the last, nothing new.
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I agree with Alec Burak that the choice to eat unhealthy fast food items, like the Double-Down, are dependent upon the consumer. As a college student, I find it very difficult to eat healthy because of what is being offered on campus. While the unhealthy options are many, the healthy options are few. I find this to be true in the real world as well. As an adult working a full-time job, with or without kids, finding time to cook a healthy meal is difficult. Even if one can find the time, food is expensive. It’s much cheaper and faster to buy everyone something from McDonald’s dollar menu than it is to buy fresh vegetables and meats.
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I agree with Justin on his view of Ian Crouch’s argument; that fast food restaurants are making people obese with its food. Justin does not agree completely with his assertion and I do not agree fully either because people are not being forced to eat food. Justin feels that it is not the fast food companies fault as they created the food, but they are not forcing anyone to eat it. This makes a great point that can be related to the argument of the addictiveness of fast food advertisements. Yes, Americans choose whether they will eat at the restaurant or not, but I believe that they have fallen prey to the advertising. Justin points out that just because the restaurant puts something on the menu, does not mean that it needs to be ordered. He makes a valid point but I believe that the problem with obesity and fast food is more to do with the fast food than people’s decisions to eat it or not.
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Double Down
“Fast-food companies have long been in a dynamic relationship with food regulators and the American public, at times acceding to demands for more healthful products, and at other times devolving into all-out, chest-thumping binges of prideful grotesquery.”
Fast food is something most everyone enjoys because it’s so convenient and cheap; it just appeals to everyone. This is a type of food that we want. Adding apples to a meal doesn’t make it better, but it is a better substitution than having french fries. Having apples is making an improvement in some fast food restaurants, but blaming the unhealthiness on the fast food chain isn’t doing anything because it’s our choice to eat it. It’s not that fast food chains want us to be obese, but it’s a benefit to them if you eat their food so they’ll advertise as much as they can so they can make a living even if it risks your eating habits. Fast food chains might be unhealthy, but it’s the thing that’s most convenient to us. If this is such a problem, then why don’t they start creating places that are healthy and easily available to us?
In an ad for the Double Down re-release, an insistent young man, sitting with his buddies in what looks like a dorm room, thrusts the stacked chicken at the camera, touting what we can already see for ourselves: two pieces of chicken, two pieces of bacon. There is some off-white cheese poking out, along with a thick line of sauce. Then we get to watch him eat it. It’s not pretty: there’s a reason why fast food is best consumed alone, in your car. After savoring a bite, he brags, “I could eat this every day.” (You may not share this sentiment, but KFC says that it sold ten million Double Downs in the first month of its original release, in 2010.) It falls to one of his friends to deliver the bad news: limited time only.
Fast food is very convenient for a college student for as busy as they are, as with anyone. It’s easy to go through drive thru rather than sitting inside and waiting for your food. Going through drive thru doesn’t take a lot of time and can get you to where you’re needing to go quicker.
“Fast-food companies have long been in a dynamic relationship with food regulators and the American public, at times acceding to demands for more healthful products.” Not only is fast food less time consuming, it’s also much cheaper than going to the grocery store and looking for the more healthier items that will not only make you and your lifestyle better, but will last longer in your home than driving to McDonalds every night. Healthier food is usually more expensive than fast food which will drive some people away.
There are pros and cons to fast food, but it all depends on the person and their views on fast food. This kind of food is cheap and convenient, but yet also very unhealthy for a person and if taken advantage of it can give the person health problems. In a person’s everyday life it’s easier to obtain fast food rather than going out to the grocery store and buying healthy food. Overall the decision is up to you.
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I agree with Allison concerning her argument that it has become more and more difficult to locate healthy food choices at public places such as universities. As a university student, I am constantly disappointed by the lack of healthy choices available for me. While I agree with her argument, I would also add that the lack of healthy options can be directly traced to financial reasons. At my university dining hall, a whole pizza and drink will fit on a meal swipe, yet a nutritious salad with chicken on it will go over by a dollar or two. The same frustrating dilemma can be seen at fast food restaurants: you can get a double cheeseburger for a dollar, but a salad will cost you five or six dollars. This atrocity can be directly traced to growing obesity that is plaguing the United States.
