I am morally obliged to be a vegetarian because I believe non-human animals should be granted personhood since they are adequately aware of their basic needs, have the ability and complexity to exist as individuals, are conscious enough to be concerned for themselves and others and are able to survive and triumph without the interference of human beings. This means non-human animals should be granted the basic rights human beings also have like the right to be free from exploitation, cruelty, neglect, suffering, and abuse. Non-human animals should live in an environment that satisfies their basic physical and psychological needs. They should exist in their natural habitat, safe from extinction and the impact of humans. They should also have the right to be free from experimentation and research preformed by humans since they cannot consent to such treatment. Lastly, they should have their rights and interests represented in court and safeguarded by the law. This means, as a human being, I do not have the right to consume animals or use them only to benefit myself because I recognize doing so hurts more beings than it benefits.
As a vegetarian, I stand for equal treatment between human beings and non-human animals. I encourage others to recognize human superiority over other animals is called speciesism and is deemed unethical. To inflict pain and suffering unto other beings just because humans can does not mean we should. In fact, supporting vegetarianism also advocates education and awareness about the current treatment of animals in slaughterhouses, research facilities, zoos and aquariums, as companion animals, as subjects of possible extinction, and as persons capable of experiencing pain, emotions, and consciousness. I do not think anyone has to right to take the life of a living being whether he or she is a human or a non-human animal because, in the end, we are all made up of the same parts; a brain, a heart, a soul.
My question: Where do you stand on the subject?
Monday, December 13, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Book Review on Slaughterhouse: A Preview.
For my book review, I chose to read Slaughterhouse: The Shocking Story of Greed, Neglect, and Inhumane Treatment inside the U.S. Meat Industry by Gail A. Eisnitz. The author is the chief investigator for the Humane Farming Association and her book gives readers a very startling and disturbing inside look to U.S. slaughterhouses. She began her investigation at Kaplan Industries where she found, through endless interviews with staff and the public, that animals were being slaughtered fully conscious. She also visited John Morrell & Company in Iowa and Carolina Food Processors to confirm the notion that animals and the company employees are both being abused. This is the first book to explore the impact that changes such as industry consolidation, increased line speeds, and deregulation in the meatpacking industry, over the last twenty-five years, have had on workers, animals, and consumers. It is also the first time workers have spoken publically about what is really happening behind the closed doors of America’s slaughterhouses.
However, the public doesn't really know what is happening in these slaughterhouses because workers could lose their jobs if they spoke out and employers don't want to welcome the chance of receiving more standards and regulations in the slaughterhouses which would decrease profits. Animals are transported hundreds of miles in harsh conditions just so their lives could end for our desire to have meat for dinner. Eisnitz still manages to remain objective during her research and is able to describe and investigate the treatments of cows, pigs, chickens, horses, sheep, goats, and so on. Once I finished reading the book, my desire to ever eat meat again was gone because the author describes in such detail what happens to these animals through the voices of the workers and the consumers who have suffered illnesses and who even have had family members or friends die because of unhealthy conditions and carelessness in the industry.
I won't go any farther because I want to keep your interest for when I present. I do think everyone needs to read this book in order to know the truths behind the industry. Even though some of it may be hard to get through, being aware of what is happening behind our backs is enough of an incentive for me. I guarantee you will not believe what you are reading at first but the author makes sure to have enough evidence from a variety of sources as to how such an industry can control and full our country.
My question: I was wondering what views students have about the meat industry currently? When you hear the word "slaughterhouse" or the meat industry, what conditions and practices do you imagine? What do you already know?
However, the public doesn't really know what is happening in these slaughterhouses because workers could lose their jobs if they spoke out and employers don't want to welcome the chance of receiving more standards and regulations in the slaughterhouses which would decrease profits. Animals are transported hundreds of miles in harsh conditions just so their lives could end for our desire to have meat for dinner. Eisnitz still manages to remain objective during her research and is able to describe and investigate the treatments of cows, pigs, chickens, horses, sheep, goats, and so on. Once I finished reading the book, my desire to ever eat meat again was gone because the author describes in such detail what happens to these animals through the voices of the workers and the consumers who have suffered illnesses and who even have had family members or friends die because of unhealthy conditions and carelessness in the industry.
I won't go any farther because I want to keep your interest for when I present. I do think everyone needs to read this book in order to know the truths behind the industry. Even though some of it may be hard to get through, being aware of what is happening behind our backs is enough of an incentive for me. I guarantee you will not believe what you are reading at first but the author makes sure to have enough evidence from a variety of sources as to how such an industry can control and full our country.
My question: I was wondering what views students have about the meat industry currently? When you hear the word "slaughterhouse" or the meat industry, what conditions and practices do you imagine? What do you already know?
Last Response: To Nicole on Vegetarianism.
