i worked in fast food as well. and i have many friends who are still in managment at different places.what you describe as "brainwashing" is nothing more than people with good work ethic. there is nothing wrong with a fast food manager being dedicated to doing her work well.
there is no doubt that these people will work hard and be dedicated no matter what field they go into.
if the managers seem adamant to do a good job, it is also due to the fact that they are under pressure from thier bosses to run things the way they have been told to do so.
so my little naive college frogling, when you get out into the real world, take these lessons with you. when you are hired on at your first 'real' job, keep in mind that your bosses will expect you to be enthusiastic, to work hard, and will put pressure on you to see that things get done right.
i see more deserving of respect the manager of a fast food restaurant who comes in and tries to do a good job, than the know it all kids who believe that they are superior to other people because they are in college.