You have scrapple. We have grits. And okra. And pork rinds.
Old does not necessarily mean good. Just look at Europe for an example - France has been around forever, and look where they are.
As for the tolerance of our citizens, I refer you to http://www.funnymail.com/cgi/joke.cgi?category=cultfood&id=59046
I've been at a chili cookoff where Eastern US tourists happened to have the misfortune of visiting. The above is a joke, but it's not far from the reality.
And Frito Pie, the Texas redneck casserole!