Response #23
In Nicole's blog, she responded to Becca's question about whether vegetarians ought to abstain from eating eggs and dairy products as well as the idea of red meat vegetarianism and pescatarianism. Nicole believes that if a person has their own home, buys their own food, prepares their own meals, has enough money and resources to be knowledgeable about the meat industry, and is in good health, then they should choose a vegan lifestyle and live their lives completely meat and animal product free. However, it's not so easy for a lot of people who do not have the money, the resources, the knowledge or the ability even if they wanted to. There are many types of vegetarians; those that only consume animal products but no actual meat to those that only consume chicken but no other animal to the people that just choose to not eat red meat. To be a complete vegan is tough because many products are made from animals which we do not even realize. Such a lifestyle would have to be strictly enforced and thought about on a regular basis. Nicole also stated that being anything more can an octo-lacto vegetarian on campus would be nearly impossible because of the meal plan we are forced to endure and the lack of true vegan options as well as money to buy our own food. Anyone who chooses some sort of vegetarian lifestyle is taking a step in the right direction even if they are consuming or using some animal products, according to Nicole. She then asks, "Why do you think there are so many misconceptions about vegetarianism, like that it is unhealthy or that people go through meat-withdrawals?"
I think it is because people feel threatened that they will have to change their ways so they buy into these fallacies just to convince themselves that vegetarianism is an impossible idea. People like the taste of animal flesh but they don't like to think about what it actually is. In my experiences, people advocate against vegetarianism because they see humans as natural predators who are meant to eat meat. To them, it's natural. It's something they do not think about and do not want to end. The responses I get when I tell people I am a vegetarian are that meat tastes too good, or that plants have feelings to, or our ancestors ate meat and our bodies are created to do so as well. I think it also might be because people do not generally accept what is different because they may not understand it. They might have all of these misconceptions because they never took the time to become more aware about cruelty to animals and a vegetarian lifestyle. They acknowledge whatever negative critiques they hear about because vegetarianism is not universally accepted in our society. They may also focus their opinions around what they see PETA and other extreme animal rights groups doing so their opinions are biased. People do not want vegetarians to force their beliefs on them so they stay narrow-minded and look for any reason to dismiss such a lifestyle. However, I'm not saying all omnivores are like this. I have met some people who respect my views but still enjoy meat for dinner.
Finally, I have found that when people ask me why I am a vegetarian and I respond with my own personal feelings which do not accuse or try to convince them to go vegetarian, I get respect even if they do not agree with my choice. I think it is important for everyone to be aware and educated about the meat industry, other cruelty to animals, and the abilities animals have. Only then can people truly make educated decisions whether to consume animals and animal products or not. I think the lack of education is the largest problem of the many misconceptions and negative attitude towards vegetarianism.
My final questions: Do you think children are capable of making the decision of whether to consume animals or not? Also, if children knew at a young age what they are eating once had a life, would they make the choice not to consume meat?
In Nicole's blog, she responded to Becca's question about whether vegetarians ought to abstain from eating eggs and dairy products as well as the idea of red meat vegetarianism and pescatarianism. Nicole believes that if a person has their own home, buys their own food, prepares their own meals, has enough money and resources to be knowledgeable about the meat industry, and is in good health, then they should choose a vegan lifestyle and live their lives completely meat and animal product free. However, it's not so easy for a lot of people who do not have the money, the resources, the knowledge or the ability even if they wanted to. There are many types of vegetarians; those that only consume animal products but no actual meat to those that only consume chicken but no other animal to the people that just choose to not eat red meat. To be a complete vegan is tough because many products are made from animals which we do not even realize. Such a lifestyle would have to be strictly enforced and thought about on a regular basis. Nicole also stated that being anything more can an octo-lacto vegetarian on campus would be nearly impossible because of the meal plan we are forced to endure and the lack of true vegan options as well as money to buy our own food. Anyone who chooses some sort of vegetarian lifestyle is taking a step in the right direction even if they are consuming or using some animal products, according to Nicole. She then asks, "Why do you think there are so many misconceptions about vegetarianism, like that it is unhealthy or that people go through meat-withdrawals?"
I think it is because people feel threatened that they will have to change their ways so they buy into these fallacies just to convince themselves that vegetarianism is an impossible idea. People like the taste of animal flesh but they don't like to think about what it actually is. In my experiences, people advocate against vegetarianism because they see humans as natural predators who are meant to eat meat. To them, it's natural. It's something they do not think about and do not want to end. The responses I get when I tell people I am a vegetarian are that meat tastes too good, or that plants have feelings to, or our ancestors ate meat and our bodies are created to do so as well. I think it also might be because people do not generally accept what is different because they may not understand it. They might have all of these misconceptions because they never took the time to become more aware about cruelty to animals and a vegetarian lifestyle. They acknowledge whatever negative critiques they hear about because vegetarianism is not universally accepted in our society. They may also focus their opinions around what they see PETA and other extreme animal rights groups doing so their opinions are biased. People do not want vegetarians to force their beliefs on them so they stay narrow-minded and look for any reason to dismiss such a lifestyle. However, I'm not saying all omnivores are like this. I have met some people who respect my views but still enjoy meat for dinner.
Finally, I have found that when people ask me why I am a vegetarian and I respond with my own personal feelings which do not accuse or try to convince them to go vegetarian, I get respect even if they do not agree with my choice. I think it is important for everyone to be aware and educated about the meat industry, other cruelty to animals, and the abilities animals have. Only then can people truly make educated decisions whether to consume animals and animal products or not. I think the lack of education is the largest problem of the many misconceptions and negative attitude towards vegetarianism.
My final questions: Do you think children are capable of making the decision of whether to consume animals or not? Also, if children knew at a young age what they are eating once had a life, would they make the choice not to consume meat?
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