According to Josh Ozersky’s book, The Hamburger: A History (p. 84), “Hamburgers by the 1960s were firmly connected with youth culture, postwar abundance, and eventually big business. Thus by the late 1960s, they had come to represent much of what people like, or didn’t like, about America.”
So what is it again that is American about the hamburger? What does it say that this image and idea is what comes to represent the nation as opposed to the democratic ideals?
And by the way, what do you think of the Hamburger dress?
I think that the hamburger says alot about the American lifestyle. It is relatively easy to make and can be taken on the go, which corresponds with the busy American work ethic. It also speaks about American food culture; the hamburger is one of the most popular American foods. Many Americans have a special affinity for delicious but fatty foods, and the hamburger definitely fits into this category. Finally, the popularity of the hamburger in the United States promotes democratic ideals in a way. Many restaurants and fast food joints offer a variety of burgers and toppings; Americans can literally choose to put anything on their burgers. In fact, Americans can even make their burgers out of foods other than beef. Salmon burgers, veggie burgers, and bison burgers all enjoy popularity as beef burger alternatives. Americans are free to choose, and that is especially true when it comes to the hamburger.