CarolC is correct. Can't get blackstrap in western Canada. 'Crosby's' is the brand on our shelves; haven't seen "Brer Rabbit' here.

Tomatoes are used or not. I remember the old arguments about clam chowder; New England lacks them, Manhattan uses them.

Chili has to be defined to have meaning.
Chili (mostly refers to red)
Chile verde
Chili con carne
Chili con frijoles
etc.
In New Mexico, traditionally the frijoles are prepared separately from the chili. I think this has been the subject of a thread.
But so what? Everyone has their favorite way of making it, with or without; so long as it tastes good, and is filling as it is supposed to be, who cares?