20th Century
Ms. Shen
Supersize Me!
Setting the Stage: One of the major questions that the film Supersize Me! raises is
the proper balance between corporate action and individual choice, an issue that
remains as controversial today as it was during the Progressive era. Before we watch
selections from Supersize Me! (a modern day example of muckraking), what do you
think is the proper
balance today? Specifically, should
obese people be allowed
to sue fast food companies like
McDonald’s, as smokers
sued tobacco companies for
winding up with cancer?
Chapters 1-2: The World’s Fattest Nation and The 30-Day Challenge
1. Before Spurlock begins his “fast food binge,” summarize his overall medical
condition.
Chapter 6: Day #1-The Rules
2. Review the rules Spurlock has to follow for the month.
Chapter 7: Suing the Fast Food Establishments
3. Summarize the arguments for and against the lawsuit presented by (continues on
next page):
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Ordinary people:
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The lawyers:
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The Surgeon General:
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The Nutritionist:
Chapter 18: Fast Food Advertising
4. What is the point of the scene where Spurlock shows the pictures to the children?
5. Compare the advertising budgets of the fast food companies and prepared food
companies to the money spent promoting healthy food.
6. What are some specific marketing techniques fast food restaurants use to appeal
to children?
Chapter 28: Food Lobbyist
7. Why did the film include an interview with a representative of the Grocery
Manufacturers of America? What information came out of the interview?
Chapter 33: Final Medical Exam
8. Describe Spurlock’s health at the end of the film.
Reflection Questions:
9. Based on the information in this film, did the people suing the fast food industry
have a legitimate complaint? Explain.
10. Based on this film, what role, if any, is there for government reform/regulation
of the nation’s fast-food industry?
11. Could this film be considered an effective example of muckraking? Why or why
not?