Food+for+Thought

**Student:** Jessica Wong - n8847517 **Tutor:** Michelle Cornwell

** Artefact ** media type="custom" key="24135756" Video 1 - Luiz Antonio - A argumentação para não comer polvo (Cavalcanti, 2013). //***NOTE: If not translated, English captions available in top left hand corner of video under title or in this automatic captioned version:**// //**[]**//  The presented video is entitled //A argumentação para não comer polvo// translated as //The argument for not eating octopus// which went viral in early 2013 for its ability to give new-found determination to current and convert vegetarians.In this artefact, the Brazilian toddler named Luiz Antonio is urged by his Mother to eat his octopus gnocchi prompting a discussion into the origins of his lunch. The dialogue is frequented with questions as he seeks a deeper understanding for the consumption of animals, displaying a bittersweet naivety. Eventually, Luiz comes to the realisation that animals die for the sake of human consumption and justifies against his participation in stating that “Animals are for us to take care, not to eat them.”

** Public Health Issue **  The controversy surrounding meat consumption is one that has sparked countless debates over the ethics and philosophy of the omnivorous diet. As a moral concept, the murder of animals, as is the murder of humans, considered wrong for many of us. Why then do we continue to dine on them despite the pain they endure? Meat consumption is more than just a moral argument; it encompasses the ecological sustainability, human health implications, and food insecurity. In viewing the presented video, it provides a perspective for the vegetarian argument of this public health issue through the wisdom of Luiz Antonio.

**Literature Review **  Consumption of meat has always been a primitive survival mechanism in the omnivorous nature of humans. Traditionally, slaughter was only practiced for the sake of religious sacrifice or consumption but since the onset of the factory farming revolution, meat production has quadrupled from 71 million tonnes to more than 290 million tonnes as of 2011 (Table 1) (Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, 2011).

In Australia alone, livestock and meat production has grown rapidly over the years with the most recent monthly data as shown in Tables 2 and 3 below:



This collection of data is based on monthly abattoir, major butchers and small slaughtering establishments adjusted for seasonal variations (ABS, 2013). The corresponding Graphs 1 and 2 illustrate the highest slaughtered and produced animals, i.e. Lamb and Beef respectively.



Evidently, the increasing production and slaughter over recent years is indicative of a strong demand for Australian produced meat. As a result of mass production, Australian legislation now classifies animals as assets, treated as though commodities on a production line (Voiceless, 2013). A newspoll phone survey titled ‘A Pound of Flesh’ was conducted within the period of 21-23 August, 2009 by Newspoll Sydney for The Vegetarian/Vegan Society of Queensland Incorporated (VVSQ) across a random representative sample of 1202 respondents. The survey was intended to investigate the number of vegetarian and vegans in Australia as well as their attitudes towards animals in terms of consumption and purchase of animal based products. Subjects undertook as series of demographic and survey questions that complied with ISO 20252 – Market, Social and Opinion Research standards administered by fully qualified interviewers. The results were then weighted against demographic data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics to reflect population distribution (VVSQ, 2010). When aligning these mutual perspectives with these consumption statistics, what was revealed was a mismatch of beliefs against practices. It was found that although 99% of Australians were against animal cruelty, 98% consumed an omnivorous diet. Of the remaining subjects, 2% consumed a proper habitual vegetarian diet whilst only one person could be classified as vegan (VVSQ, 2010; Vegan Victoria, 2011). Theoretically, if one should oppose to the cruelty and exploitation of animals then a moral onus is placed upon them for the humane care and treatment of these beings. A vegetarian or vegan diet should be adopted in exhibition of their beliefs to support the humane treatment of animals. Renowned bioethicist and animal welfare activist Peter Singer conceptualises vegetarianism as a “form of boycott” (Singer, 2002, pp. 28-29) rationalising with the basic economic principles of demand and supply. Not only does is this possible, it is practical, affordable and non-violent protest for instance, there is a “direct correlation between the price of poultry and the number of chickens placed in broiler sheds” (Singer, 2002, p.164) such that if there is less demand for meat, there would be less supply and subsequently, less cruelty towards animals. Singer then continues to argue the case of a meat-free diet as the most sustainable solution for the environment, and for human health. When demand for meat is high, mass production processes confine animals such as cattle and sheep into feedlots that restrict movement and grazing. These are often man-made divisions on a large plot of land that require constant monitoring of densities for the reduction of foot problems, to name a few (RSPCA, 2012). In early 2013, an American photographer Mishka Henner stumbled across google satellite images of feedlots in Texas that revealed giant waste lagoons connected to the waterways of existing feedlots and factory farms likened to a “bleeding earth” (Henner, 2013). These cesspools span seven football fields filled with harmful microbes, and gases to both animals and humans (Natural Resources Defence Council, 2001). High levels of nitrates, faecal matter, and bacteria seep through the land into groundwater contaminating community drinking water that has been linked to spontaneous abortions and high mortality rates in infants (NRDC, 2013). Poisoning from food borne bacteria such as Salmonella, E.coli and Listeriosis has also emerged as a veterinary public health issue across the world due (Animal Production and Health Division, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations Agricultural Department, 2002, p. 24). This is likely the result of poor conditions on farms, unsterile production methods, and a lack of proper waste management.



