Recently the U.S. House of Representatives gave a big “Neeeeeh” to spending money on horse-slaughterhouse inspections. In the article No More Horse Meat, the fact that two However I feel that maybe the cultures do have some backbone to the reasoning.
A big picture that may pop into your head is that of George Orwell’s Animal Farm (not looking at the historical significance) or the little pig Wilbur in Charlotte’s Web. These barnyard animals that are just walking meat in reality were given personalities in the novels. When the creatures came to the knowing that they might be butchered or sold off, there was an uprising to save them. When the animals died – many readers/watchers felt sympathetic or may have “teared-up” (I cried). We all wanted them to live a happy life as long as possible. However, like mentioned earlier – these personalities aren’t prevalent in reality. Cows just moo, and chickens just cluck. However, dogs – now dogs do have a prevalent personality. They lick, whimper, cuddle, play, and provide companionship to many. Others may view horses to have quite a soft, beautiful personality. So personality hits a nerve in our brains to cherish, not eat.
A further reason we may eat certain animals and not others may stem from the original usefulness otherwise. The entire reason horses were brought to
Also, what we eat typically tastes good to most. Supposedly, horse meat is very strained and not one slab but very fibril - and to many, not very tasty. Milk cows also typically do not taste as good as meat cows. Dog is quite revolting to some.
Some feel that we should not eat any meat at all, and some want it to rip apart every living creature and take a big bite. So, there has to be a line drawn to compromise. This is probably the main reason the House rejected spending money on horse-slaughterhouses: they are answering to many of their constituents whom desire the line to be drawn after cows. Think about it, without a boundary, we (humans) might be edible to…!
3 comments:
Heidi,
I apologize for you taking my response to be so combative. Having re-read it, I can see your point. As for calling it 'cute', it was a legitimate comment specifically in regards to your animal imagery and use of 'mooooove'. I did laugh, but I suppose that the topic surrounding it made the comment sound more sarcastic than anything. Again, my apologies.
Though the topic is specifically about horse meat, the concept behind this is the same for most of the largest issues that this country faces. Pick your topic of abortion, equal rights for varying sexualities, and even general discrimination.
There isn't a person involved with government that doesn't have SOME sort of feeling one way or another on each issue - but creating legislation on those feelings is contrary to how the government is supposed to work in the first place.
We take such great pleasure (in this country) at pointing out the flaws in the mid-east right now because they base their government(s) on Islamic faith. And yet, day in and day out, we do exactly the same thing - all the way down to much less important issues like this one.
I believe that few people in this country are capable of grasping the concept of 'fair'. If one doesn't believe eating horse is right, don't do it, but don't have the attitude that because someone else will consume it that it is now wrong - especially if you just had some choice cut of meat for lunch. (you being the general you)
I believe eating veal is wrong and thus choose not to. If enough people have that attitude, veal won't be sold here for simple economic reasons.
...people learned to value certain animals better alive than dead.
That is exactly what I meant above. People have also have learned to value certain religions, and those religions practice different beliefs.
While my point might be almost Utopian, and otherwise completely unattainable, I merely believe it's worth noting that laws should be based upon reason rather than opinion.
So going back to square one, if one can find a REASON that horses should be spared over cows, goats, chickens, rabbits, pigs, etc., I would love to hear that line of reasoning. If it's simply that to the tune of 'I like horses more', then it seems unfair to the aforementioned animals that they are not as popular with you.
PS: Why did you delete my first comment?
Nice interesting post. Have you seen "Pulp Fiction?" As Jules says, "personality goes a long way." It is interesting how we draw the line at a certain level of intelligence or personality or something arbitrary.
Hey Heidi! It's me, Jonathan! I hope you see this comment. I got your facebook message, but for some reason facebook won't let me reply, and apparently doesn't think you exist either. Anyway, just e-mail me at closetartists(at)gmail.com to confirm that I'm not talking to a different Heidi who also happens to be at UT and likes pink. In case you're wondering about how I got here, google helped. Sign up for the closet artists facebook group when you get the chance.
Thanks! ^_^
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