http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/21/world/americas/21rodent.html?em&ex=1174795200&en=1d274943b67c7b87&ei=5087%0A
This article in NY Times talks about how capybara, reputed to be the world’s largest rodent, is a delicacy in Venezuela. I know what you are thinking – rodent and delicacy said in the same sentence; does not sound very bon bouche. I have been of the same school of thought, up until I read this write-up. It got me thinking; what will we stop at?
My brother and few of my friends proudly proclaim – ‘Sure I like animals, but dead, on my plate.’ I don’t think advocates for PETA would be blithe to hear that; these meat-lovers use such fervent statements as an expression of their love towards non-vegetarian meal. To them, this is ambrosia.
I am not being sanctimonious; I indulge in meat eating as well. However, I think of myself as more of a ‘persnickety chickentarian’. Having said that, the thought of people indulging in dog or horse meat does gross me out. I remember saying to a friend, ‘how can people eat dogs? They are so cute!’ Her response was, ‘if you eat one animal, you might as well eat all.’ She does have a point.
We all have a self-defined ‘gross factor’, that determines the kind of animals you eat, and the ones you do not. What we don’t realize is that a delicacy in one country is a pet in another. So, where do we stop? Who defines what is okay to eat? I am not proposing or disposing vegetarianism. I am confused about where and when we draw the line.
Copyright © 03.25.2007
"After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one's own relatives." - Oscar Wilde
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9 comments:
I think you already know my views on this issue. I think I shared with you the article I wrote on vegetariansim. I can e-mail you that article again, if you want.
my dear, i am shocked to read that people eat horses! that is awful...
That would be great. Thank you.
Quack, quack!!
you are right. it's hard to decide. whatever i like eat, i think is okay to eay. just because i don't eat horse emat or dog meat, i used to think it is wrong to eat them. but now i am wondering why it's okay to eat beef? just because i like it is not good enough reason. you get me thinking two cents.
Its all about maintaining the ecosystem...human beings have to consume the living things below its rung to maintain the cycle..even if it entails eating rodents or dogs.
Basically we should stop doing those things that are destructive to the environment, other creatures, and ourselves and figure out new ways of existing.
Rodents & dog! what will be stop at?
Ok... I think I just lost my appetite... though I think it's all relative. It's all about one's personal comfort level.
On a related note, the insatiable human palate is endangering certain species, such as whales... what's your take on whale meat ;-)
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