To accommodate for the increasing illness of livestock and promotion of growth, antibiotics is frequently placed in livestock feed, giving rise to antibiotics resistance and consequently, outbreaks of cross-contaminable diseases detrimental to humans such as: SARS, mad cow disease, bird flu, and swine flu (NRDC, 2013 ; PETA, 2013). Like humans, animals have nutritional requirements for living and breathing. Paradoxically, the amount of food produced for these requirements is more than enough to feed the millions of people in poverty (Thornton, 2010). According to Singer (2002, pp. 32-33), 21 pounds (approximately 9.5kg) of protein from is required to feed a calf in order to produce one pound (approximately 0.5kg) of animal protein. Even then, these protein investments may not fully contribute to the return desired where protein is required for bones and cell growth Thus, the edible portions of animal protein available to consume gives less than a 5% return compared to readily available protein of non-meat products (Singer, 2002, pp. 32-33).  In a perfect world, cultivation of crops for human consumption would rid the world of food insecurity and animal cruelty. Although it may seem far-fetched, choosing to become vegetarian would be the most practical form of boycott in a step towards equality and animal liberation. To put it simply, meat consumption is more than just a moral argument; it encompasses the ecological sustainability, human health implications, and food insecurity.

 Vegetarianism or lacto-ovo vegetarianism and veganism, as conceptual paradigms (Price & Hawkins, 2007), respectively define the conscious abstinence from meat consumption and “actions which contribute, directly or indirectly, to the su ﬀ ering of sentient beings, be they animals or humans, for ethical reasons” (Dominick, 1997). Upholding these beliefs and values are often for the sake of animal welfare, religious, and/or nutritional concerns but is ultimately dependent on personal choice.  In today’s society, vegetarian and vegan diets are considered abnormal with regards to the omnivorous nature of humans (Lindquist, 2013, p. 2). Within chapter 14 of “Embodied Resistance: Challenging the Norms, Breaking the Rules”, associates concepts of vegan and vegetarianism to social theorist - Emile Durkhiem’s theory of functionalism as a mechanic social consensus (Kwan & Roth, 2011). Here Kwan and Roth (2011) establish the ideology of a “negative cult” where meat is considered a contaminant in vegetarian foods and similarly in vegan diets.  Eating meat has only become an issue in recent years due to cruel factory farming practices that prompted some to re-evaluate their diets in order to boycott this immorality. Max Weber’s four dimensions of McDonaldisation: efficiency, predictability, calculability and control form the basis of factory farming that has made meat-intensive fast food industries such a success (Smart, 1999). As meat-based products became more competitive on the market, vegetable prices inflated to accommodate for these changes (Kwon & Roth, 2011). Often, this means that those in lower socio-economic circumstances must forgo purchase of vegetables and fruit leading to greater likelihood of chronic disease from the high cholesterol and fat content of fast food such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and even cancer (Whitney, Rolfes, Crowe, Cameron-Smith, & Walsh, 2014, pp. 245-246 ; PETA, 2013). Clearly as current statistics show, increasing rates of these diseases are indicative of greater meat demand (Powell, 2009).  Although vegetarianism and veganism are practical forms of boycott, many people are unaware of their purpose and unsure about the financial aspects of converting. As found in “A Pound of Flesh”, 36% of the 56% surveyed said that evidence and education into the cruelty of factory farming practices would persuade them to convert (VVSQ. 2010). Many also agreed that greater publicity of vegan menus and cheaper prices would encourage their conversion.
 * Cultural and Social Analysis **

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;">In 2001, The International Coalition for Animal Welfare (ICFAW) amalgamated non-government welfare organisations at the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) of which world distribution of OIE-collaborating centres are pictured above (ICFAW, n.d.). These include major welfare groups such as the RSPCA, WSPA, Animal Welfare Institute, Compassion, Humane society and many more (ICFAW, n.d.). Regardless of age, gender, race, and socio-economic status, knowledge about food and the underlying production processes is imperative as every person plays a role as a consumer. The focus now for public health experts and animal welfare groups is to educate those unaware of the cruelty behind factory farming and protest for the rights of animal.


 * <span style="color: #943634; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Artefact Analysis and Self-Reflection **

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;">In its spontaneity (i.e. not staged), the artefact presented depicts the true values that the child holds and believes is righteous not only in himself but in the world. Ironically, it the juxtaposition of his naivety and innocence with the maturity of his knowledge delivers a powerful message to viewers. It incites a re-evaluation of our beliefs and values, pressing a moral onus on our behalf for the proper care and treatment of animals. In his justification, his Mother is touched by his actions and undoubtedly changed in her perspectives. Like many of us, she knows the immoral implications of meat consumption but has been oblivious to a vegetarian’s perspective until now.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;">Although I had prior education in the cultivation of meat, I viewed vegetarianism as an expensive and inconvenient way of life, and had never seriously considered converting. From my analysis of this assessment piece, I have gained greater knowledge of the hidden truth behind the meat industry and the effects of meat consumption to the ecology, human health and food insecurity. As a result, I have become more inclined to avoid meat consumption and partake in a vegetarian and even vegan lifestyle in the boycott of animal cruelty.