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In response to numerous comments above, I agree that the food some fast food companies are advertising can be a little overwhelming and to be frank- pretty gross. Take a look at Hardy’s, for example, they use models (who we all know don’t eat those sandwiches outside of the studio doors) and use “sexual” behavior to attract consumers to come to their restaurant and buy their products. With this being said, it is most definitely the choice of the consumer whether or not they partake in buying and eating these fast foods.
On the flip side, I find that there is a similar issue when it comes to healthier choices. Take Michelle Obama, for instance, and how she is trying to implement restrictions on what students can eat in schools. The choice to eat these new, planned, healthier meals is also ultimately up to the student/parents. Some students have resulted to bringing their own lunch to school, claiming that the new meals aren’t satisfactory. In conclusion, I feel that yes, the advertisement and pressure from society to eat certain things is present as ever, however, it will always be up to the decision of individual Americans on what they choose to eat.
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In “Fast Food Doubles Down,” The New Yorker reporter Ian Crouch discusses several fast food-industry trends that relate to KFC re-selling it’s “infamous” Double Down. All of the trends he talks about are spot on and useful to know. Crouch described how most fast-food chains are in a current state of “gimmickry.” Franchises are busy catering to the masses by heavily advertising it’s few healthier choices to cater to mass demands and they sell outrageous foods that customers will associate with a single brand. Crouch also details how more people, especially younger customers, are selecting chains not caught up in the “gimmickry” phase and offer slightly healthier foods. Both trends are welcome, as chains do need to offer healthier options and the mass shift towards the least-greasy food joints is a trend that should be supported.
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Crouch discusses the fast food industry and how KFC. Is bringing back the signature Double Down which is a chicken sandwich with two pieces of fried chicken as the buns. Crouch goes and talks about how the fast food industries are now all focusing on the healthy food options like offering children Apple slices rather than French fries. Crouch also talks about how the brands names are being focused on by some chains like how Taco Bell has sold millions of Doritos Locos Tacos. Crouch also goes into the point that teens are more into chains like Chipolte because they are offering a more healthy option and how it is more like real food rather than a disgusting Double Down greasy “sandwich”. I can personally relate to Crouch because me and my buddies would rather stop by Chipolte and get a very good burrito rather and a cheap greasy burger off the dollar menu. The fast food trend is obvious that if some chains don’t change than the more healthier options like Chipotle and Subway will run them out.
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I agree somewhat with Crouch’s argument in the sense that the sandwich double down is bad for you and shouldn’t be sold but the sandwich makes money and ultimately the people are the ones that make decision about what they eat. If people don’t eat the sandwich then the sandwich would be discontinued. If people never wanted to eat greasy food that may or may not be horrible for them, then fast food restaurants would never exist. Sandwiches like the double down keep the food industry alive, in which keeps our country alive economically with the jobs it produces.
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This heart attack on a plate is just begging for the onslaught of health critics the world over. Anyone can see that this “clever” creation is simply to challenge the daring eaters and provoke the masses of healthy eaters. However you look at it, KFC is clearly getting the publicity and sales it was craving by reintroducing this crazy concept into the market for those with more extreme cravings.
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I agree with Lan Crouch about how fast food creation like double down is horrifying. It has half of your daily recommended sodium, cholesterol, and fat in just one sandwich. Like Crouch said the fast food industry like KFC and McDonald’s are making these horrifying creations of fast food that is kill people with obesity and they think that selling apple slices is gooding to make it better.
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Crouch, made some valid points, it’s a company that is trying to make money, that is all. They are dealing with just chicken and need new and exciting ways to appeal to consumers to eat there. The consumer knows what they are getting into when they eat anywhere that is fast food. To blame fast food for obesity is kind of silly. Sure it’s unhealthy food but fast food companies aren’t forcing people to go there everyday and scarf down as much food as they can. It’s laziness that keeps people going back to eating fast food, why not go to a grocery store and buy healthy food and make something? Obese people are lazy and that’s mostly the cause of their issue. We can’t blame fast food for having a business strategy that appeals to everyone.
