Competitive Eating -- for Charity

A European visitor asked how we celebrate Independence Day. My answer included barbecues, picnics, beach-going and fireworks.  My answer did not include the annual hot dog eating competition in New York.

Some might think competitive eating fun  -- a sport even.  I personally find it a humongous gross out.  The world already thinks Americans are fat and wasteful.  What better way to prove their point than by watching people cram hot dogs down their throats while the clock counts down.  For this the winner gets paid a few thou.

It's all American hot dogs on the 4th, but there are similar contests throughout the year -- same idea, different main course. The current champion earned six-figures last year. He presumably spends some of the prize money on antacid.

Competitive eating lionizes gluttony -- and violates all the table manners mom taught us. But there may be a way to make it less repulsive. Ready for a bright idea? Insert drum roll here.

There are so many people out of work and hungry. Why not make competitive eating a fund raiser?  We walk for breast cancer, Alzheimer's and any number of diseases.  Why not eat for food banks, soup kitchens and shelters? 

I might actually wear the t-shirt and cheer on a contestant if it was for a good cause. Don't know if I could actually watch the action though.  Charity or no charity, that part is still disgusting.