Miami in summer. White bodies sunning on the beach to become brown bodies. Lots of brown bodies too: Cubans, Latinos, Mexicans, Haitians and Jamaicans. Proper melting pot, is Miami. Something or the other happening, always, non-stop. 1/21
What is happening right now is the National Chilli Eating Contest. The 5-member jazz band is going full steam, three of whom are blacks. The 5-member cheer leader group is also going full steam, all of them white girls, in miniskirts. 2/21
When the mayor clears his throat for the second time in front of the mike, the jazz peters out. Guessing, correctly, that he’ll orate for at least next 10 minutes, many in the milling crowd make their way to fast food stalls and beer carts. 3/21
No such respite for Dave Bradbury. He is from one of the local TV stations sent to cover the event, accompanied by young Rick Warren with his video camera.
Rick promptly seizes the chance to resume his chat with Dave. For the last few days, 4/21
Rick promptly seizes the chance to resume his chat with Dave. For the last few days, 4/21
he has been talking about his dilemma. “What do you say, Dave? Should I continue in this job or go back to complete my studies?” Rick’s parents, siblings, grandparents are all in healthcare professions: doctors, surgeons, 5/21
dentists, nurses and so on. Rick is the rebel; he has dropped out of his medical courses. Dave ponders for a moment and says, “You know, Rick, we don’t give importance to family traditions, hereditary or even genetics on things 6/21
like choosing a career. Anyway, I think you already know the answer. You just want some confirmation and I have a feeling, today you’ll get it”.
Some desultory clapping of hands by a few in the crowd indicates that the mayor has 7/21
Some desultory clapping of hands by a few in the crowd indicates that the mayor has 7/21
declared the contest open. Rick now turns his camera on the eight contestants, seated under a make-shift canvas roof. The roof sports colorful tassels, each advertising local businesses. The sponsors have big banners strung around the ground. 8/21
The main sponsor has a long billboard directly behind the contestants, for maximum TV exposure.
Dave is speaking about the contestants. Two are women, whites and so are four of the men. The other two men are brown skinned. One is a Mexican and 9/21
Dave is speaking about the contestants. Two are women, whites and so are four of the men. The other two men are brown skinned. One is a Mexican and 9/21
the other man is ‘fire-eater’ Freddy. Freddy is something of a celebrity in the chilli eating fraternity. He is the reigning champion, now defending his title for a record third time.
The crowd can get close up views of chilli varieties 10/21
The crowd can get close up views of chilli varieties 10/21
on the television sets provided at the venue. The contestants start with orange coloured Cayenne (hot!) and progress quickly to reddish ‘bird’s eye’(like Guntur chilli from Andhra, India), to yellowish Habanero, which is 11/21
six times hotter than the Cayenne they all started with. Unable to tame Habanero, one woman and two white men withdraw and contestants are reduced to five. They are now offered the deadly ‘ghost pepper’ brought from Assam. 12/21
Its colour is of fiercest flame and is known as Bhoot Jolokia in north-east India. More than three times as hot as Habanero, it proves to be a formidable hurdle the lone woman and two white men are not able to overcome. 13/21
Only Freddy and the Mexican are still in the fray.
Rick is now focusing his camera on the two sweating faces and Dave is providing his commentary in a voice just above whisper. Crowd is so engrossed in the spectacle that it ignores 14/21
Rick is now focusing his camera on the two sweating faces and Dave is providing his commentary in a voice just above whisper. Crowd is so engrossed in the spectacle that it ignores 14/21
mayor’s re-appearance. Lined up next to be eaten by the two brown men is the ‘Trinidad Scorpion’. It is red and the size of a small capsicum but so hot that it is said to light a fire inside the brain of any one crazy enough to eat it. 15/21
It has double the pungency of ‘ghost pepper’.
The Mexican tries valiantly but unable to finish, he throws his half-eaten chilli. He stands up with a gesture of resignation and is first to congratulate the winner, the fire-eater. 16/21
The Mexican tries valiantly but unable to finish, he throws his half-eaten chilli. He stands up with a gesture of resignation and is first to congratulate the winner, the fire-eater. 16/21
Crowd erupts with shouts and mayor presents the trophy, posing for the camera.
People start moving away but Dave’s job will be complete only with the obligatory interview of the record-breaking champion. It starts with the usual question: 17/21
People start moving away but Dave’s job will be complete only with the obligatory interview of the record-breaking champion. It starts with the usual question: 17/21
how does it feel to be the national winner for the third consecutive year? Freddy dabs his head and face with wet towel and replies he feels wonderful and thanks the organisers, sponsors, and the crowd for their support. 18/21
“Could you tell the viewers about yourself, you know, a little background information,” Dave says and asks for his full name. Freddy smiles, “Actually, my name is Phanindra Reddy but my school chums shortened it to Freddy long time ago.” 19/21
When Dave next asks him what and how much he practices, he laughs and says, “I don’t need to practice. My daily food is spicy enough.” Freddy, rather Phanindra Reddy, goes on to complete his reply that also answers Rick’s dilemma. 20/21
“You see, my mom is from Assam in India and my dad came to U.S. from Trinidad. His father migrated to Trinidad from Andhra in India” At that moment, Dave happens to glance at Rick and notices his serene smile. Dave smiles back. The End
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