It's not the chile, although the shot of endorphin from the chile from the
available salsas may contribute a bit. And... perhaps the accompanying beer
and occasional Tequila...

But consider this: In Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, he places recognition at
the top of the most powerful of all human needs.

We, in the US, and many other places on earth, rush through the McDonald
golden arches to get home and sit to watch our favorite show. And we shush
up any family member that dares to speak up except during commercials, when
most of the family is running to and from the ****pot. So communication
during the typical American meal is shut down in favor of TV.

OK, no problem. That's part of the culture.

Now... Mexican culture.

Mom or Dad cook up a batch of stuff, normally a wet soup followed by a dry
soup and some kind of guisado (stew) along with beans and maybe a
calabazita. At arms reach are hot tortillas to be rolled into tacos with the
guisado inside, enough salsas to pacify the most demanding taste buds, bread
and liquids.

There is no TV as the family and friends ask each other their opinion on
this or that. They share their own opinions when the time is right. They
share jokes, they share what grama did on her wedding. They get the kids to
tell of their day in school, what they think of this or that. They actually
encourage others to talk, to share ideas, to be a part of the family
community.

This is recognition. And recognition is what humans need for happiness.

Think of the absolute worst punishment for any human being in any cultu
Banishment or solitary confinement.

Now... tell me there is no real difference in American food culture and
Mexican (among many nations) that celebrate the members of their family,
their tribe.

Now... by pushing this a bit further, you can understand suicide bombers.
And gangs. And tyrants. (Suicide bombers, gangs and tyrants could not exist
without the recognition factor which makes it all happen)

Go figure.

Wayne