Elizabeth St. Clair | CAS 138T 2017 | Civic Issues Blog
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Human-Animal Bond: The Consumption of Meat
The human animal bond is a complex relationship that has evolved with humans for thousands of years. Dogs became human's companion over 15,000 years ago and livestock production allowed the first colonists to survive and eventually prosper in the New World. On a simplistic level, we would not be who we are today as a human race without this pivitol interaction with animals. However, times have changed, and there are advanced ethical questions that need to be answered regarding this relationship. Should we even eat meat? Should animals even be kept as pets? Is the value of an animal life the same as a human?
Each blog post will tackle one of these multi-faceted questions with the goal not to find a complete solution, but to present all sides of the issue, and allow you to draw a conclusion, all the while I offer my thoughts as well. This week, the focus is on consuming meat. Is it ethical? Is it sustainable? Should we eat continue to eat meat?
According to National Geographic, our ancestors have been consuming meat for at least 2.5 million years, directly shaping our evolution to have smaller jaws, larger teeth, and a tolerance for a higher fat diet. It is this ecological niche that has allowed the human race to succeed. But it is important to note that today's society is different. We don't need to consume meat anymore to survive, we are no longer competing in the forest for food, and we have the capabilities to produce enough food to sustain the current population without the need to kill animals. So why do we continue to consume meat? Simply put, it is a luxury and we like the taste of it.
We need to ask ourselves if the positive aspects from eating meat today are worth the downfalls of meat production. An article in Scientific American discusses a sharp increase in demand for meat created a rapidly expanding meat industry with mass-scale production farms. The development of factory farms has led to stressful conditions for animals that compromise their welfare. Animals are crammed into windowless sheds for their short life, and eventually killed and sent to market. Is it ethical to keep animals in such conditions for meal? Is our happiness in our diet worth the production issues? Most importantly, is the current treatment of production animals morally sound?
If you believe that livestock systems treat animals justly, then you must consider if it is sustainable to continue to consume animal products. From an energy perspective, it is more eco-friendly to eat plant-based diets rather than consuming meat. When raising cattle, only 10% of the energy from the grain they consume is passed on to the person when someone eats the meat from the cow. That means 90% of the energy is lost. Therefore, if humans ate from the first level of production (i.e. grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts), no energy would be lost and we would still be able to maintain a balanced diet. Not only is this better for the sustainability of the environment, but more food would be available to help impoverished nations. This video discusses the many benefits on the environment if the entire world went vegetarian.
There is research that suggests that a diet without meat is actually healthier than consuming one with meat. Eating meat increases cardiovascular stress, and according to a study highlighted in the video to the right, it could lower life expectancy by 4-5 years.
Overall, my research seems to indicate resoundingly that we should not eat meat. Not only does it subject animals to suffering and death, but it is more sustainable to switch to a vegetarian diet. Furthermore, I would be healthier and even possibly live longer as a vegetarian. But why don't I? Personally, I love to consume hamburgers, ribs, and grilled chicken and don't think I can get enough protein in my diet from sources that I would enjoy without meat. It is about convenience. Is it selfish of me to put my own taste preferences over the suffering of an animal, feeding more humans, and preserving the environment? Where do you stand?
I personally agree with you that there are some serious flaws in the meat industry and that the animals should be treated more humanely, but I think that it's okay for people to eat meat. Although humans don't exactly need meat to survive, it is an excellent source of protein and can definitely enhance a diet. I don't have a problem with humans eating meat, but I think that the meat industry should definitely change some of their practices and be more regulated when it comes to the treatment of animals.
Personally, I went vegeterian 3 years ago becuase I was not comfortable with the idea of animals dying for me to eat when I could just eat, well not animals. I am going to began transitioning to vegan next year because this issue means a lot to me. But i think it is a personal choice. Plus there is a lot you can do to still help animals without quitting meat consumption. For example you can stop buying leather or fur goods. I'm excited to read more blog posts from you! I love this topic!
