Savoring the Absurd: The Competitive Eating Culture

This chapter examines the peculiar world of competitive eating, highlighting Joey Chestnut's dominance and the intense physical and mental demands of the sport. It also features George Shea's flamboyant emceeing style at the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, revealing the fine line between performance and reality. Further discussions critique the Shea brothers' impact on competitive eating culture while exploring the ethical implications of hot dog consumption and the sport's evolution in America.