For Americans, time is money. They say, "You only get so much time in this l

For Americans, time is money. They say, “You only get so much time in this life; you’d better use it wisely.” The future will not be better than the past or present, as Americans are trained to see things, unless people use their time for constructive activities. Thus, Americans admire a “well-organized” person, one who has a written list of things to do and a schedule for doing them. The ideal person is punctual and is considerate of other people’s time. They do not waste people’s time with conversation or other activity that has no visible beneficial outcome. The American attitude toward time is not necessarily shared by others, especially non-Europeans. They are more likely to regard time as something that is simply there around them, not something they can use. One of the more difficult things many students must adjust to in the States is the notion that time must be saved whenever possible and used wisely every day. In this context, the fast food industry can be seen as a clear example of American cultural product. McDonald’s, KFC, and other fast food establishments are successful in a country where many people want to spend the least amount of time preparing and eating meals. As McDonald’s restaurants spread around the world, they have been viewed as symbols of American society and culture, bringing not just hamburgers but an emphasis on speed, efficiency, and shiny cleanliness.