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I believe that this technique of “frakenfood” that the fast-food companies is more of a attention getter rather than about the food itself. When a consumer sees something like the double down or something similar they might take a peak at some of the other menu items or even try it. This technique is pretty successful, but so is adding on healthy items(apples)to counterbalance the bad. Either way I don’t think the foods will be going anywhere for a long time.
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When it comes to Ian Crouch’s view on the Double Down chicken sandwich I agree. With its repulsive nutritional information that contains almost fifty per cent of a daily serving of fat, cholesterol, and sodium it’s hard to imagine why any restaurant would want to serve customers something so unhealthy. However, I don’t agree with his view of fast food restaurants being the reason for obesity. I believe the people that choose to eat fast food are. Fast food restaurants are not in business to serve healthy food and people know that. Companies today are simply in it for the money. By creating new fast food items that attract certain people, they are doing their job. No one is subjected to an unhealthy lifestyle. No one is forced to eat at KFC, McDonald’s, or Taco Bell. People can choose what they eat and what they don’t. Eating things like the Double Down chicken sandwich is a choice; not an obligation.
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Pity modern fast food chains. On one hand, there is a societal movement towards healthy eating. On the other, there is a population of consumers seeking the most extreme collection of “deranged Frankenfood” available. Meanwhile the waistline of the average American continues to expand. Creations like KFC’s “Double Down” appear to be calculated marketing ploys. It is hard to think that slabs of bacon stuffed between two deep fried chicken breasts constitutes a viable meal option. While the “Double Down” is being marketed as a new and amazing item on the menu, the truth is that it is just another configuration of KFC’s existing line. The average fast food consumer fits one of two profiles: the time starved on-the-go family or the value seekers trying to get the most bang for their buck. Personally, I feel that these items are a disservice to the very people consuming them. Who needs to eat all of their daily calories, salt, sugar, and fat in one nutrient-poor meal? While the poor decision making of the American public should never be underestimated, you would expect that KFC would prefer to keep its loyal customers alive.
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As a witness of the adverse effects of fast food on our nation, I agree with the point Ian Crouch makes in his article. The negative impact of fast food cannot be neglected. With it comes obesity and a handful of other health complications, hitting America like a plague. Such marketing, designed to target its audience with fantastic yet toxic ideas and dishes, only adds fuel to this plague.
The fast food served by these chain stores, such as KFC, McDonald’s and Burger King, are gruesome and revolting, as Crouch described. They are made up of wholly fat and carbs, sending its eaters down the road of poor health. With the sky-high numbers of such foods sold, such as the millions of Double Downs at KFC, it is no wonder why our nation has the highest rates of obesity, heart disease, and cancer. The diet of our population is centered around greasy burgers and fries. After all, it’s the “American culture” — our ability to go forward and go big. As if burgers and fries weren’t fattening enough, we still continue to “innovate” in the fast food fields. As stated by Crouch, every day new food conventions are made, from the Hardee’s Monster Thickburger to Boston Pizza’s five-layer “pizza cake” to Taco Bells’ Waffle Taco. And with every new idea, more calories, more sodium, more sugars, and more fat are loaded onto an already diabetes-inducing order. As if that wasn’t enough.
Like Crouch, I also denounce these companies’ refusal to advocate for healthy eating. Regardless of sales of profit, by creating newer and more unhealthy dishes, they are practically begging for the ruin of our population. Instead of taking measures against obesity, they feed it– quite literally. They have the chance to minimize serving sizes (as seen in the New York soda ban), or at the very least to showcase nutritional information on menus. Yet they do not. With their greedy marketing, they forget the well-being of our nation.
Some may argue that fast food is apart of the American culture– that it is a lifestyle, a freedom. Those who do must ask themselves, is it really a culture to poison their bodies with gluttonous junk food? Yes, everyone can make their own decisions and choose the food that they eat. However, it is important that they are educated and well-aware of what they are eating, along with its consequences.
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I agree with Justin C’s comment: “just because it is on the menu doesn’t mean you have to order it.” I do believe, however, fast food chains use manipulative commercials and adds to get people into their restaurants. You cannot stop fast food chains from experimenting with new, calorie filled foods, but you can raise awareness about the heath risks. I believe the nutrition facts should be just as advertised as the glory of the product. Americans are falling into the hands of huge corporate businesses just trying to make another buck. At the very least, they need to know more about what they are purchasing.
