"Fast-Food America" by Nicholas Howe
Message Prompt

In his essay, Howe describes several different posters hanging in a Burger King. In one of them, "The Runaway" by Norman Rockwell, a cop is sitting next to a boy in a diner. It is clear through what the boy carries that he was attempting to run away from home. However, the cop is kindly doing his duty by returning the boy home. Another photo in Burger King shows items found in a typical diner, ranging from napkin dispensers to salt shakers. One final painting shows a dining landscape. It is likely that Howe used these images to remind the reader that America has not changed entirely. Burger King may not be exactly like the old time diners. However, it still holds on to its traditions from the past. The photo of the cop and the boy may bring back memories and feelings of childhood. The poster of the diner items brings back memories of the old diners. The picture of the diner landscape also reminds one of the old diners. The photos are placed in Burger King in order to remind the people that while diners may not really exist anymore, the tradition and idea of a diner still exists through the new restaurants. America may have changed, but it has not let go of its past completely.

This message conveyed through the images hanging in a Burger King restuarant are similar to the message behind Howe's essay. Unlike many writers, Howe does not feel that the new America is all that bad. He does not feel like he should avoid the new fast food restuarants. Instead, he often takes the time to stop at these places. His message is that while America has changed, it is important to accept these changes because they still carry the tradition behind an older America. Not everything is the same; however, the comfort that once existed and the memories of childhood still exist within the new culture.