It is not often that a person can formally meet and listen to the author of a book they read. On November 12, 2007, I had the privilege of listening and meeting Eric Schlosser, the author of the New York Times Bestseller “Fast Food Nation”. It is after I listened to his speech that I decided to write what I felt about his thoughts. When I arrived at the speech, Mr. Schlosser had already begun his presentation. Unfortunately, he explained most of what he felt about the book before I arrived. When I began to listen to his speech he emphasized the idea that “knowledge is power”. He said that it was this idea that gave him the motivation for writing the “Fast Food Nation”. He stated that if people truly knew about how the fast food business worked, that maybe they would use their new understanding to pursue a change. Isn’t it the goal of our society to help one another and keep everyone safe? If this is the case, Eric Schlosser has done a remarkable thing. He has opened our eyes to the darkness behind the smiling face of not only fast food chains, but to various other well known corporations that we support everyday. During his speech, Mr. Schlosser explained that the knowledge we are gaining as a society is starting to promote change in some of the most powerful companies in the world. As we look back in the past decade we can see the effects of our knowledge in almost every business of the world. Ten years ago, we did not see the magnitude of healthier foods that we see today at fast food restaurants. McDonald’s now serves milk, apple slices, and a variety of salads. This change occurred when doctors started to relay warnings about the health problems with eating those juicy cheeseburgers and fatty fries. This new knowledge that people were given made them start eating at places with a healthier menu. With decreasing business, fast food restaurants like McDonald’s decided to introduce a healthier line of food items to their original menu. This change slowed down the losses of the food chains profits but they never really rebounded. As Schlosser continued through his speech, he explained how the fast food industry schemed their way to a better business during the past years of increased health awareness. He said that they are moving their advertising and focus to the poorer part of our society. Along with the new health foods, many fast food restaurants introduced more options on their widely advertised “Dollar Menus”. With cheaper prices, poorer families would come to the fast food joints, not caring what they eat. It is a sad reality to think that fast food restaurants treat their customers in the same way that they treat their livestock. Most fast food chains’ ultimate goal is to make more money. When Schlosser concluded his speech, he quoted a phrase. He said it is important for us to remember to “Have it your way”. If this was one of the first times you have heard about Eric Schlosser or his past book “Fast Food Nation”, I encourage you to research about him or read his book. It truly opens your eyes to the way you look at the world.