Doubling down on KFC: Ian Crouch on fast food trends

It’s a sandwich that replaces the bread with two pieces of fried chicken. It’s “hand-breaded and cooked in store!” It’s available for a limited time only. It’s KFC’s Double Down, and it appalls New Yorker business writer Ian Crouch. He explains why in this article from April 2014.

Read it here: Crouch, "Fast Food Doubles Down"

 

1. Crouch is clearly horrified by KFC’s Double Down, describing it as “not only affronting but almost threatening,” and suggests that it’s far worse than other fast food offerings. Do you agree? Why or why not? Would you eat a Double Down?
2. Crouch uses descriptive phrases such as “deranged Frankenfood” and “prideful grotesquery” to express his disdain of the Double Down and similar fast food items. Find other examples of lurid descriptive phrases in Crouch’s article. Which ones are particularly evocative for you? Why do they work so well? What effect do they have on you as a reader and an eater? What impression of fast food do you get from Crouch’s descriptions of it?
3. Crouch gives a detailed description of a comedy sketch that parodies a fast food restaurant, arguing that the sketch is an example of “a devil-may-care, finger-in-your-eye, patriotic American recklessness.” Did that sketch serve as effective evidence for Crouch’s argument? Why or why not?
4. Do you enjoy eating the Double Down or any of the items like it that Crouch criticizes? What is your opinion of the fare at fast food chains such as KFC, McDonald’s, or Taco Bell? Do you agree in whole or in part with Crouch’s arguments about fast food and the industry’s attitudes about health? Using Crouch as your “they say,” write an essay in which you respond to his criticisms of fast food. Use your own experience as evidence, and feel free to draw on any of the essays in Chapter 16 of your text for additional support.

Comments

[Justin C.]

I do agree with Ian Crouch on his side in the argument, however when he claims that fast food restaurants are simply making people obese with its food, that is not entirely true. Crouch stated "You want three patties on your burger—why not four? And let’s add bacon and onion rings while we’re at it. Tired of wasting bites on mere bread—why not replace that bun with two pieces of chicken?" he was trying to show that fast food companies keep coming up with new ways to help Americans become more obese, however I feel that it is not the fast food companies fault. Sure, they created the food, but they are not forcing anyone to eat it, it is up to every American whether to eat at the restaurant or not, and it is there choice what they order. Just because the restaurant puts something on the menu, does not mean that it needs to be ordered.

[Kaitlin Andersen]

I disagree with Ian Crouch because the food Americans eat today is not a healthy choice and those life style choices are the normal eating habits. By changing what resturants serve and fast food restaurants then the can lead to the "normal eating habits”. For example, in the last sentence of this article says "Maybe next year KFC will have to start selling apple slices.” apple slices that McDonalds has doesnt make anything healthy what so ever just ADDS in apples just so another food item to eat not even a substitute of anything because then its more expensive to not buy the meal which consists of fries and a drink then apples also!! Its better just to have meals that are healthy overall so Americans can get used to that lifestyle.

[Tyson Mckercher]

Crouch makes some valid points. The company is trying to make money and introduce new products in a market where that isn't the easiest thing to do. Making fried chicken sound new and interesting isn't easy. So, criticizing it for being deranged or crazy isn't really putting it nicely or in a respective manner. The company, KFC, is a chicken company. People don't go to KFC for salads or fruit, they go for fried food. The consumer knows that. So if they complain about it, just don't eat it. It's all about personal choice it's not all on the company.

[Sydney Morris]

The rise in obesity levels has continually been connected with fast food restaurants and their products. While I concur with Kaitlin that most Americans do not make healthy choices for all of their meal options, I agree with Tyson and Justin that it is the consumers choice to do so. Forcing fast food chains, or any other restaurant, to change items on their menu is wrong. When Crouch mentions that former New York City mayor Michael Bloomburg proposed forcing New York restaurants to get rid of oversize soda portions, he shows yet another way government is trying to take more control over citizens' lives. While I agree that in no way is a "super sized" Coca-Cola healthy, it is not up for the government to tell restaurants that they can not offer it to customers. America prides itself on allowing its citizens to make their own choices- and that right also extends to choosing what they want to consume.

