How fast food got caught in the crossfire of viral social debates, as Shake Shack, Wendy's, and Taco Bell are forced into the spotlight

Noam Galai/Getty Images

• Fast-food chains including Taco Bell, Domino's, and Shake Shack have been pulled into the cultural and political debates of the moment over the last week — usually due to viral videos, tweets, or allegations. 
• People's relationships with fast-food brands help make certain problems and situations feel personal, forcing a direct connection between customers and social or political issues. 
• The result is an environment in which viral stories about fast-food brands are exploding online every day. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When Krispy Kreme started trending on Twitter Tuesday morning, dozens of people had the same thought — had the beloved Southern doughnut chain been cancelled? 

In fact, Krispy Kreme hadn't said anything racist, as one person worried. People were just craving doughnuts. But in 2020, it's not much of a reach to assume that a brand trending on Twitter is the tip of the iceberg for a far darker story. 

See the rest of the story at Business Insider

NOW WATCH: Why thoroughbred horse semen is the world's most expensive liquid

See Also:

• A police officer is being mocked online for crying over a McMuffin, and it shows how fast-food chains are getting pulled into the debate on policing in America
• Hopes of a retail rebound are surging, but a closer look at sales data suggests a long road to recovery
• Aunt Jemima will change its name and its mascot, with PepsiCo saying its origins are based on a racial stereotype

SEE ALSO: Workers at chains like Kroger, Costco, and Waffle House are on the front lines of an increasingly violent war between mask supporters and opponents

from Business Insider https://ift.tt/31cGZ4T