Compassion, Meat Labels, Letter to the Editor

A recent article came out about the meat label system at Whole Foods. I read it over Thanksgiving Break in the Bellingham Herald:

http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2010/11/22/1735245/selling-standards-meat-labels.html

In response, I submitted this letter to the editor:

"The article on meat labels shows that animals suffer a great deal due to humans eating them as meat.

Over 9 billion animals are killed in the United States yearly for food. This haunting number is unimaginable, and clearly not “humane” or “compassionate.”

We know that animals suffer for meat, and by imposing new welfare models we are labeling their consumption as ethically feasible. Let’s not forget that no matter what law is enforced, farm animals will be killed, an act that truly cannot be “humane” (The synonym to “humane slaughter” is “compassionate massacre.”). If suffering truly bothers us, if the notion that animals are exploited under systemic oppression makes us question what’s for dinner, then there is only one solution: to end the consumption of all animal products.

Animal liberation will not occur overnight, just like the abolition, fight for gender equality, etc. But it is us, as American consumers, who have the power to end the demand for meat over the course of our lifetimes and future generations by simply buying the “highest rated” food: that which causes no animal suffering. Otherwise, animals will continue to suffer, no matter what color sticker is put on their slaughtered remains."

I wrote this under a fury of emotions, and now that I look back on it, I wonder how effective it is. To date, it has not been put in the paper (these things generally take a week, I submitted it two days ago), so I know of no response. Did I write in a way that people will be receptive? Were my goals too lofty to the point that people might disregard them? Was my language appropriate?

My main message had to be said: meat is not humane, therefore we should not consume meat. But I wonder if this letter will impact someone. I truly hope so!

Timing

When are moments opportune to discuss eating animal products?

Today, my roommate and I were casually chatting when she mentioned to me that she would be cooking meat tonight. Her reasons were thoughtful; she didn't want to disturb me and thought giving me a fair warning would be favorable. And for that, I respect her. But, did her telling me about her dinner plans provide an opportunity to talk to her about eating meat?

Taylor, this roommate, is a smart girl. She is an Environmental Studies major, has been a vegetarian in the past, and is savvy enough that she is receptive to new ideas. At times we'll joke about how "hippie" or "open-minded" we are due to the fact that we live in a cooperative house. Ultimately, she is a fantastic candidate of someone who would change their diet.

But when is it appropriate to bring this discussion up? I am more hesitant to discuss these matters with people I live with because I would detest tension in the house due to my beliefs and dietary choices.

For example, once I arrived home today my roommate, Adrian, was baking something. I kindly asked him what he was making, and he responded "Cookies. . . Sorry, there is butter in them. . ." Me asking automatically made him feel uncomfortable that he used dairy. I immediately joked about it, telling him that I could sense how uncomfortable he was and that I wouldn't get angry over his cookies (This doesn't sound like a joke, but I assure you, it was a livelier situation than my writing proves). Then my other roommate asked how the CARE meeting went, I described it in minor detail, leaving out the fact that an omnivore attended which proved to be slightly awkward.

When I look back on these situations, and many like these, I wonder if I am closing down the conversation by not digging into my thoughts more by questioning my roommates, or if they already sense where I am coming from and perhaps do not want to get into these conversations. Finding the right time, place, and people to discuss eating animals with can be difficult, especially when they are the ones that live with you. I have a fear of upsetting others, and I do not want to jeopardize my living situation by being known as the preachy vegan. Simultaneously, I find this personal notion problematic when I think of how uncomfortable animals are in comparison to my lavish life.

I think that I will try and push myself more to graciously conduct these talks in a kind manner. It seems like the compassionate thing to do.