[BD Hoang]

I agree with Crouch with the Double down sandwich being threatening, not only is looks grotesque but I cannot imagine that all the grease will settle very well in one’s stomach. Though I believe it is up to everyone to have their own opinion about the sandwich, on commercials, food are made to look good, they are made to look delicious so that the consumer will want to purchase it. I personally looked intrigued when it first debuted back in 2010 but if I really think about it I knew it was not healthy; fried chicken is one thing but a sandwich made up entirely of friend chicken with bacon and sauce is another. The way that Crouch describes fast food, he uses words that even people cannot turn away from, that is what makes writing so powerful. My view on fast food has not really changed even after reading the article, only because that is the norm for all fast food chains, it is what they do. He described it has the most unattractive and inhumane thing to exist on this planet, blaming all these companies for the health problems in America when in actuality it is one’s choice whether to consume their products or not. I do agree however that their advertisement and marketing techniques are top notch. It is hard to turn down fast food when it is on every corner and it is very convenient for the everyday busy individual. I also agree with Sydney that no one can tell restaurants what they can and cannot sell. It is their right as the owners to put whatever they deem fits their menu with no restrictions as long as they follow all food safety and regulations set by the health department.

[Rebeca Garcia]

I agree with Crouch and a bit horrified with the creation of the double down sandwich. I do agree with the fact the people should be responsible for what they eat. There comes a point though, that when something becomes so easily available, such as these sandwiches, who wont buy them? Most people love trying out something new, especially when it looks or sounds appealing. Our society is a very fast pace society and when food is fast and cheap to get, why not buy it? Its is way more convenient for some to buy fast food. When fast food restaurants come up with these new unhealthier creations, it becomes something that people would want to try out and buy. There being a lack of much healthier and cheaper food options really makes it easier for people to be unhealthy. Although there are better options then McDonalds or KFC, most people buy whatever is more easily available. Yes people should know better than buy various meals through out the day at fast food restaurants, most don’t really consider what they are doing when they buy fast food. Even with fast food labels put on some of these food items, people don’t really look at it or care. People should put into consideration having healthier foods easily available.

[Kacie Haines]

Just hearing about the KFC Double Down it made my stomach hurt. I agree with Crouch that things like the double down is not good and should not be sold to the public. There are different restaurants that have things that are equal to the Double Down and people either really like the sandwich or they are appalled that a company would allow this sandwich to actually be served. We are in the age where weight and obesity are a big discussion, so it is not a good idea to be selling a sandwich that is over half of the recommended daily intake. I personally would much rather go to Panera or Chipotle just like Crouch said. This is because they have better options that don’t include more than the half recommended calorie intake. When Crouch fully explained what was in the Double Down is just sounded like it should not be allowed in stores. Also the problem with the sandwich people would only know that the sandwich is bad but they will not know exactly how bad. That is why I think there needs to be calorie labels on all menus. In the future to be able to stay in business companies will have to put only healthy things because it won’t be acceptable anymore.

[Imani S.]

I agree with Crouch and his point that sandwiches and fast food items, such as the Double Down and McRib are threatening. The fast-food is successful and does a good job at creating ads, such as the Double Down Sandwich advertisement, that makes the product seem appealing and causes consumers to want to try the new item that commercials and advertisements brag about. I support Crouch’s assertion that the fast-food industry can be misleading and their advertisements of new products can be intimidating. However, I believe that fast-food restaurants should not be blamed for obesity. Restaurants do not force its customers to eat their food. Fast food restaurants simply place food items on the menu and it is the consumers decision and responsibility to choose which foods are best for them and even with nutrition labels being provided by restaurants, some consumers do not read the nutrition facts. I agree with Crouch that the industry can be misleading at times, but ultimately it is the consumer’s responsibility on whether or not they should eat the Double Down Sandwich or any other food products.

