KCBS Discourse Group The KCBS (Kansas City Barbeque Society) has been around since 1986, observing excellence in BBQ through judging, cooking, and volunteering. It brings people together from all over the world. In my research, I have found that KCBS is a “folocal” group, according to Swales definition from ‘Reflections on the concept of discourse groups’ “These are hybrid communities whose members have a double—and sometimes split—allegiance, as they are confronted by internal and external challenges and pressures”. Watching various competitions over the years, there’s been a common theme, the age gap. The average age of the population is 50-75 for judges and 35-55 for cooks. Of course, this isn’t a terrible thing in general, they have tons…show more content… The oaths "I solemnly swear to objectively and subjectively evaluate each Barbeque meat that is presented to my eyes, my nose, my hands and my palate. I accept my duty to be an Official KCBS Certified Judge, so that truth, justice, excellence in Barbeque and the American Way of Life may be strengthened and preserved forever." This is the oath that all judges take before we begin. It sounds a little crazy to an outsider. After you get into it for a while, it really starts making sense. This is some peoples escape, and it needs to be the best it can for everyone to enjoy. “Recognizing barbeque as America's Cuisine, the mission of the Kansas City Barbeque Society is to celebrate, teach, preserve and promote barbeque as a culinary technique, sport and art form.” (KCBS website) In my interview with Paul Buob, we went over what the oaths mean to him. “I thought it was hokey at first. Thought it was kind of cute. Its US created. Tied to roots of long-time tradition. Every region has different things. It strives to make a better barbeque.” We talked about how things can change over time, how things can be brought to a new
