Meat+and+Greet


 * Student Name:** Madeline Hillas
 * Student Number:** n8596697
 * Tutor:** Judith Meiklejohn

media type="custom" key="24294992" Accessed via: [|www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFemw_6a-Tg]
 * Artefact:** "He Don't Eat No Meat" - My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

The chosen artefact is a scene from the movie ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ that addresses the misunderstandings between vegetarians and non-vegetarians and the culture of meat consumption in abundance. A family member is attempting to take their order and it is explained that Ian is a vegetarian; both the questioner and all of the extended family within hearing range meet this statement with complete bafflement and shock. They then continue with the order without addressing said vegetarianism, implying misunderstanding of the entire concept and no consideration of new viewpoints. Directed by Joel Zwick and written by Nia Vardalos, the movie was released in 2002, and depicts the continuation of customs and behaviour through generations. This scene in particular reveals incomprehension of new philosophies and lifestyles that are different from the cultural ‘norm’.

=**PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE**= The significant public health issue of increased meat consumption encompasses a multitude of factors; the debate for and against a vegetarian or vegan diet must include evidence of the ethical, environmental, health and economic aspects of meat consumption or abstention. The issue of the increasing level of meat eating in society affects economic and environmental sustainability, treatment of animals and human health. Many aspects influence and contribute to rising meat consumption levels including culture, finance and availability. The presented video exhibits the common misunderstanding of the vegetarian lifestyle and implies that culture can have a strong influence on the meat intake habits of an individual or group.

=WHAT CAN BE DRAWN FROM CURRENT LITERATURE? =

Meat consumption has increased in recent years
Rising populations result in an increased demand for meat and therefore increased production of meat. Over the last forty years, meat production has tripled ([|www.worldwatch.org], 2013). This amplified requirement prompted the 2005 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report to state: ‘In the midst of this unprecedented period of spending Earth’s natural bounty… it is time to check the accounts’ (Yates-Doerr, 2012). The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that annual meat production is expected to increase by 158 million tonnes by 2030; this would mean a rise from 218 million tonnes in 1997-1999 to a total of 376 million tonnes ([|www.who.int], 2013). The expanding urbanization of the world will influence meat production; the Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing states that urban residents consume higher amounts of meat and dairy products (AIHW, 2012). The World Health Organisation (WHO) agrees with this idea, concluding that urbanisation is 'a major driving force influencing livestock products' ([|www.who.int], 2013). WHO believes that urbanization and increased income correlates with increased consumption due to availability and the possibility of storing perishable goods. A round 1 in 20 Australians are vegetarian or mostly vegetarian ([|www.aihw.gov.au], 2013). Beef production in Australia has increased by 1% to an extreme 198,000 tonnes (see Figure 1). Cattle slaughterings are at their highest levels since 2006, having increased to 711,000 head (see Figure 2).

Growth in production due to increased demand is unmistakable. Andrew W. Speedy, from the Journal of Nutrition, states that the main factor in the level of meat consumption seems to be wealth (Speedy, A. 2003). The sustainability of such demand is questionable and alternative methods may need to be explored in the future to prevent irreversible damage to the animals, economy and environment.

**Increased Meat Consumption is detrimental to the environment**
The damaging ramifications of the ever-increasing meat demand is a global issue that affects the environment. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare believe that reducing the consumption of meat-based foods and increasing consumption of plant-based foods could assist in the reduction of detrimental environmental costs of meat production. They stress the strain meat production places on water supplies and the substantial contribution of production to greenhouse gas emissions (AIHW, 2012). The levels of meat production and livestock farming have a multitude of detrimental effects on the environment including deforestation, excess water usage and increased methane production ([|www.aihw.gov.au], 2013). Environmental reasons are often cited by many vegetarians as justification for their lifestyle choices; these include destruction of forested areas to provide space for grazing animals and their food crops, soil erosion and water pollution (Lea, E. & Worsley, A. 2003). Many believe that the demand and dependence on meat and the subsequent resources committed to satisfy this demand is a major source of environmental damage. Cow grazing in particular has a harmful effect on the environment through erosion; the loss of topsoil caused by patterns of relentless grazing and intensive land use strips the land of vegetation and their hooves compress soils resulting in a reduction in water permeation. The ground is then unprotected against heightened solar radiation, leading to amplified moisture evaporation, and the uneaten plants are at risk of dying from water shortage (Thornes, J., 2006). The high demand has lead to exploitation of water and energy supplies and domestic and foreign deforestation has threatened habitats of plant and animal species. Agriculture is responsible for 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions and leads to excessive water use and grain fed to animals that could feed humans (Thornes, J., 2006). Non-land-based farming has led to increased zoonosis and higher methane emissions due to overuse of fertilizers and pesticides. Having said this, the manure resulting from the large quantity of animals has high fertilizing value and reduces the need for imitation fertilizers. Therefore, the increased demand for meat production will detrimentally affect the environment, especially through amplified use of natural resources, deforestation and high levels of greenhouse gas emissions.