[Tatiana Ellerbe]

I strongly agree with Crouch's opinion on KFC's Double Down sandwich. The thought of a sandwich made up of only chicken, cheese and bacon is disgusting. This sandwich turns turns my stomach and I'd never purchase a sandwich that unhealthy. However, KFC is not the only fast food company guilty of drawing customers in with their seemingly tasty yet unhealthy food options. McDonald's is one of the biggest culprits of doing such. Adding nutritional information to the wrappers will not change anything. When people consume fast food their only thinking about fulfilling their hunger not whether or not they're having a nutritional meal. For those who actually take the time to read nutritional labels might not even understand what they're reading. I agree with Tyson and Justin's opinion on taking responsibility for personal actions. Those who are looking for more nutritional options will look for a places such as farmer's market instead and not a KFC or Burger King. Although fast food companies are guilty of producing these unhealthy options the company is not solely to blame. No one is forcing these unhealthy options down the consumer's throats. On the other hand, I agree with Rebecca's opinion on the lack of healthier food options. It seems that the healthier options are more expensive.

[Kaitlin Fulmer]

I agree with Crouch as far as the KFC's Double Down sandwich is unhealthy and should not be given to the public. However, it is the public's decision to try the sandwich. If no one buys the sandwich, it will end up being taken down from the menu. Now, if everyone loves the sandwich, KFC could potentially take it from a seasonal item and leave it on the menu all the time. For example, Taco Bell tried out the taco with the Doritos nacho cheese shell and many people loved it. So they then tried the cool ranch shell. Now you see its on the menu all the time and is not just a seasonal food item. Americans are the ones that push the fast food restaurants to sell these types of food items. But no American is going to admit they are wrong, especially when it comes to food.

[Lauren]

Not only is the Double Down affronting, but is also threatening. The Double Down is a sandwich that replaces the bread with two pieces of fried chicken. This kind of sandwich is a hard attack waiting to happen! There is so much grease from the friend chicken and is full of fat. The sandwich must be 1000 calories! I would never eat the Double Down even if it sounded delicious to me. Knowing how bad it is for your body is scary. KFC should not offer something this unhealthy to any of their customers.

[Nadia]

It kind of scares me to see what fast food is coming to. All these fast food chains that were mentioned have all these specials out that are attracting more and more people into this trap. They make these advertisements making it look so great and delicious, when in relatively its disgusting. Even after passing the law making fast food places but the nutritional facts on their food, it's still not enough. When I go to McDonald's and order fries, there is no where on it saying how many calories I'm eating. They're hiding this information for if people were reading it as they ate, they wouldn't continue to eat it. Same with any fast food chain. If every food that looks so "great" showed the consequences behind it, no one would eat it.

[[email protected]]

I agree with Crouch The Double Down seems completely unhealthy and actually horrifying.I personally would never eat the Double Down even if i was forced to.Fast food is notorious for coming up with new ways to make their food the biggest and the greasiest.Consumers are often blinded by how "glamorized" fast food portrays their products that they dont see the real health risks these foods possess. For example the Double Down is two pieces of chicken with cheese and slathered in sauce, this just sounds like a clogged artery waiting to happen. Consumers need to become educated on what they are putting in to their bodies before its too late.

[Brandon]

I agree with Ian Crouch and how fast food is trying to be creative with new choices, even though these choices aren’t the greatest. Fast food joints were slowly on the decline and are looking for anything to keep them afloat. Mcdonalds has the McRib and Shamrock Shake, Taco Bell brought the Doritos Loco’s Tacos, and KFC brought the Double Down chicken sandwich. People blame the companies for putting out new menu items and how they don’t help people eat healthier. These places are known for greasy, fat, reconstituted food. Most fast food places don’t care about the health of others, they are looking for money. This is the basis for every business and why should fast food change because it doesn’t make people healthier, when that isn’t the concept of fast food?

[Eric Darnall]

I agree with Crouch on how fast food restaurants should provide healthier food for consumers even though it is up to consumers on what they order and if they become obese that is based on the decisions they made at the time.He talks about how the KFC double down sandwich is half of your daily intake with 95 grams of fat in just that one sandwich which is just unnecessary and ridiculous. It is definitely appealing in my opinion but that doesnt mean we you should buy it. I believe that long term health is way more important than momentary pleasure.