 * <span style="color: #943634; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Reflection **
 * Discussion on Lady Justice: []
 * Discussion on Battery Hens - A different perspective: []

**<span style="color: #943634; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Reference List ** <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.5;">Animal Health Information Department, World Organisation for Animal Health. (2012). //<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.5;">World distribution of the OIE-Collaborating Centres 2012 //<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.5;"> [Figure]. Retrieved from OIE Map of Collaborating Centres, http://www.oie.int/en/our-scientific-expertise/collaborating-centres/map/

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Animal Production and Health Division, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations Agriculture Department. (2002). //Improved animal health for poverty reduction and sustainable livelihoods// (153). Retrieved from FAO Agriculture Department website http://ilri.org/infoserv/Webpub/fulldocs/InvestAnim/Book1/media/PDF_Appendix/Appendix4.pdf

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2013). //7218.0.55.001 - Livestock and Meat, Australia, Aug 2013.// Retrieved from http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/7218.0.55.001

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2013).7218.0.55.001 - Livestock and Meat, Australia, Aug 2013: Explanatory notes. Retrieved from http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/7218.0.55.001Explanatory%20Notes1Aug%202013?OpenDocument

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Cavalcanti, F. (2013, May 15). //Luiz Antonio - A argumentação para não comer polvo// [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX4O6smZrLE

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Dominick, B. A. (1997). Animal Liberation and Social Revolution : <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">a vegan perspective on anarchism or an anarchist perspective on veganism, with a preface by Joseph M. Smith. Retrieved from http://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/brian-a-dominick-animal-liberation-and-social-revolution.pdf

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">International Coalition for Animal Welfare. (n.d.) //ICFAW: Representing global animal welfare organisations at the OIE.// Retrieved from http://icfaw.org/index.html

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Kwan, S., & Roth, L. M. (2011). The Everyday Resistance of Vegetarianism. In C. Bobel & S. Kwan (Eds.). //Embodied Resistance: Challenging the Norms, Breaking the Rules// (pp. 186-196). Nashville, TN: Vanderbilt University Press.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Lindquist, A. (2013). //Beyond Hippies and Rabbit Food: The Social Effects of Vegetarianism and Veganism// (Thesis)//.// University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. (2011). //Total World Meat production: Selected data from 1961 – 2011// [Data file]. Available from FAO Statistics Division, http://faostat.fao.org/site/569/DesktopDefault.aspx?PageID=569#ancor

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Henner, M. (2013). //Feedlots// [Images]//.// Retrieved October 26, 2013 from http://www.mishkahenner.com/Feedlots

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Natural Resources Defence Council. (2001). //Cesspools of Shame.// Retrieved from http://www.nrdc.org/water/pollution/cesspools/cessinx.asp

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Natural Resources Defence Council. (2013). //Pollution from Giant Livestock Farms Threatens Public Health.// Retrieved from http://www.nrdc.org/water/pollution/nspills.asp

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">People for Ethical Treatment of Animals. ( <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">2013 <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">, <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Apr <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">il 12). //<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Official "Glass Walls" Video by Paul McCartney //<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">[Video file]. Retrieved from <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql8xkSYvwJs

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Powell, L. M. (2009). Fast food costs and adolescent body mass index: Evidence from panel data. //Journal of Health Economics, 28// (2009), 963-970. doi:10.1016/j.jhealeco.2009.06.009

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Prince, N. L., and Hawkins, K. (2007). A Conceptual Framework for the Social Analysis of Reproductive Health. //Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 25// (1), 24-36. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/journals/780/

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">RSPCA. (2012). What are the animal welfare issues associated with feedlots? Retrieved from http://kb.rspca.org.au/What-are-the-animal-welfare-issues-associated-with-feedlots_120.html

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Singer, P. (2002). Animal Liberation and Vegetarianism. In Pence, G. E. (Ed.), //The ethics of food: a reader for the twenty-first century// (pp.26-70). Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Smart, B. (1999). //Resisting McDonaldization.// University of Portsmouth, UK: SAGE Publications Ltd. The Vegetarian/Vegan Society of Queensland Incorporated. (2010). A Pound of Flesh. Retrieved from http://www.scribd.com/doc/26880337/APF-VVSQ

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Thornton, P. K. (2010). Livestock production: recent trends, future prospects. //Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological, 365,// 2853-2867. doi:10.1098/rstb.2010.0134

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Vegetarian Victoria. (2011) Going Vegetarian: Statistics on Vegetarianism. Retrieved October 5, 2013, from http://www.vegetarianvictoria.org.au/going-vegetarian/statistics-on-vegetarianism.html

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Voiceless. (2013). Factory Farming. Retrieved October 26, 2013 from http://www.voiceless.org.au/the-issues/factory-farming

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Whitney, E., Rolfes, S. R., Crowe, T., Cameron-Smith, D., & Walsh, A. (2014). //Understanding Nutrition: Australian and New Zealand Edition// (2nd ed.). South Melbourne, Vic.: Cengage Learning Australia