On Motherhood and Pizza
I must have spent much of the past week with a look of profound incredulity on my face.
Each day, as I clicked on various links in my Inbox that sent me to adorable photos of nonhuman animal mothers and their precious kids, I wondered what was going through the heads of people who eat and wear animals. After all, some of the photos were of the very animals we create solely to slaughter and then use for food or clothing when there are perfectly good alternatives that don’t involve such betrayal and killing. I wondered how the average person processes such images, whether they trigger any kind of conflict, and if they do, how that conflict is resolved, if at all.
The slide shows and photos and stories shared the common theme of motherhood. They reminded us that motherhood–and by that I don’t mean the ability to produce offspring, but the intimacy, love and bond that we associate with motherhood–isn’t a uniquely human phenomenon. (I’m not one to say females, human or otherwise, all have a maternal instinct and/or always make their children’s well being their priority, so let’s get that out of the way. There are plenty examples of atrocious parenting in the human and nonhuman worlds.)
As I looked at image after image of “animal mothers” I knew that part of my reaction was the intended one and I shared it with most people: Awww, they’re so damn cute! But here’s what I’m fairly sure that most people were also thinking that I wasn’t thinking: The way the mom and baby nuzzle and love each other seems so . . . human. And I assume that’s largely the point with the slide shows: to demonstrate that the emotions and actions we associate with motherhood can be seen throughout the nonhuman animal world. They’re so much like us!
We’ve seen an increase in the mainstream media’s attention to animals and their various characteristics since I started blogging in May of 2006. From sanctuary stories to researchers and writers like Marc Bekoff, Jonathan Balcombe and Jeffrey Masson, we’re definitely getting the message (or at least have increased exposure to the message) that humans aren’t as exceptional in many areas as we once thought or still like to believe. We’ve also noticed that we can easily identify ourselves as occupying the top position of any hierarchy as long as we define the trait in our terms. We’re the most intelligent if we define intelligence by the aspects we believe are most-developed in us (language, for instance), or at least until we look carefully enough at other species (e.g., prairie dogs and elephants). The fact is that we are one part of an enormous world of animals who are all very similar. We all have some sort of language. We have families. We build or locate homes. We love. We grieve. We play. And we even laugh. Perhaps most important, we want to live.
We’re all so much alike! We‘re so much like them!
It’s 2010 and we’ve run out of rationalizations for our behavior toward sentient nonhumans. All that’s left is that we use them because we can and because we want to.
So back to the reactions of 98% of the population. Awww, they’re so damn cute! Now what? What’s for dinner? What’s for lunch? What are your shoes made of? What lines the inside of your car? What do you put in your coffee? What happens in the mind of someone who has an emotional reaction to the image of a mother cow and her calf, and then eats a slice of pizza?
Here’s what I’ve observed:
1) They don’t make the connection. Pizza has nothing to do with cows.
2) They make a partial connection based on their knowledge that the milk we take from cows is involved in the making of cheese, but they don’t know the details. (And those details might change their mind and behavior.)
3) They’ve made the connection, but it’s not interesting to them to address it in a meaningful way. Some of these folks troll around the Internet with the sole intention of posting mean-spirited comments about how tasty animals are or how we’re at the top of some mythical food chain.
I say forget people in camp #3. I used to think sparring with them was going to get me somewhere, but in reality it’s a waste of my time. My job, if I’m concerned about the use of my time, is to connect motherhood and pizza for camps #1 and 2. For the majority of people, motherhood and pizza are separated by a colossal gap created and perpetuated by a culture that’s really no more than a system of institutionalized exploitation of humans and nonhumans for profit by the few. My job is to educate with stories like Marji’s “A Cow’s Milk Is Not Yours to Take” from last week and Deb’s “Heidi: The Cow Who Saved Herself” (she’s a “byproduct,” I suppose, of the dairy industry) and “Heidi: Reinventing Herself” from 2009, and to politely consider that camps 1 and 2, and particularly those individuals who buy only “organic” or “free-range,” spend a moment with “Milk Comes From a Grieving Mother.” If someone can understand the grave injustice of dairy and the “products” associated with it, there is hope that the rest of the story will fall into place.
Mother’s Day isn’t about honoring our human mothers only. It’s about justice and respect for mothers of all species. And fortunately there’s an easy and inexpensive way to honor mothers that comes with its very own no-cost Internet community eager to provide guidance and support, 24/7.
Go vegan for all mothers, and have a Happy Mother’s Day!
Stephanie Ernst
Marji
Kelly G.
Deb
Mary Martin
This is SO brilliant, thank you. This is powerfully written and so heart breaking….I’m sharing!
In my mind “Mother’s Day” is a tribute to all those who value life. In this way it is Vegans who have reason to celebrate!
Happy Mother’s Day to those who protect ALL Others!
