McDentured servitude

Ronald McDonald is trapping people in terrible conditions

To most, slavery/ indentured servitude and the fast-food industry may seem like they have no connection whatsoever, but I see some similarities. For one, the employees get low wage and usually choosing to work in the fast-food industry is a last choice for many. Let’s be honest, those who work in the fast-food industry either are in high school/ college, or have no other career path chosen for their lives. Much like indentured servitude, you go looking for work and then are stuck in this “contract” that can’t be broken, and is filled with a bunch of empty promises. Another example would be the horrible work conditions and having orders barked towards the employees. The work conditions in the fast-food industry are ridiculous with regards to cleanliness and organization. Typically, most fast-food chains fall low on the totem pole for cleanliness right next to gas stations and strip clubs. Fast-food restaurants have a lot of traffic flowing through them so it is hard to keep the establishment clean for a prolonged amount of time. The organization of fast-food chains are absurd with regards to how they are run. You have the manager (overseer) and then the employees (servants); the similarity between this and servitude are the poor work conditions and frankly, no one wants to work there either.

We as consumers typically bark our orders to the employees without even acknowledging their existence practically. When was this lack of humanity made a norm when talking to not only hard working individuals but people for that matter? If we as a community can fix at least one of these issue then we will be on the right track to bettering our fast-food industry. The fast-food industry is a grueling and unforgiving cultivation of work and people. This industry is unforgiving and will leave you behind if you fall. These hard working individuals already have to deal with a tough time dealing with dozens of people every day barking their orders at them. Frankly, these employees don’t care about your gluten intolerance, just order your burger and get out of the way. What I am trying to say is that these individuals already have to deal with their own struggles and are being forced to face rude customers; making their lives a living hell. It really wasn’t their pleasure for serving you and your three loud kids who want ice cream; the machine is broken, their day just got harder.

By Dean of Students Office/Publications

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