Are you proud to be an American?

The Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest is held on every July 4 at Coney Island in New York City. Matt Stonie scored highest this year, eating 62 hot dogs in ten minutes. The event is over-the-top, with judges and cheerleaders standing at the podium while the crowd of thousands cheers on the gluttonous gladiators. It's decadent. It's vulgar. And therefore it seemed a perfect place to contemplate American pride.