Justin Morgan

Mrs. Towles

English 101

17 September 2010

What is a Hamburger?

The hamburger, widely considered America’s favorite meal, takes on a variety of sizes

and ingredients depending on what area of the country it is prepared. This variety is evident in

three different states: Mississippi, Texas, and New Mexico, each region defining the hamburger

in its on unique way. These multiple definitions of the hamburger are often the products of the

state’s historical events and cultural customs. For example, Mississippi’s slug burger, a blend of

beef, soy meal, and other extenders, emerged from the effort to ration foods and ingredients

during the Great Depression. Although this burger’s quality may seem low, it is celebrated yearly

as it reflects the history of the state. Texans, on the other hand, define their hamburger with their

own staple and added ingredients, such as refried beans, crushed corn chips, and mustard. The

Texas hamburger, a product of Mexican food influence, is also always topped with mustard and

onions—the definite burger. Even other chain stores have adopted these standard toppings. When

New Mexico residents speak of hamburgers, they think of a spicy meal. The define their

hamburgers as a meal as “hot as the desert sun,” complete with spicy ingredients such as

jalapenos and chile-laden beef. Apparent through these different styles of hamburgers, America’s

classic sandwich takes on different meanings and connotations depending on location and social

history or customs, whether it is a spicy sandwich or a low quality beef blend.