Assertion Analysis #2: American Fast Food and American Individuality

     The American Bill of Rights lists the "unalienable rights" on which the country is founded on. It is the foundation of the American Dream, the ideal that people have the rights and responsibilities to build their individual success. Some believe that the Bill and the American Dream do not apply to them; it is dead. However, some believe it is still alive. Though not directly addressed in this statement, the "Burger King Bill of Rights", is the American Dream alive and well? Blum asserts that it is alive, but it boils down to what the individual makes of it.
      In this statement, the CEO makes a "Bill of Rights", only for his restaurants. "You have the right to have things your way", Blum asserts, "You have the right to a Whopper sandwich with extra tomato, extra onion, and extra cheese". Blum continues throughout the entire statement listing the different choices a customer has in a Burger King restaurant. Here, he is asserting that customers have the right to so many different choices in his restaurants. Whatever result, good or bad, that may come from these choices is not stated. A Burger King Bill of Rights connects to the idea of America in a more complex way.
      Though a hamburger-themed Bill of Rights seems like a satirical, not-serious take on rights in America, Blum is serious about the topic of the American Dream. Blum uses hamburgers and choices at his restaurants as a metaphorical way of explaining that American people have the right to choose whatever actions they may do. In addition, the entire document is an allusion to the American Bill of Rights. All the choices listed are analogous to those in the Bill of Rights, though a strong burger theme is present. He uses this allusion to convey that in his restaurants, people have the right to choose, so if people can choose in his restaurants, the country gives people the rights as well. He asserts that people's rights are protected. Burger King's slogan, "Have it your way", suggests that people anyone can find success in their own ways. It is evident that Blum believes that the American Dream is alive.
      From a fast food chain owner, tackling the idea of the American Dream seems ridiculous but it conveys the idea well. The pathos element is strong in this statement. Readers are now in the mindset of burgers, and people can relate to choosing if they want onions or extra cheese. If they can relate to choices in a restaurant, they can now tie that into the American rights. The allusion to the Bill of Rights provides an ethical approach; readers can connect Burger King rights to American Rights. Being a wealthy CEO suggests that Blum has "succeeded" in the American Dream, that he believes it exists; anyone can achieve it. However, that may not be true in the real world.