The question of the ethics of eating meat is definitely difficult to answer. There are ways to obtain enough protein and healthy fat through non-meat sources, but in today's world it is extremely expensive and far more inconvenient to eat in the most "oraganic, healthy, sustainable" etc. way.
I think the treatment of livestock aniamsl to produce meat is a major factor is deciding whether or not meat should be eaten. It's interesting to know that eating meat can lower life expectancy.
Hey Lizzy! I got a big kick out of your saying, "[meat]is a luxury and we like the taste of it." That's so true, and you're so right. The pictures you used in this post really pack a punch, I'll tell you that. They work so well with what you've written about, and add a lot of effect to your words. I'm a meat eater, too, and although I continue and continue to eat it, I always feel a bit guilty. My mom is vegan and my older sister is vegetarian. I've been thinking that one of these days I'll make that switch myself, from meat to no meat. Great post!
Although I love animals and it's sad to think of a little cow being killed, I like meat too much. Eating meat is just a natural thing for us humans, just like it is for a lion or other wild animal. I would much rather eat chicken and beef as opposed to whey and soy protien. And while beef may not be the healthiest, the good old chicken offers a ton of health beneifts with extremely low fat. I think it is foolish thought to ever ponder the idea of us not eating meat. This was a very engaging and well presented post!
I couldn't imagine myself as a vegetarian, even though I see the ethical issues with the meat industry, production, and health detriments. I think you tackled all the relevent sectors of this problem, and have a personable tone. Good job!
Your blog is sonderfully written, and extreemely thought provoking. I'm sitting here wondering if I should be vegatarian. I think you presented the viewpoints in a way that really allows discussion. Great job!
I personally agree with you that there are some serious flaws in the meat industry and that the animals should be treated more humanely, but I think that it's okay for people to eat meat. Although humans don't exactly need meat to survive, it is an excellent source of protein and can definitely enhance a diet. I don't have a problem with humans eating meat, but I think that the meat industry should definitely change some of their practices and be more regulated when it comes to the treatment of animals.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I went vegeterian 3 years ago becuase I was not comfortable with the idea of animals dying for me to eat when I could just eat, well not animals. I am going to began transitioning to vegan next year because this issue means a lot to me. But i think it is a personal choice. Plus there is a lot you can do to still help animals without quitting meat consumption. For example you can stop buying leather or fur goods. I'm excited to read more blog posts from you! I love this topic!
ReplyDeleteThe question of the ethics of eating meat is definitely difficult to answer. There are ways to obtain enough protein and healthy fat through non-meat sources, but in today's world it is extremely expensive and far more inconvenient to eat in the most "oraganic, healthy, sustainable" etc. way.
ReplyDeleteI think the treatment of livestock aniamsl to produce meat is a major factor is deciding whether or not meat should be eaten. It's interesting to know that eating meat can lower life expectancy.
ReplyDeleteHey Lizzy! I got a big kick out of your saying, "[meat]is a luxury and we like the taste of it." That's so true, and you're so right. The pictures you used in this post really pack a punch, I'll tell you that. They work so well with what you've written about, and add a lot of effect to your words. I'm a meat eater, too, and although I continue and continue to eat it, I always feel a bit guilty. My mom is vegan and my older sister is vegetarian. I've been thinking that one of these days I'll make that switch myself, from meat to no meat. Great post!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I love animals and it's sad to think of a little cow being killed, I like meat too much. Eating meat is just a natural thing for us humans, just like it is for a lion or other wild animal. I would much rather eat chicken and beef as opposed to whey and soy protien. And while beef may not be the healthiest, the good old chicken offers a ton of health beneifts with extremely low fat. I think it is foolish thought to ever ponder the idea of us not eating meat. This was a very engaging and well presented post!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't imagine myself as a vegetarian, even though I see the ethical issues with the meat industry, production, and health detriments. I think you tackled all the relevent sectors of this problem, and have a personable tone. Good job!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is sonderfully written, and extreemely thought provoking. I'm sitting here wondering if I should be vegatarian. I think you presented the viewpoints in a way that really allows discussion. Great job!
ReplyDelete