The Food That Built America

Watch the entire series (Season 1, Three episodes) of “The Food That Built America” (Hulu/History Channel).

Then, using the prompts below, write a four page essay (double spaced, third person, Formal register), about the subject matter, and how it relates to what we have covered.

In to show how this assignment brings together everything we’ve discussed and explored, the prompts below are either verbatim, or developed from, previous assignments. They are questions you’ve considered and expanded upon with “The Social Dilemma”, “Abstract”, your presentation on trends for the future, and even your “Stand-up” story.

Use what’s below when writing your paper:

*These now historic, important, and worldwide brands, were created in a time when, for some, there were no rules. How did they create the rules, gain first mover advantage, develop what their brand stood for, capture the mindshare, obtain long term loyalty, deliver accordingly, then when need be, change the rules that THEY created?

*How did these companies use influence in to make behaviors and actions contagious, and how are they still doing so today?

*How were/are social ties used to influence user’s choices?

*How was/is design used to turn constraints into opportunity?

*These innovators found a trend, clue, or signal, that ended up changing the world somehow. For the most part, they were things that others had tossed aside. To quote Blink, by Malcolm Gladwell, “Here is a situation where the stakes were high, where things were moving quickly, and where the participants had to make sense of a lot of new and confusing information in a very short time.” Do not answer this question by recapping their discovery. Instead, tell how their moment of discovery impacted the future.

*What is/was the outcome? Did the status change of those involved? How did their work change the world?

Even though this paper is in third person, and in the formal register, you can still share your personal A-HA moments/KNs though what you choose to write about. What captured your attention about the innovation, interpretation, and expression, in each of these specific stories of these iconic brands?