I’m reading the book “Fast Food Nation”, and have some interesting observations on the subject from my perspective here in Honduras. This book is not entirely about the effects of the fast food itself, but also about the effects and influence of the business practices that have become accepted as a result of the way fast-food chains operate.
It’s Sunday, and I’m in La Ceiba, a small city on the northern coast of Honduras. It’s population is overwhelmingly Christian, and all of the stores and restaurants are closed to observe the Sabbath. All except the fast food joints.
I was walking around looking for somewhere to eat, and since there are no local restaurants open, I thought it would be humourously ironic to stand in line for a Spicy Chicken Combo at Wendy’s – Biggie Sized of course! While in line, I realized that I didn’t have enough cash on me for the meal, in fact I only had 27 Limpeiras, which is about $1.25. So walking away from the restaurant, I saw a Pizza Hut amongst all of the other fast food joints here (KFC, Burger King, Taco Bell, McDonalds, Wendy’s, etc.), and they were selling single slices for 26 Limps! Sweet! I got a piece to go.
Most towns in Central America have a park in the middle of town, and I was near by, so I thought I should wander over and sit in the shade while enjoying my slice of pizza. When I got there, there was a podium set up on the edge of the square, with a local minister belting out his favorite Christian stories to families and couples sitting on the benches around the park. Of course, each of them had their own bag of fast food on the bench beside them, and were worshiping the lord while busting into some good old American crap food. I joined them.
The minister belted out “Solomente Jesús puede cambio tu vida.” (Only Jesus can change your life)
Well, Jesus and Fast Food, I’m thinking. Ha ha! After eating, I laughed to myself all the way home.