God bless America. No other country would celebrate their independence with a gastronomic orgy such as Nathan’s annual Hot Dog Eating contest (held every 4th of July). It rocks my mind to think I live in a country where competitive eating is an actual sport that they show on ESPN, a sport deemed worthy enough to celebrate what makes our country great, our freedom. Freedom = hot dog contest. And sometimes a bit of vomit. Just moments ago, reigning champion Joey Chestnut beat Kobayashi in Nathan’s 2008 Hot Dog Eating contest in a five dog eat off after the two tied at 58 dogs, on par with the pace the duo ate at last year’s contest. I watch this contest every year, and even used it as evidence of America’s burgeoning gastronomic tourism industry in grad school, so when I turned on the contest this year, I was feeling a bit reflective. Yeah yeah, it is great that Joey Chestnut retained his title and beat Kobayashi in a tie breaker, and the fact that he will probably give birth to a mountain of poop the size of a few Ethiopian babies is even more awesome to consider. Chestnut, you rock. But I think there is more behind this seemingly innocent event. Americans may not have a cuisine as defined and distinct as say, the Mexicans do, or even the French. But if you ask anyone what American food is, hot dogs, apple pie and pizza would be among their answers for sure. It is interesting to ponder what this says about America as country that the hot dog and apple pie are symbols of national pride. Why? What is it about meat encased in animal intestines that shouts freedom from religion and a right to bear arms? The hot dog I believe started out in Germany as the frankfurter. Apple pie, fruit encased in pastry, probably a dish that started out as an apple tartatin in France. Pizza originated in Italy, and of course, the most popular condiment in America today? Salsa from Mexico. America is a melting pot of cultures, and Americans are fiercly proud of their country. Our food choices reflect that, as do little events like Nathan’s annual Hot Dog Eating contest. The story behind how the contest was created shows that as well. In 1916, a few immigrants were getting hot dogs at Nathan’s and talking about how they loved America. They started getting competitive, and eventually, one of them dared the others to a hot dog eating contest to prove who was the most patriotic. Today, thousands of people from all over the world showed up not only to celebrate America’s independence, but also to watch people from all over the world compete in that very same contest, eating a foreign food on American soil, on probably the most patriotic holiday the nation has. They might not be trying to prove who is more patriotic, but they are still trying to prove who is the best. And frankly, it makes me hungry. Mainly for hot dogs. What does this say about America to you? Happy Fourth of July, everyone! ~LTG!
