Why Go Plant-Based? Debunking Common Justifications and the Tragedy Behind Animal Farming
Do you ever find yourself questioning the reasons behind dietary restrictions? The prohibition of pork among Muslims and the Jewish abstention due to anatomical reasons have long been debated. However, these justifications, whether accurate or backed by history, are often overshadowed by the larger ethical and humanitarian issues associated with modern animal farming.
The Misconceptions and Justifications Around Pork Prohibition
The idea that Muslims abstain from pork because it is considered unclean, and Jews refrain from it due to the absence of succulent cloven hooves or a split lower jaw, can seem quite amusing from a modern standpoint. In reality, these justifications are more like convenient explanations that have endured through the ages. The most plausible explanation, as suggested by research and historical insights, is that the prohibition was primarily a measure to protect against disease, given the high prevalence of disease-carrying bacteria in improperly handled pork. This practice likely originated in hot climates where rapid spoilage and therefore disease transmission were more common.
But does justifying dietary restrictions really hold water? The answer is not for those who inhabit a moral universe different from your own to decide. The essence is rooted in personal and communal beliefs, rather than objective justification. There is no moral high ground when it comes to food preferences if you enjoy the flavor and essence of grilled pork ribs.
The Ethical Horror of Factory Farming and the Intelligence of Animals
The humanitarian challenges and primary ethical consideration arise from the treatment of animals in modern industrialized farming. For example, pigs, often hailed as intelligent and affectionate, face brutal conditions. They are compared to dogs but with a higher level of intelligence, and capable of creativity and complex emotions. They can paint (think of Google’s Pigcasso), be house-trained, and emotionally bond, exhibiting intrinsic intelligence and a deep sense of empathy when their families are killed. They are aware of what is happening to them at every stage of their miserable lives, and should not be considered as mere products of a factory.
The lives of these pigs are marked by unimaginable cruelty from the moment of birth. Ninety-eight percent of the animal products sold in supermarkets are from four major corporations. Unlike pets, animals used for food are not afforded the same legal protections under animal cruelty laws. It is a harsh reality that, at just two days old, these creatures endure painful procedures such as castration, clipping of teeth, and tail cutting without any anesthesia or medicines to alleviate suffering. These procedures are designed to prevent the pigs from biting each other's tails in stressful and crowded conditions. However, the living conditions amplify this anguish, as their large concrete pens are lined with grates where their excrement is collected, causing constant ammonia exposure and eye irritation.
Their only glimpse of natural surroundings and comfort is on the way to the slaughterhouse, where they are deprived of sunlight, fresh air, and any semblance of a natural life.
The Red Flags of the AG-Gag Laws and Ethical Alternatives
The dark realities of these operations are hidden behind so-called AG-Gag Laws, which legally prevent the public from knowing the true conditions on these farms and slaughterhouses. Filming and sharing these grim realities must be met with legal punishment, perpetuating secrecy and avoidance of accountability. It is time to shine a light on the atrocities, promoting transparency and ethical treatment of animals.
While the transition to a plant-based diet might seem daunting or strange at first, it is far from impossible. Adapting to a plant-based lifestyle is simpler and more common than ever. There are millions of people on social media sharing their experiences and offering help. Plant-based swaps for your favorite foods are available, making the transition seamless.
The ethical justification for not consuming animal products in today's era is clearer than ever. With the vast majority of our food coming from factory farms, we are complicit in perpetuating cruelty and environmental damage. Embracing a plant-based diet is not just a personal choice but a collective responsibility towards creating a kinder and more sustainable world. God bless you on your journey to a compassionate and informed lifestyle.