I am sure that for humans at one time the term "competitive eating" had an entirely different meaning. Surviving the harsh elements of primitive society and being the low man on the totem pole meant real competition--survival of the fittest--for the neanderthal man. However,through evolution, the human has finessed his way to the top of the food chain and has become the hunter instead of the hunted. The eat or be eaten carnal urge has waned a bit, and the very definition of competition has changed.
Competitive or Professional Eating is a popular pastime in the U.S. which began early in the nineteenth century at Nathan's Famous (a hot dog eatery) at Coney Island in Brooklyn, N.Y. The winner of the first competition ate just 13 franks-a mere fraction of what today's "athletes" consume. Nearly a hundred years after its inception, Professional Eating has earned its bragging rights outfitted with a company dedicated to overseeing the 80-100 events hosted nationally and internationally each year. Major League Eating promotes this "sport" and generates revenue and global attention increasing publicity for these glorified public displays of gluttony.
The battle of the bulge is a hard and ardurous one, especially when we reward obsessively and greedily consuming as much one can for profit ( cash prizes range from $200 to $15,000). In a time where terminal and chronic diseases run rampant, I cannot help but to wonder why these contests exist? I suppose at first glance it is quite hilarous to watch men and women of all shapes and sizes shove anything from hot dogs to matzo balls down their throats. However, the downside cannot and should not be ignored. But then again, we as Americans love to be entertained, even if it is at the expense of others. Oh well..bon apetite!
