I believe most people have a natural aversion to violence and cruelty, and like to think of themselves as "humane." But, at the same time, most U.S. citizens unwittingly support violence and cruelty by consuming meat, milk and egg products. Rather than thinking very much about the impacts of our food choices and the inconsistency between humane values and inhumane actions, there is a tendency for people to look the other way. We might try to deny that eating animal foods is cruel or rationalize that eating them is appropriate and necessary. But, we should question these assumptions, even if they are commonly believed. The fact that most people may engage in certain practices does not necessarily make those practices right or appropriate, as evidenced by various historical episodes.
Human beings are very social animals, and we generally adopt the habits of those around us. We learn from our families as we grow up, and our own behaviors are further supported and validated over time when they are the same as others’ behaviors. Most people growing up in the U.S. are inculcated to eat animals, and the behavior is generally considered "normal." But most of us never made a conscious choice to eat animals, nor do we give due consideration to the consequences of that choice. When vegans question whether it’s appropriate to kill and eat other animals, we may be called "crazy." Such a response has been common throughout human history as people with new ideas or critiques of long standing injustices (eg. anti-slavery abolitionists) were denigrated by defenders of the status quo. But, I agree with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who said "the arc of the universe is long, but it bends toward justice," and I believe that most people would rather act humanely. (Besides being in alignment with humane values, eating plants instead of animals also benefits our health and the environment.)
At the end of the day, we can’t control the actions of others, but we can control our own, and each of us must take responsibility for our own choices. As people begin thinking more about where their food comes from, they will move in the direction of adopting eating habits that are more consistent with their values and interests, and others will see their example and follow suit. Our thoughts and actions rub off on others, and although ignorance about irresponsible and inhumane food production practices is still too common, awareness is spreading. Just as cruelty has spread, so too can compassion. And I think kindness feels better than cruelty, and is more contagious...