[Alec Burak]

I agree with Crouch in many aspects of his article, however I feel that while it is dependent upon the consumer to make the proper dietary choices, why even provide such a diet ruining item for our consumers? 95 grams of fat is unacceptable for any individuals dietary tract. These fatty items are being consumed so vigorously due to the ease of access, as well as the time-saving qualities (as opposed to going and cooking a more healthy meal). The consumer holds partial ownership in the obesity epidemic that we are seeing today, but who can really blame them?

[Daryl Grindle]

I agree with Crouch because one of KFC's Double Down probably has more calories than 4 of McDonald's cheeseburgers. I believe the reason Crouch is so appalled by KFC's Double Down because obesity is such a problem in America and KFC is basically say "we don't care, all we want is more money." I feel that all fast food places say this, but you don't see McDonald's or burger King making more unhealthy choices for people you see them coming out with healthier options even thought it's still technically "fast food." I won't lie I enjoy eating fast food but only once in a blue moon and if I do get the chance to try KFC's Double Down I would but I would only try it that one time and probably be sick and slugish from all the fat and grease.

[Julia]

I agree with Crouch, I think the double down, which consists of 2 pieces of fried chicken with bacon and cheese between them, sounds revolting. You can tell how others perceive this sandwich by the comments that Crouch includes. One by Sam Sifton caught my attention about the sandwich. “A slimy and unnaturally moist thing, with flavor ginned up in a lab.” Crouch states that it was a “deep-fried symbol of American gluttony gone wild.” I think the comedy sketch Crouch added was effective in the way that it makes you realize that though fast food restaurants sell apples instead of fries, they don’t necessarily want everyone to order the apples all the time.

[Jake Morley]

Crouch is clearly horrified by KFC’s Double Down, describing it as “not only affronting but almost threatening,” and suggests that it’s far worse than other fast food offerings. Do you agree? Why or why not? Would you eat a Double Down?

I believe that KFC's Double down is quite threatening like Crouch says. I agree to this statement because of how unhealthy the ingredients are. Quoted by Crouch "two pieces of chicken, two pieces of bacon. There is some off-white cheese poking out, along with a thick line of sauce". If you can consider any of that healthy then you probably need to reconsider doing some research. Something like this if eaten on a regular basis could be a major cause of health risks such as obesity and high cholesterol to say the least. It my sound delicious as most people do love chicken, bacon and cheese and I would at least give it a try. In the end I agree that Crouch has the right idea. More food like this is NOT what our country needs.

[Jason Risberg]

I agree with Crouch about just how unhealthy the Double Down is. Having 50 percent of your days recommended sodium, cholesterol, and fat in just one sandwich is nothing that should be eaten on a regular basis. And it very well could be worse than most other fast food offerings like Couch says, if it is the second worst on KFC's menu. there can't be much out there worse than it. However I do not think it is "affronting" and "threatening." I do not feel threatened by the Double Down sandwich, and nobody should. Personally I would eat one to see what it tastes like, but I wouldn't be eating the Double Down frequently. It's just another crazy fast food item that tries too hard to top the last, nothing new.

[Allison Broschart]

I agree with Alec Burak that the choice to eat unhealthy fast food items, like the Double-Down, are dependent upon the consumer. As a college student, I find it very difficult to eat healthy because of what is being offered on campus. While the unhealthy options are many, the healthy options are few. I find this to be true in the real world as well. As an adult working a full-time job, with or without kids, finding time to cook a healthy meal is difficult. Even if one can find the time, food is expensive. It’s much cheaper and faster to buy everyone something from McDonald’s dollar menu than it is to buy fresh vegetables and meats.

[Sheena Nevils]

I agree with Justin on his view of Ian Crouch's argument; that fast food restaurants are making people obese with its food. Justin does not agree completely with his assertion and I do not agree fully either because people are not being forced to eat food. Justin feels that it is not the fast food companies fault as they created the food, but they are not forcing anyone to eat it. This makes a great point that can be related to the argument of the addictiveness of fast food advertisements. Yes, Americans choose whether they will eat at the restaurant or not, but I believe that they have fallen prey to the advertising. Justin points out that just because the restaurant puts something on the menu, does not mean that it needs to be ordered. He makes a valid point but I believe that the problem with obesity and fast food is more to do with the fast food than people's decisions to eat it or not.

