Fast Food Nation has brought much knowledge about food and the fast food industry to my view. It has not however changed my point of view on the food itself. In my opinion if the taste is appealing then I will be inclined to eat it. On the topic of fast food, I will think twice before consuming any of this food. This food is not what many people believe it to be. It is only half of what the companies advertise it to be. They deceive the public with images of wholesome burgers and healthy chicken: these foods are in fact processed beyond recognition and then flavored artificially with chemicals that many would not want in their food. I do not eat very much fast food but I will be inclined to avoid it simply because of the treatment of the workers in these restaurants. Personally my view of processed food has changed very little after reading this book, store bought beef or poultry is still just as appealing as before learning of its treatment. Again my point of view is the same, taste prevails over mental appeal. My thoughts on the effects of the meat packing giants and the huge fast food companies are quite simple. Though I do not agree with their methods of production, slaughter, and employee treatment, however if you have the ability and ambition to achieve what these corporations have achieved then they have the right to exploit their resources.

America consumes huge amounts of beef, all of this beef must be cut and processed by somebody. America has turned to beef slaughterhouses to supply them with food. The slaughterhouses are huge buildings filled with migrant workers making low wages, flashing knives, and live and dead cattle. These buildings are teeming with danger a person could be cut, crushed, suffocated, or a number of other grisly ends. My view of slaughterhouses before these chapters was very limited almost to a point of not knowing or caring they existed. Now my eyes have been opened to the cruelty to the animals and to the people that work in the buildings. Between low wages "the basic pay at a slaughterhouse is now 9.25 an hour", insanely high turnover rates "an average turnover rate of about 400 percent" and job inherent danger " lacerations are the most common injuries suffered by meatpackers, who often stab themselves or stab someone working nearby. Tendinitis and cumulative trauma injuries are also quite common." These workers are not even compensated for by insurance for their injuries "Workers comp was meant to function much like no-fault insurance....IN 1991, Colorado started another trend, becoming one of the first states to impose harsh restrictions on workers' comp payments." The conditions these workers are forced to endure are so disgusting most people would be unable to hold down their latest meal, "Dozens of cattle, stripped of their skins, dangle from chains on their hind legs." The inhumane treatment of these animals is a common occurrence. Many different companies have been sued or even shutdown for this treatment of the cattle. " Federal inspectors cited the plant for "inhumane slaughter" and halted production." To add to the inhumane treatment of animals the treatment of employees, specifically their injuries is a major problem. Attempts to protect and compensate employees for their injuries and their work have been halted by the money and power of the "meatpacking giants." Many organizations and workers unions have tried to prevent injury, low pay, and the absence of workers' comp and have failed because of the influence and power of the huge companies. "IBP was caught keeping two sets of injury logs....John Morrel, was caught lying about injuries." All to improve their profit margin by sacrificing the safety and sometimes the lives of the employees. Even when reprimanded for their actions the consequences are of no concern to the billion dollar corporations. "OSHA later fined National Beef for its negligence. The fine was $480 for each man's death." These facts have changed my view of slaughterhouses from one of indifference to one of anger and revulsion. I believe that societies greed has replaced its basic humanity. When the dollar takes the place of the neighbor or the friend this is the result a gross display of power and negligence towards others well-being. My view of this industry and those who reign over it has been twisted into a view of absolute disgust.