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I believe that food industries should be subject to the same oversight and regulations as Big Tobacco. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in America, largely a result of fast food companies like KFC. The amount of calories, fat, sodium, and preservatives in “foods” like the Double Down is overwhelming to the human digestive system. We simply cannot handle them. In order to curtail the epidemic of diet-related illnesses, government involvement is necessary. Congress should increase FDA oversight of processing, and augment their budget so they have enough funding to do so. Sugar should be listed in terms of percent of daily values, because many snacks and fast foods contain up to 200% of the recommended daily intake. Labels should also contain warnings for heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes, and high cholesterol, similar to the warnings on tobacco product packaging. These measures will make Americans more aware of what they put into their mouths, and give them the tools they need to make an informed choice.
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In the article “Fast Food Doubles Down”, Ian Crouch argues that American fast food is gimmicky and common. I agree with this statement. New and unhealthy ideas are created for new items, leading to bad choices for Americans.
Fast food is prominent across the globe.In order to keep their companies growing, new items are introduced. An example that Crouch gives is of KFC’s Double down burger, which has “two pieces of fried chicken in the places where you would normally expect to find a bun”. This is not a healthy choice when eating out. In the commercial, the Double Down burger is portrayed as an enjoyable item. These new items also contribute to fast foods place in society.“Fast-food companies have long been in a dynamic relationship with food regulators and the American public, at times acceding to demands for more healthful products”. Fast food companies have always been a cheap alternative when eating. Fast food take advantage of this by giving the people what they want, without considering health. Recent moves towards health, such as apple slices or nutrition facts have not made any difference in society, people are ignoring these options. The expansion of fast food has had a negative effect, and it has continued to grow.
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I do not agree with the idea that KFC’s Double Down sandwich is worse than other food offerings. The sandwich merely began this trend of creating fattening and unhealthy food choices. Other places slowly add more patties on their burger and implement unhealthy items into their mix of already unhealthy food like Taco bell’s Doritos Locos Tacos. Although KFC’s Double Down reveals its horrid nutritional value, It still does not necessarily prove itself as worse as others because other food joints deceptively create food abominations under the eyes of the public. I believe that the Double Down presents itself as a clear example of the growing obesity in the United States. Burgers get bigger and the healthier choices slowly diminish. I personally would try a Double Down as I am not worried about my diet but, I can see the caution in a food item such as this one.
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Is Fast Food The New Tobacco?”
When it comes to the topic/question “Is fast food the new Tobacco?” Most of us will readily agree that is valid. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of who is
being questioned . Whereas some are convinced that isn’t the case, others maintain that both views are valid. Anderson’s and Justin C’s both agree that yes, fast food is unhealthy. On Anderson’s blog he states “the food Americans eat today is not a healthy choice and those life style choices are the normal eating habits.” While on Justin C’s blog he agrees stating “fast food Companies keep coming up with new ways to help Americans become more obese”. He goes on saying it “isn’t the fast food companies fault that we eat them”, but Anderson disagrees he states “By changing what restaurants serve and fast food restaurants then that can lead to the “normal eating habits.” Anderson and Justin C had some great views on this topic but my opinion stays the same.
Although I disagree with much that Anderson says, I fully endorse his final conclusion that “Its better just to have meals that are healthy overall so Americans can get used to that lifestyle.Many of us eat out and choosing a restaurant/fast food restaurant that is healthy is rare. People stop at fast food restaurants for what reasons because they want something quick they don’t want the wait, and my opinion is if something takes less than an hour or 30 minutes to cook it’s not healthy. I also agree that fast food restaurants are one of the reasons the obese rate is at its high in America, but like Justin C says in his blog they are not forcing anyone to eat it so it’s a choice. In all fast can definitely become the new Tobacco if you let it.
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I have to disagree with Crouch that the Double Down is far worse than other fast food offerings. I disagree because even though it has a lot of calories and fat embedded in it, it is still just as worse as going to McDonalds and getting a big burger and fries. When most Americans go to a fast food restaurant they do not just order one thing there is a bunch they order and that makes things worse. As Crouch said, McDonalds took the super size off their menu because they knew that all this food was making America obese, even though the Americans kept coming back for more. Even though I love fried chicken and bacon, I don’t think I could ever eat a Double Down because that is too much grease for me to ingest.