[Sarah, Dalton, Dani]

Double Down

“Fast-food companies have long been in a dynamic relationship with food regulators and the American public, at times acceding to demands for more healthful products, and at other times devolving into all-out, chest-thumping binges of prideful grotesquery.”
Fast food is something most everyone enjoys because it’s so convenient and cheap; it just appeals to everyone. This is a type of food that we want. Adding apples to a meal doesn’t make it better, but it is a better substitution than having french fries. Having apples is making an improvement in some fast food restaurants, but blaming the unhealthiness on the fast food chain isn’t doing anything because it’s our choice to eat it. It’s not that fast food chains want us to be obese, but it’s a benefit to them if you eat their food so they’ll advertise as much as they can so they can make a living even if it risks your eating habits. Fast food chains might be unhealthy, but it’s the thing that’s most convenient to us. If this is such a problem, then why don’t they start creating places that are healthy and easily available to us?

In an ad for the Double Down re-release, an insistent young man, sitting with his buddies in what looks like a dorm room, thrusts the stacked chicken at the camera, touting what we can already see for ourselves: two pieces of chicken, two pieces of bacon. There is some off-white cheese poking out, along with a thick line of sauce. Then we get to watch him eat it. It’s not pretty: there’s a reason why fast food is best consumed alone, in your car. After savoring a bite, he brags, “I could eat this every day.” (You may not share this sentiment, but KFC says that it sold ten million Double Downs in the first month of its original release, in 2010.) It falls to one of his friends to deliver the bad news: limited time only.
Fast food is very convenient for a college student for as busy as they are, as with anyone. It’s easy to go through drive thru rather than sitting inside and waiting for your food. Going through drive thru doesn’t take a lot of time and can get you to where you’re needing to go quicker.
“Fast-food companies have long been in a dynamic relationship with food regulators and the American public, at times acceding to demands for more healthful products.” Not only is fast food less time consuming, it’s also much cheaper than going to the grocery store and looking for the more healthier items that will not only make you and your lifestyle better, but will last longer in your home than driving to McDonalds every night. Healthier food is usually more expensive than fast food which will drive some people away.
There are pros and cons to fast food, but it all depends on the person and their views on fast food. This kind of food is cheap and convenient, but yet also very unhealthy for a person and if taken advantage of it can give the person health problems. In a person’s everyday life it’s easier to obtain fast food rather than going out to the grocery store and buying healthy food. Overall the decision is up to you.

[Katherine Fowler]

I agree with Allison concerning her argument that it has become more and more difficult to locate healthy food choices at public places such as universities. As a university student, I am constantly disappointed by the lack of healthy choices available for me. While I agree with her argument, I would also add that the lack of healthy options can be directly traced to financial reasons. At my university dining hall, a whole pizza and drink will fit on a meal swipe, yet a nutritious salad with chicken on it will go over by a dollar or two. The same frustrating dilemma can be seen at fast food restaurants: you can get a double cheeseburger for a dollar, but a salad will cost you five or six dollars. This atrocity can be directly traced to growing obesity that is plaguing the United States.

[Madison Walters]

In response to numerous comments above, I agree that the food some fast food companies are advertising can be a little overwhelming and to be frank- pretty gross. Take a look at Hardy's, for example, they use models (who we all know don't eat those sandwiches outside of the studio doors) and use "sexual" behavior to attract consumers to come to their restaurant and buy their products. With this being said, it is most definitely the choice of the consumer whether or not they partake in buying and eating these fast foods.

On the flip side, I find that there is a similar issue when it comes to healthier choices. Take Michelle Obama, for instance, and how she is trying to implement restrictions on what students can eat in schools. The choice to eat these new, planned, healthier meals is also ultimately up to the student/parents. Some students have resulted to bringing their own lunch to school, claiming that the new meals aren't satisfactory. In conclusion, I feel that yes, the advertisement and pressure from society to eat certain things is present as ever, however, it will always be up to the decision of individual Americans on what they choose to eat.