**Increased Meat Consumption is disadvantageous to health**
Meat consumption has been linked to risks including parasites present in the meat & the consumption of hormone and antibiotic additives (Lea, E. & Worsley, A. 2003). There are many arguments for a reduction or cessation of meat consumption to improve health. Vegetarians and vegans consume larger amounts of fruit and vegetables and decreased amounts of saturated fat (Ruby, Matthew. 2012.). Diets consisting mainly of plant foods are usually high in folate, antioxidants, fibre and carotenoids and contain low levels of cholesterol and saturated fat – this could lead to lower BMI and decrease in ischaemic heart disease mortality rates. Vegetarians may obtain lower blood pressure and higher fibre and Vitamin C intake; having said this, diets with little and/or no meat may increase the risk of not meeting the need for some nutrients. Vegetarians must ensure they supplement nutrients to compensate for reduced amounts of Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Zinc, Iron & Protein. The consumption of meat has beneficial health aspects when eaten in moderation and not as supplement for vegetables and other foods.

=CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ANALYSIS=

Culture and society: crucial to redressing this issue
Awareness of this issue is important to ensure the reduction of negative ramifications of the increase in meat production. Culture plays a major part in an individuals beliefs and behaviours; growing up in a family of meat eaters will generally influence an individual to believe meat eating is healthy and morally acceptable (though this is not //always// the case). Society and social 'norms' are also very influential in the structuring and maintenance of attitudes towards meat eating. Meat eating is often considered 'normal' and is utilised in many social functions e.g. barbeques. Societies attitude towards meat eating is evident in this quote from a popular show, 'The Simpsons': 'You don't win friends with salad' (see video below). media type="custom" key="24295924" Accessed via: [|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aM6xVQwIOYQ]
 * "You Don't Win Friends with Salad"**

To work towards reduction or maintenance of current meat eating levels, society must work towards altering its perception of meat consumption or providing alternative that are still seen as 'positive'. The promotion of the ethical and moral problems of meat production could affect any audience if they were previously uneducated on the environmental, ethical and health ramifications of increased meat consumption. George Schedler’s idea of ‘ethical meat eating’ has many positive points; through lowering the prevalence of meat production and therefore meat consumption, animals could be provided with more humane living situations covering smaller grazing areas; this would be both ethically beneficial and would also reduce many detrimental environmental effects including the erosion of top soil, excessive use of water, fuel and electricity and deforestation (Schedler, G. 2005.)

Social Theory
Weber's framework of thought revolved around rationalisation and the influence of religion and culture ([|www.sociology.org.uk], 2013). When looking at the issue of increased meat eating through this perspective, the high demand for meat is not rationalised as it is not necessary for such a high level of meat intake to maintain health. It is //desire// rather than //need// that drives much (but not all) of the demand increase. When looking at efficiency and control, Weber would possibly approve of the current production methods; they are indeed efficient but do not take into account the moral and ethical aspects of meat production.

Through Durkheim's view of functionalism, the issue of increased demand for meat would be a result of 'organic' cohesion; individuals all hold their own beliefs regarding meat intake (whether they are religious or personal choice)( [|http://ssr1.uchicago.edu//], 2013). These different views and ideologies prevent cohesion and each individual wants whatever they can obtain - when a large portion of an ever-growing society all wants their share of meat, it could lead to difficulties in maintaining sufficient meat production to satisfy all individuals.