Before I was vegan, I didn’t connect pizza to living, breathing, feeling cows what-so-ever. If I would have stumbled upon this website back then, I would have went vegan in a heartbeat! I really hope non-vegans check out this site because I think it would change a lot of minds. Thanks for a great post!
Can I say I am in camp 4 (or maybe 2a): I get the connection between pizza and cows, but I still am not ready to make the jump to veganism (and question the health aspects of doing so).
Morganna,
I don’t know your specific questions, but I can send you to two people who can probably address any concerns you have: Ginny Messina ( http://veggiedietitian.blogspot.com/ ) and Kerrie Saunders ( http://www.drfood.citymax.com/home.html ), author of “The Vegan Diet as Chronic Disease Prevention.” http://www.lanternbooks.com/detail.html?session=3df9f2d675bb076c6c35c0bf48165a20&id=1590560388
Thanks everyone, and I hope you had a peaceful day.
Thanks, Mary, for the links, I will check them out tomorrow when I have time. In a nutshell, I worry about B12, calcium, and protein. If you could see me, you’d know why I worry about the last 2. :) (I have almost every risk factor for osteoporosis there is, except age and I don’t smoke.) Trying not to hijack the thread, but I also worry about eating too much soy and related legumes (my mom has severe allergies to those foods, and has been told by doctors and believes it was caused by the large amounts she ingested 40 years ago when she was vegetarian on a strict budget and soy/peanut butter was cheap).
Morganna, does it make any sense to you that the universe would be organized in such a way that our species would be able to only stay alive and be healthy by harming the mothers of another species? It doesn’t to me. There is NO possible benefit in being a bane to another–either morally or emotionally or physically–in my newly enlightened concept of a normal, natural, whole and healthy universe.
Maybe you’re right Olivia, and the universe is organized in such a way that humans don’t have to eat other animals. But I do think it is organized in such a way that some animals have to eat other animals (I’m thinking wolves & lions here, just because they’re the 1st animals that come to my mind, but there are many others). I’m not sure why humans are an exception, mainly because there are no primitive humans who don’t eat meat at all.
Not every wild animal eats other animals, though. Some of the largest mammals are herbivores (elephants come to mind), and no other animals drink the milk of another species (some exceptions might be spontaneous adoptions, but by and large those are the exceptions).
I know a lot of people who wonder why the universe has been set up in such a cruel way, and I can’t really fathom it. But I do know what I can do to not be part of it, and that’s very relieving. I am grateful for it.
You’re right, humans aren’t an exception to a natural ecosystem which includes carnivorous, omnivorous, and herbivorous lifestyles. Wendy’s examples of “largest mammals” which are herbivores doesn’t make much sense as a comparison to omnivorous primates (any more than it makes sense to say that a lion or a bear or a chimp could be a strict herbivore because an elephant is). They’re adapted for vast consumption of rough herbage that our teeth and gut aren’t built to handle, it’s as simple as that.
She’s also wrong about no animals drinking the milk of another species. All carnivorous and ominvorous animals do. If you doubt this, I am sure a little quality time with Google could show you some photos of livestock predation by omnivorous animals like bears, but if you’re sensitive of heart and stomach I suggest you don’t. The difference between humans and bears is that we’re kind and clever enough to develop cooperative working relationships with these animals instead of just eating their udders (with or without killing them first). Alternatively I guess you could say that we’re clever and empathetic enough to consume their milk (allowing them to lead functionally normal lives in normal familial groups, when done ethically, no stolen babies or separated families) instead of just killing them and eating them, milk being a relatively good meat substitute for most of the population. Given the choice between eating meat or consuming ahimsa milk, ahimsa milk seems the ethical choice. I don’t eat soy for a variety of reasons, and please do not try and pick a fight with me over artificial B12 supplementation; it very simply does not work for my body, believe me I’ve tried.
I’m not really hear to troll or pick a fight, so I won’t get involved in any back-and-forth about it whatsoever, but… I just felt it important to address these points as presented by the commentary. I think there are a lot of good arguments to be made about the condition of sentient non-human animals, but these two points Wendy made aren’t good ones.
@Morganna: The universe “is also organized in a way” to have “allowed” for the evolution of empathetic sensibilities, moral agency, and so on, in some human animals. Therefore, unlike the wolf or lion, who are NOT moral agents, we do not have recourse to “it is natural” or whatever because we consider the morality of the thing, not just “well, we’ve always done it”. According to the ADA veganism is healthy at all stages of the life-cycle so what and whom we eat is a choice, open to moral criticism. The same IS NOT true with what and whom a lion eats.
