MOROCCANS AND FAST FOOD

MOROCCANS AND FAST FOOD

Why is fast-food becoming so popular in Morocco?

In the past people in Morocco used to eat healthy, freshly prepared food with their families in the home.Today however, many people, particularly young people, prefer to eat fast food such as hamburgers, fried chicken, shawarma, pizza or simply mlawi and harsha. There are many reasons why this change has occurred, but fast-food also has some serious effects on individuals and society.

There are many reasons for the popularity of fast food. One of the main reasons is the change in lifestyle.Many people in Morocco are working long hours, shifts, or long school days. They don’t have time to find ingredients or prepare good food. Women are now starting to work in Morocco, and this can result in less time being available for preparing family meals. Another cause is the huge number of young, affluent people in Morocco. The rapid development of the country has meant that young people, who comprise over 55% of the population, have money to spend. A third reason is advertising. Morocco is a very modern, free market country, with all forms of media such as the Internet and satellite television, and people like to try
new products and different kinds of fast food, local or imported.

However, this change in diet can have some serious effects. One effect is on health. Many individuals in Morocco are becoming obese. These people will be less productive and have conditions such as heart diseases and diabetes. Another result of fast food is the loss of the family tradition of eating together. The weekly Friday gathering of the family around the big couscous dish is loosing ground in favour of sandwiches in snacks or mahlabas. Children and adults rarely eat together now, and thus get less opportunity to talk and discuss family matters. A further effect is economic. Although fast food is not very expensive, it costs more than cooking properly for yourself.

In conclusion, fast food, although it is convenient and tasty, can have serious health and social effects. People should learn to choose fast food carefully and remember the pleasure of eating good food in good company at home among family and friends.