# What is the most divisive physical thing that individuals can make? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 3, 2024, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-divisive-physical-thing-that-individuals-can-make/1005200 "2024-08-03T17:38:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 10
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2024, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-divisive-physical-thing-that-individuals-can-make/1005200/181 "2024-08-07T00:56:27Z")
This Californian\* agrees with you. Simmer to cook, then grill for the flavor. \*Mom was a Texan. ---
**Author:** ![Sylvanz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2024, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-divisive-physical-thing-that-individuals-can-make/1005200/182 "2024-08-07T01:55:50Z")
I freakin’ love my dishwasher. I’ve got 11 people living here and most of them do not clean, wash dishes, hell pick up after themselves. I literally cannot keep up with the dishes short of spending the whole day standing at the sink. This is how much I love my dishwasher: I had bought a new one about 2.5 years ago, and installed it myself; about a year or so later, I broke it in two different ways. I couldn’t find replacement parts that worked. As dishes were washed by hand, piled up, and made me anxious, I decided I’d spent almost what I would pay for a new machine, so I bought another, slightly better model, and I installed _that_ myself. You can take my dishwasher away when you pry it out of my cold dead hands. Not original but accurate. Oh, and I like ketchup and onions on my hot dog. Even ball parks are now providing ketchup packets if you want 'em. 'Bout time they got civilized. ---
**Author:** ![Sylvanz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2024, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-divisive-physical-thing-that-individuals-can-make/1005200/183 "2024-08-07T02:08:15Z")
Don’t know how I keep getting double posts. Hmmmph ---
**Author:** ![Sylvanz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2024, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-divisive-physical-thing-that-individuals-can-make/1005200/184 "2024-08-07T02:13:22Z")
“Sweet,” sweet sweet nectar. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2024, 7:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-divisive-physical-thing-that-individuals-can-make/1005200/185 "2024-08-07T07:14:31Z")
Sure but isnt that generally true of commercial _anything_ ? ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2024, 7:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-divisive-physical-thing-that-individuals-can-make/1005200/186 "2024-08-07T07:45:00Z")
Jesus H. Mahogany Christ and a Half. (I so rarely get to use that phrase, but here, it belongs.) If I want ketchup on my hot dog, then I get ketchup on my hot dog. Hell, if I want sauerkraut or yellow mustard or sweet pickle relish, nobody would care. If I want ketchup? Well, Katie bar the door and stop all engines! Stat! Seriously, a hot dog is what you make it. If you like it with ketchup, then add ketchup. If the host disagrees, well, he or she is not eating _your_ hot dog, is he or she? You are eating _your_ hot dog, so only you should determine what goes on it. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2024, 8:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-divisive-physical-thing-that-individuals-can-make/1005200/187 "2024-08-07T08:09:17Z")
Does the prohibition on ketchup on hot dogs also apply to ketchup on hamburgers? If so, why aren’t we talking about that instead? If not, why not? > [@DrDeth](#): > > It is the sugar. Catsup is just too damn sweet. I like sweet. I put sugar in my coffee, too. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2024, 10:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-divisive-physical-thing-that-individuals-can-make/1005200/188 "2024-08-07T10:31:52Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > Ketchup is just tomatoes, sugar, vinegar and spices. It really doesnt deserve the disdain it receives I’ve had house-made ketchups that were almost chutneys. ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2024, 11:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-divisive-physical-thing-that-individuals-can-make/1005200/189 "2024-08-07T11:39:51Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > Ketchup is just tomatoes, sugar, vinegar and spices. It really doesnt deserve the disdain it receives. It does because of the way it is used. It is a very sweet and powerful taste, so it basically covers up the true taste of the food one is eating. People who put ketchup on a variety of different foods are pretty much showing that their taste in food is mostly just the taste of ketchup. They say they can’t wait to try a Chicago hot dog, but then they slather it in that stuff, and it tastes like ketchup, not anything else. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2024, 11:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-divisive-physical-thing-that-individuals-can-make/1005200/190 "2024-08-07T11:46:55Z")
