"Animals are Mere Machines?"

"An Animals Place" by Micheal Pollan reaches the sad yet truthful relationship humans have with animals. Not a pet dog, but truly animals. The pig at the farm. Pollan used the analogy of half of American's dog population will receive Christmas presents, however little consider the life of a pig, an equally intelligent animal. There has become a disconnect with animals that provide us nourishment. It's assumed our meat comes for the grocery store rather than a farm. When this disconnect is present it takes away any sense of emotion that could be tied to animal welfare.

Pollan goes on acknowledging our countries that have taken on animal rights first hand. Europe, Germany in particular has granted animals a constitutional right. England banned farming animals for fur. The European progression is vast. Though it takes America more time to adapt to change, we are transforming. Pollan mentions McDonalds and Burger King improving the US Meat Industry. Food Inc also mentions this when they are discussing organics with the Wal-Mart buyers. If the demand is there, businesses will seek to meet it. It may take awhile, but it's going to happen.

Pollan later goes on discussing the concept of Animal Liberation. This topic appeals to me in a very interesting way. Probably because I am not so sure what my stance is. " The very existence of predation–animals eating animals." I have never actually thought of this when considering going vegetarian or vegan. I was vegan for approximately 6 months. My reasoning for this was primarily a healthier diet and after reading a book called, Skinny Bitch. Similar to Pollan it discussed animal rights and health aspects of a vegan diet. Anyhow, animals were designed when in their natural state to survive and thrive which leads to eating other animals-- "the intrinsic evil in nature’s design." It is a messed up thought being designed to eat another being, but it's nature; I don't think I could ever argue altering natures natural path, the ecological role.

One concept I learned from a philosopher at a young age was that the difference between humans and animals is that we have the ability to reason. I have interpreted this as, we humans have an obligation to not only thrive but to allow others to thrive as well. Allow nature to thrive. Allow animals to thrive. In order to do this ethics and humanity play a huge role. In order to create a much more coherent universe we need to consider our emotions and the emotions of other beings, such as animals. It's important to treat a pig well, because a pig's emotional state affects it's health. Health can be linked to a lot of different aspects within a pigs body, but when it does come time to consume this meat, who wants to eat a depressed pig that was treated awfully and lived in a dark and dirty factory. I will always choose to eat a pig that lived a happy life. Happiness is key, and it's our duty and humans that have the ability to reason, to do our part and protect those that don't have a voice.