Why do humans feel guilty when they eat meat? We are, after all, animals, more specifically; omnivores for whom meat played a crucial role in evolution. In this chapter, Pollan explores the ethical questions that arise from meat consumption. Since our existence as a species, humans have been hunting. Many people now consider this tradition to be barbaric, regardless of the fact that nearly all hunters are on a quest for meat, not killing for sport. What’s changed? Pollan also raises the question of the different treatment received by pets and livestock. According to his book, 50 percent of dogs in America will receive a Christmas gift, while most hogs, animals that are just as or perhaps more intelligent than pigs, become the holiday ham. Personally, I don’t understand why the dog is treated as a human equivalent, when the role of the dog and pig could be easily reversed. I’ll admit this is an extreme view, and I’d never consider eating my own dog, but it’s a reasonable question.
Another portion of the chapter is dedicated to the argument that by consuming meat of other animals, humans are being speciest. The only way to overcome this distinction is to give up meat, or consume all animals equally, including humans. Assuming that the vegetarian movement wins, what then happens to domestic animals? Swine, cattle and all manner of livestock depend on meat consumption for the survival of the species. The cultural, ethical and scientific aspects of meat consumption are all examined in this chapter, raising some interesting questions.
Discussion questions:
Slaughterhouses are designed to be as clean and humane as possible. Pollan even provides an example of one that lets visitors see the killing floor. Would you prefer to see the process for yourself, or ignore the unpleasant details of processing meat?
Suppose the world stopped consuming meat. How would our bodies adapt to a plant-based diet in terms of both physical structure and chemical composition? Also, how do we utilize the land for which grazing is the only logical method of getting energy?
Check out this link:http://www.grandin.com/inc/animals.in.translation.html
You're doing a good job in your blog posts of summarizing the readings concisely, and you raise good questions as well. I noticed your link to information about Temple Grandin--were you familiar with her work before this week's reading? It's fascinating! If you haven't already heard of her, you can listen to an interview with her at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5165123 that I heard a few years ago and just stuck with me because it's just so interesting. Also, a movie has just been made about her life that happens to be playing at Cornell Cinema next Thursday, and I think Temple Grandin will actually be there to answer questions after the film. You can see more about that at http://www-cinema.slife.cornell.edu/EarlySpring10/temple_grandin.html .
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