In our household recently, there has been a lively debate over the manner in which one is to consume barbecued ribs. We decided to voice our respective opinions on this blog and allow our readers to share their opinions in the form of comments and votes in our poll (on the right).

Tad:
There is nothing more American than barbecue ribs. They are enjoyed often at picnics, barbecues, restaurants, and even inside cooked in an oven. This great American food can only truly be enjoyed to its fullest in a somewhat messy fashion; they must be picked up with the hands and eaten. Now this is most likely too messy for some, for instance the snobbish French. But in our American culture without divisions between classes, poor and rich alike can enjoy this delicacy the way God intended it to be enjoyed. We are above thinking that such things are barbaric and instead understand the efficiency and the necessity of eating ribs in this fashion. May God Bless the USA and ribs.

Aliesha:
For me, the idea of consuming barbecued ribs conjures up images of wild animals picking at the carcasses of other animals. Say, this image, for example.Actually, maybe this one is more accurate…
At any rate, I find the act of picking up barbecued ribs with one’s hands and picking the meat off with ones teeth an uncouth practice. I prefer to eat my ribs with a knife and fork, which is less messy and still makes me feel like a human being created in the image of God.

Your turn:
Leave a comment and vote in our poll on the right! (Poll open until 2/8/10.)