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-sballantyne@stevenson.edu
I concur that Ian Crouch states some clearly logical points. However people are forgetting that fast food places such as KFC make meals, like the double-down because there are customers that have an appeal for it. Though I have not tried the double-down, we all have to eat. Food, whether it be healthy or not, gives us energy and nutrients to live on. Who are we to deny what others choose to enjoy? I agree with Alec Burak, and Jason Riberg, that it is not the fast-food restaurants to be at blame, but rather the customer who chooses the unhealthy meal. Who am I, or our government to tell someone they are not healthy enough? I believe that our Government should be focusing more on encouraging our people to be more self-reliant and take better care of their own health. Pressuring our society may cause “fat shaming” and could lead to suicide. While the food industry is creating many unhealthy foods, if our society started calling for better and healthier food options, I believe that restaurants would change. The food industry makes food based off of what we demand for. While many people favor burgers and pizza, if more people wanted healthier food options with calorie information, the food industry would have no reason, but to adapt as well. There is no right way to resolving obesity, however I believe that it all boils down to whether or not the consumer chooses to create better eating habits.
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In a continuous response from comments above, I agree that fast food companies can stretch things dramatically and make it very disgusting to watch. I also agree with Alison in the fact that it is much easier to find a mcdonalds than a whole foods or Giant. That being said however, it still comes down to the customers choice which is why we as a country have to do much more on educating the public about food safety. Madison brings up a good point on how the first lady is working incredibly hard on fighting obesity. In my opinion, the everyday citizen looks up towards famous/powerful people. If they see them joining the cause against obesity, then maybe it will change their eating habits.
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This meal, the double down, sounds delicious but it is not something that I would eat on a daily basis. The most I would eat it is probably once a month, any more and it would not make me feel good. If the chicken was healthier and grilled without all of that batter then that would be a healthier alternative and wouldn’t be as threatening. As the meal is currently, it is highly fattening and is not good for you in any way. As someone mentioned in this topic, the restaurant owners are just doing what they have to to get business. No one is forcing them to eat these grotesque meals but giving the customer the opportunity to can be blamed on the owners. While it is said that this new “Double Down” meal is not the worst, it is not the best. If people were so concerned about their health and food choices I believe that its the people who chose to eat these unhealthy choices. Like I stated before, i’m not saying I would never eat that meal because honestly, it does sound very good. It is just not something I would eat every day and when I did eat it, it would be after I play a sport and i’m starving. However, I do believe that there should be more of a control on what can be make or served in fast food places.
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I don’t know where I stand on Mr. Couch’s points in the article. McDonald’s and Burger King need to come up with new foods for people to try so the fast food restaurants can make more money. The companies know they can not make you eat they’re food, but they can make you want to eat it. They aren’t making people fat and obese, but its the own person that is doing that because they decided to eat McDonalds or Taco Bell for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
I agree with Kaitlin Anderson because she says that Burger King doesn’t make people fat, but the person does. That is what most people do not understand. Just because McDonalds gives apple slices, does not mean the consumer will eat them.
Sydney says she disagrees with Kaitlin who I agree with, but she agrees with Tyson and Justin who once again I agree with. It is the consumer’s choice that makes them obese or overweight. Fast food restaurants should not be forced to change there menu’s and people should not and can not be limited on what they eat or drink. You can’t put a limit on sugar you can buy at once because they will just go to different places and buy their sugar.
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Crouch make many valid points. The rise in obesity has been connected with fast food restaurants and their products. It is up to americans to make healthy food choices and the fact that KFC is making their food look good and appealing is a sure sign that people will want their food. It is hard to turn down fast food when it is on every corner and it is very convenient for the everyday busy individual. I agree with Crouch that the industry can be misleading at times, but ultimately it is the consumer’s responsibility on whether or not they should eat the Double Down Sandwich or any other food products
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Kaitlyn Allen
English 148 OM6
Professor Fleischmann
September 16, 2015
They Say/ I Blog
Croch is clearly not pleased with the items on the menu and many of the different fast food chains. For example, KFC’s Double Down really horrifies him. He believes that the double down is far more worse than any other fast food option. I agree with Croch that KFC’s Double Down is repulsive and sickening to even think about. For someone to think that eating multiple double downs in their lifetime is somewhat okay is someone who doesn’t care too much about their health. It may seem appetizing for some people who thoroughly enjoy eating microwaved or deep fried chicken but for me, I would never eat KFC and especially not their Double Down chicken sandwich.