> [@Jasmine](#): > > They say they can’t wait to try a Chicago hot dog, but then they slather it in that stuff, and it tastes like ketchup, not anything else. There are other degrees of ketchup application besides “slather”, you know. ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2024, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-divisive-physical-thing-that-individuals-can-make/1005200/191 "2024-08-07T11:51:58Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > There are other degrees of ketchup application besides “slather”, you know. Yes, but I was on my debate team in school, and a word like “slather” has a powerful effect psychologically when one is emphasizing a point. LOL ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2024, 11:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-divisive-physical-thing-that-individuals-can-make/1005200/192 "2024-08-07T11:54:02Z")
So if I put, like, a dab of ketchup on my hamburger, am I slathering it? ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2024, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-divisive-physical-thing-that-individuals-can-make/1005200/193 "2024-08-07T11:55:16Z")
No, so I wouldn’t say anything. I might wrinkle my nose momentarily to indicate slight disapproval, though. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2024, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-divisive-physical-thing-that-individuals-can-make/1005200/194 "2024-08-07T11:56:06Z")
So you wouldn’t _say_ it, but you’d _think_ it? ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2024, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-divisive-physical-thing-that-individuals-can-make/1005200/195 "2024-08-07T11:57:43Z")
Don’t go all Orwellian on me, now. LOL ---
**Author:** ![Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/q.q.switcheroo/32/5713_2.png) [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.Q.Switcheroo)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2024, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-divisive-physical-thing-that-individuals-can-make/1005200/196 "2024-08-07T12:44:21Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > Does the prohibition on ketchup on hot dogs also apply to ketchup on hamburgers? If so, why aren’t we talking about that instead? If not, why not? The corollary to “no ketchup on hot dogs” is “no mustard on hamburgers.” > **[Hannity Attacks Obama For Putting Mustard On His Burger \[UPDATED\]](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/hannity-attacks-obama-for_n_198851)** > > Hannity Attacks Obama For Putting Mustard On His Burger \[UPDATED\] ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2024, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-divisive-physical-thing-that-individuals-can-make/1005200/197 "2024-08-07T14:07:02Z")
The part of your brain that’s lighting up when you hate on people whose different food preferences you disdain is the same part of the brain that lights up when people hate on how other people are different from themselves. It is not good to exercise that muscle. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2024, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-divisive-physical-thing-that-individuals-can-make/1005200/198 "2024-08-07T15:37:03Z")
Excellently put, Mr Eats All. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2024, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-divisive-physical-thing-that-individuals-can-make/1005200/199 "2024-08-07T17:03:42Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > Sure but isnt that generally true of commercial _anything_ ? Not 100% true IMO, for example, many mass produced mustards (picking another condiment), even store brands, are quite good. But something about ketchup especially always seems to attract the lowest common denominator. Whether it be ton of extra dyes to make crazy-colored (and presumably kid friendly) options, the aforementioned HFCS, the excessive sugar, or the minimal and bland actual spices or herbs added. I chose mustard, because many (possibly most, but I’m not that certain) people will allow any number of commercial, adequate, or of course bespoke mustards on a decent sausage-onna-bun options out there, but freak out at ketchup. And again, it’s because IMHO most ketchups that are widely available are the worst examples of the type. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2024, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-divisive-physical-thing-that-individuals-can-make/1005200/200 "2024-08-07T17:08:28Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > The part of your brain that’s lighting up when you hate on people whose different food preferences you disdain is the same part of the brain that lights up when people hate on how other people are different from themselves. It is not good to exercise that muscle Well said! I thoroughly agree, even though half of you are wrong about toilet paper over/under and toilet seat up or down. > [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](#): > > Excellently put, Mr Eats All Seconded, heartily. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-divisive-physical-thing-that-individuals-can-make/1005200.md?page=9) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-divisive-physical-thing-that-individuals-can-make/1005200.md?page=11)