I’ve heard clergy talk about how impatient Americans can be. How we want everything and we want it now. Their favourite examples talk about how fast we want our food.
The microwave – Americans want their food right now so they zap it in the microwave.
Fast Food Restaurants – Americans want their food right now so they go through a drive-thru and order their fast food. If it isn’t a 3 minute process, they are upset.
Do I believe that Americans can be impatient? Yes. Do I believe these are good examples? No.
Part of the marketing of the fast food restaurant is that You Can Have it Your Way… and right away. If that company does not deliver in any of the expectations it has put on itself, then yes I can understand why some Americans are unhappy with them.
Agree? Disagree?
Quickly, another fast food thought: Having fries at the bottom of the bag is the new norm for me. I expect that and am really disappointed when there are no more bonus fries.
I grew up in Lansing, MI, studied at Central Bible College in Springfield, MO, and am currently the Young Adult Pastor at NewSong Church in the Cleveland area. Ever since I bowed my knee to Jesus, I have been on quite the ride. This site is just some thoughts and observations on my journey.
2 responses so far ↓
Alissa Jean // February 19, 2009 at 8:37 am |
when given such a blatant opportunity to disagree with you…
i think the fast good analogy can still be a good one. although i agree that “fast” and “your way, right away” are part of the marketing package and therefore to be expected, the reason that marketing package is appealing comes back to the underlying fact that we are impatient. the marketing and our impatience feed off of eachother. if we weren’t impatient, the *fast* part of fast food wouldn’t be as important.
side note – i’ve been going this whole semester without a microwave in my apartment and am surviving surprisingly well…
David Shay // May 2, 2009 at 10:05 pm |
I agree. My impatience at a slow fast food joint (you can’t even say that without the evidence smacking you in the face) is a result of the employees breaking a covenantal obligation. They have promised me fast food. I’m certainly not buying my food there for the ambiance. I’m not there for my health. I’m there because I’m in a hurry, and they promised me fast service. When I get my oil changed I don’t expect ketchup to be put in my engine. I would be upset, and rightfully so, were I to be promised a fish and given an eel. I am generally very patient and live in a community of very patient (sometimes to a fault) people. I just want people to honor their oath. And I want their employees to honor the oath. This is a biblical expectation.
And I love the fries in the bottom of the bag, too.