Jamie Loftus' 'Raw Dog' investigates the social and culinary history of the hot dog
Nov 20, 2023
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Comedian Jamie Loftus investigates the social and culinary history of the hot dog, discussing immigrant roots, labor conditions in meatpacking, the symbolism of hot dogs as an American icon, and ethical ways to consume them.
Jamie Loftus' book 'Raw Dog' explores the labor exploitation and disingenuous marketing campaigns behind the hot dog industry.
Hot dogs have deep cultural roots in America, originally popularized by poor immigrants and evolving into a diverse and beloved staple across the country.
Deep dives
The Hot Dog: A Symbol of America
Comedian Jamie Loftus talks about her book 'Raw Dog' which explores the significance of hot dogs in American culture. Loftus delves into the history and labor conditions surrounding the hot dog industry, shedding light on its disingenuous marketing campaigns and labor exploitation. Despite the ethical concerns, Loftus acknowledges that hot dogs are ingrained in American traditions and hopes readers gain a deeper understanding of the dish's cultural context.
Class Dynamics and Regional Variations
The book 'Raw Dog' also explores the class dynamics associated with hot dogs. Loftus highlights how hot dogs were originally popularized by poor immigrants and became a cheap and filling meal during the Great Depression. She shares anecdotes from her journey around the country, celebrating the diverse regional variations of hot dogs and the communities that take pride in them. Through her humorous and informative exploration, Loftus reveals both the dark side and the joyous aspects of this beloved American food.
Comedian Jamie Loftus has been eating hot dogs her whole life. But in her new book, Raw Dog, she takes a road trip across the U.S. to discover how they're prepared in different parts of the country, and does a deep dive into everything from the labor conditions in meatpacking plants to the social class implications of who eats hot dogs and why. In today's episode, Loftus speaks with NPR's Ayesha Rascoe about the immigrant roots of the baseball classic, the capitalist propaganda behind the hot dog as a symbol of America, and the ethical ways to still consume them.