The round tables show equality and intimacy, while the rectangular tables define explicit power structure through the use of the 2 seats at the head of the table. The differences in the eating utensil also show how different the 2 cultures are. With knives and forks that are used in the western style of eating, their purpose is to avoid eating with bared hands, an unsanitary and inappropriate act at the dining table. They are meant to perform functions that weren't possible with hands, with the sharp edges and pointed prongs. Eating with bared hands is often associated with the likes of barbarians and cannibals. In Chinese cultures, chopsticks are thought of as an extension to the hands, performing actions are often accompanied by the available opposing hand. .
In many parts of the world today, having a McDonald in your neighborhood was a sign of modernization and prosperity, but it also embodies within it the American way of life that may seem bizarre to outsiders not familiar with its customs and beliefs. The entire nation was founded upon the notion of individual rights, and this belief is so deeply entwined in its history it's no surprise that even restaurants themselves have acquired their own individualistic style. .
At a fast food chain, the process of ordering a meal is streamlined into a process of choosing a "combo meal-, size of fries, choice of soft drink, and your meal is served within a matter of seconds for your instant enjoyment. Even the kitchen itself has been designed with speed and efficiency in mind, with each station manned by workers specializing in a specific task much as an assembly line worker would in a Ford Model T car factory in the 40's, flipping burgers or wrapping up sandwiches. The level of services provided is limited to serving the customers their meals, after which the customers are expected to clean up by bringing their food trays to a nearby waste disposal bin.
