Carnism

Do you ever actually stop and think why we eat animals, or why we eat the flesh of another living being? Furthermore, do you ever think why it is that we have become accustomed to eating certain animals, but at the same time find it repulsive to eat others (say a cat, dog, lion, bear, or hamster)? This is where the word carnism comes into play. Carnism, as defined by Dr. Melanie Joy, “is the invisible belief system, or ideology, that conditions people to eat certain animals. Carnism is essentially the opposite of veganism, as ‘carn’ means ‘flesh’ or ‘of the flesh’ and ‘ism’ refers to a belief system. Because carnism is invisible, people rarely realize that eating animals is a choice, rather than a given. In meat-eating cultures around the world, people typically don’t think about why they eat certain animals but not others, or why they eat any animals at all. But when eating animals is not a necessity, which is the case for many people in the world today, then it is a choice – and choices always stem from beliefs.”

So carnism has become the societal norm, as it is considered a given to eat animals (well specific ones at least). Maybe it’s time we just stop and think about that for a moment…thus, I present you this video:

 

It all starts with awareness, and now you are aware of what carnism is.

For all the omnivores and carnivores out there, I hope the information and perspective provided in this video makes you stop and think for just a minute about the un-living creatures you choose to consume on a daily basis, and ask yourself why it is that you don’t feel disgusted about eating a cow burger, but why you would be repulsed if it was a golden lab burger….you might just make the connection.