Social Groups most affected by this increase
Groups such as PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and IDA (In Defence of Animals) will be greatly affected by the increase in production of meat, as this will mean more livestock being slaughtered and will most likely have detrimental affects on the living situations and treatment of animals raised for such slaughter. This morally challenging issue is a source of great upset for many people in society, but due to the demand, little has been done to combat poor treatment and mass slaughter. To make a sustainable difference and maintain any changes, a societal movement would be necessary, rather than single groups working separately.

=**ANALYSIS OF THE ARTEFACT AND YOUR OWN LEARNING REFLECTIONS **=

The artefact represents the increase in meat consumption and the misinterpretation and misunderstanding faced by many vegetarians. It is a good ‘case in point’ of the increase in meat intake as culture is a huge contributing factor in meat consumption habits of an individual. The scenario encourages viewers to question their own principles and lifestyles and consider their options rather than simply persisting with behaviours due to common cultural and societal behaviours. Personally, I believe that through education the incomprehension demonstrated in this scene could be eradicated and individuals could be empowered to make their own decisions regarding the ethical and health implications of abundant meat consumption. As one of my favourite family movies, the message in this scene encouraged me to think for myself and not simply agree with everything without question. As a result of this assessment piece, I have learnt about the abundance of negative ramifications associated with increased meat consumption. Previously uneducated in the subject of vegetarianism vs. meat eating, this assessment piece has widened my knowledge base and allowed me to make educated decisions regarding my consumption of meat. It will allow me to make informed decisions in the future.

Reflection >
 * 1) Comment on A Few Reasons Why- Transgender Rights and the Human Rights Argument : [|https://healthcultureandsociety2013.wikispaces.com/share/view/64698148]
 * 1) Comment on 'The Junkie's Prayer' - Illicit Substance Use, Criminalisation and the Overlooked Cycle : [|http://healthcultureandsociety2013.wikispaces.com/share/view/64698322]

ABS, 2013. Livestock and Meat, Australia, Aug 2013. Accessed via: [|www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/7218.0.55.001]
 * References: **

AIHW. 2012. Australias Food & Nutrition, 2012. Accessed via: [|www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=10737422837]

AIHW. 2013. From Paddock To Plate: A new take on food and nutrition. Accessed via: [|www.aihw.gov.au/access/201211/from-paddock-to-plate.html]

Youtube, 2013. “He Don’t Eat No Meat” – My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Accessed via: [|www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFemw_6a-Tg]

IMDb. 2013. My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Accessed via: [|www.imdb.com/title/tt0259446/?ref_=nv_sr_1]

Lea, E., & Worsley, A. (2003). Benefits and barriers to the consumption of a vegetarian diet in australia. Public Health Nutrition, 6(5), 505-11. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1079/PHN2002452

Ruby, M. Vegetarianism. A blossoming field of study. Appetite, Volume 58, Issue 1, February 2012, Pages 141–150. A ccessed via: []

Sociology Org. Social Inequality Theories – Weber. 2013. Sociology. Accessed via: [|www.sociology.org.uk/siweber.pdf]

Speedy, A. Global Production and Consumption of Animal Source Foods. The Journal of Nutrition. Accessed via: []

THORNES, J. B. (2007). Modelling Soil Erosion by Grazing: Recent Developments and New Approaches. Geographical Research, 45(1), 13-26. doi:10.1111/j.1745-5871.2007.00426.x

UCHICAGO. Emile Durkheim on the divison of labour in society. 2013. Accessed via: []

Vegetarianism. MedlinePlus. National Library of Medicine – National Institutes of Health 2013-09-2. Accessed via: [|www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002465.htm].

WHO. Availability and changes in consumption of animal products. 2013. Accessed via: [|www.who.int/nutrition/topics/3_foodconsumption/en/index4.html]

WorldWatch Institute. 2013. Global Meat Production and Consumption Continue to Rise. Accessed via: [|www.worldwatch.org/global-meat-production-and-consumption-continue-rise-1]

Yates-Doerr, E. (2012). Meeting the demand for meat?. //Anthropology Today//, //28//(1), 11-15. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8322.2012.00849.x