I agree with the comment made by BD Hoang. Hoang agrees with Croch and all he has to say about fast food restaurants. He mentions in his comment that he was intrigued back in 2010 when the double down sandwich was first created. But he thought about it and knew that “fried chicken is one thing, but to add bacon and sauce and make it a sandwich is another.” He also agrees that fast food companies do an excellent job at advertising. It can be hard to turn away from a fast food offer when you are constantly seeing it on every corner and hearing about it on commercials. Hoang makes some great points in his comment, all agreeing with Croch. Also, I agree with Imani S and her argument that it is the consumer’s responsibility on whether or not they should eat food from fast food restaurants. She agrees with Croch in that the advertisements can often be misleading. Fast food restaurants should not be put to blame for those who are struggle with obesity. Fast food places simply have their food on menus and it is the consumer’s responsibility to choose whether or not they will take time and consideration to look at the nutritional facts. It is no ones fault but their own for what one chooses to eat.
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I disagree with Ian Crouch who says that fast foods are making people obese. The same people who eat these fast food products, are the same people who know that it is unhealthy for them. Americans needs to have a certain level of self control in order to live a healthier life style. For example, in the book “They Say I Say”, Balko argues that the way the government is spending a lot of money for anti obesity measures, is the wrong way to prevent obesity. The government will fund for obese people’s medical expenses. This means that a person who is overweight can clog their arteries all day long, and the government will fund for their expenses and medical bills, but it should never get to this point, everyone should understand their limits and know that if they do not stop their bad habits then they will keep driving themselves into an early grave. An obese person should know their worth and understand that eating excessively is extremely unhealthy for them and they can get the right help, that they deserve if they accept that challenge. Personally, I think that fast food restaurants are not in the wrong, they have the right to serve the types of foods that they want to serve in order to make money and keep a steady paying business, it is all about self control. For example, I cannot stand McDonalds food because, it physically makes me sick and gives me a headache. Therefore, If i know something is unhealthy for me and makes me nauseous but I continue to eat it, then I clearly do not care about myself or my body.
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crouch said that eating double down is horrified by KFC’s Double Down, he describe it that it as “not only affronting but almost threatening,” and suggests that it’s far worse than other fast food offerings.
I totally agree with with Crouch because.personally as a person i have a lot of friends who eat a lot of double down KFC food and mostly they are out of a shape or unhealthy.It should come as no surprise that obesity is a major consequence of not eating healthy. With the increasing availability of unhealthy foods and convenience foods also came a rise in both adult and childhood obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 35.7 percent of adults and 17 percent of children are obese and those things come from not eating healthy foods.but people decide to eat fast foods instead of eating healthy foods.also another big thing The big effect of eating fast foods like double down is its impact on energy levels. Many people skip breakfast or other meals throughout the day, choosing instead to grab a quick snack/Healthy or a soft drink. The Fast food causes energy levels to spike, which people like, but then energy levels will quickly plummet, sending one back into the kitchen for another quick snack. In addition, Fast food can cause moodiness, and make it difficult to get enough sleep at night, so energy levels are never restored to normal.also one big thing people can die from being unhealthy.so eating fast food can lead you to a lot of worst things.
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I do concur with Ian Crouch on his side in the argument, however when he asserts that fast food eateries are essentially making individuals fat with its sustenance is entirely true. Hunker expressed “You need three patties on your burger—why not four? What’s more, we should include bacon and onion rings while we’re busy. Tired of squandering chomps on negligible bread—why not supplant that bun with two bits of chicken?” he was attempting to demonstrate that fast food organizations keep thinking of better approaches to assist Americans with turning out to be more large, in any case I feel that it is not the fast food organizations fault. Of course, they made the nourishment, yet they are not compelling anybody to eat it, it is up to each American whether to eat at the eatery or not, and it arrives decision what they arrange.
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