At first I didn’t get the connection you were trying to make either… but that’s because to me, pizza = crust plus sauce plus veggies plus daiya vegan cheese :)
Hi Morganna, looking back on my post, I surely didn’t mean it to be flippant, nor did I mean to minimize your fears. In fact, I agree with you that humans are no different from lions and tigers. It’s just that I see ALL of us as being non-carnivorous in our true, hidden-behind-appearances nature. That’s why I envision that one day none of us, no matter what our species, will need to live off other sentient beings. Moreover, I believe this “chain of love” (the opposite of the so-called food chain) supersedes and outweighs biological imperatives.
But this must start with man humbling his pride and overcoming his arrogance. It’s up to man to be the first to lay off carnal-mindedness and the resulting carnivorism. When man learns how mentally/spiritually liberating it is–and thus natural and healthy physically, too–to live a gentle, non-harmful life that includes a plant-based diet, then I cannot imagine why the other so-called carnivores won’t follow our lead. After all, love responds to love. I think unselfish love for all is the only true, lasting power.
I know this sounds crazy, but I figure if I feel freer, happier, less fearful, more inclusive in my caring, and more in tune with the universe after having laid aside my own attachment to carnivorism, then it makes sense that anyone from any species can and one day will experience the same re-formation.
Best to you on your journey. :-)
Olivia, humans eat meat and its always going to be that way. You need to except this.
@Sue: humans rape other humans “and its always going to be that way. You need to except this.” That’s not much of an argument at all is it?
Alex said:
“@Sue: humans rape other humans “and its always going to be that way. You need to except this.” That’s not much of an argument at all is it?”
We’re not talking about rape. We are talking about killing an animal for food.
@Sue: “We’re not talking about rape.”
YOU are not talking about rape. Exactly what do you consider forceable impregantion to be?
“We are talking about killing an animal for food.”
It is an UNNECESSARY “food” – An UNNECESSARY killing. Where is your justification for stealing lives when you don’t have to?
@Sue: it is a mere logical extension of YOUR reasoning; you see you cannot simply assert a position in a vacuum and then ignore the unpleasant consequences of that position.
Hi Morganna – The only way I can explain it for me, is that our species is the only one with a choice. We are moral agents whereas the lion, bear, hawk, etc. are not. They have no choice but to kill for their survival. BUT – If a tiger could go into any grocery store and live on any food that did not require killing, but still opted for the one that did… We’d call him dangerous! A cruel, pathological monster to kill for no reason! Now, if those standards would hold for a tiger, why does it not for a human?
I understand your fears of inadequate dietary needs – But with just a bit of research you’ll see that most of them are entirely untrue. We can eat very satisfying and nutritionally sound plant based diets…
Best wishes on your journey. :)
Veganism is totally inadequate, vegetarian fares better. You have to know how to eat to be a vegan so that you make up for any nutritional inadequacies. Its hard to do. Some may last longer as vegans. Some of you may choose to ignore any health issues you may have because you are so compassionate about animals. You can have compassion without letting your health suffer. Your vegan leaders or gurus do not give you accurate information all of the time.
Sue,
You are completely incorrect. Even the very conservative American Dietary Association has concluded that “the vegan diet is healthful, nutritionally adequate and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases” and that they are appropriate for all stages of life, including pregnancy, lactation and infancy. (Here’s a recap of the latest research by the ADA http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701103002.htm ).
I’m not sure whom you are referring to when you write “Your vegan leaders and gurus” and what evidence you have of inaccurate information, but there are plenty of books and websites about nutrition and veganism. In fact, there are more than ever in addition to a no-cost Internet community available 24/7 to advise people curious about or new to veganism.
It’s not “hard to do” for me, though perhaps it is for you. It takes getting used to just like anything new. Soon it’s second nature.
Sue, obviously you’re someone who is trying to capitalize on the low-carb myth. Why not be up-front about your business of making money from the low-carb fad when you come here to act the troll?
The Mayo Clinic is also now supporting a plant based diet:
“No matter what your age or situation, a well-planned vegetarian diet can meet your nutritional needs. Even children and teenagers can do well on a plant-based diet, as can older people, and pregnant or breast-feeding women. If you’re unsure whether a vegetarian diet is right for you, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. ”
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vegetarian-diet/hq01596
As Mary Martin said – It’s just something that takes a little getting used to. The effort to learn how is certainly worth the benefits gained!
The Mayo Clinic also goes on to say: “If you follow a vegan diet, you may need to find alternatives for eggs and dairy products.” And lists the suggestions for alternative eggs and dairy… They certainly are in the Mayo Clinic’s view “replaceable” – and NOT necessary for healthy eating! :)
This is way off-topic, but I just heard about a book by a guy called John Joseph. The title is “Meat is for Pussies,” and I was hoping one of the contributors could eventually comment on this.
I am so sick of sexism being used to promote veganism, and then being told that I’m overreacting or I need to reclaim the word and get over it.
Thank you.
I do know about the book, and I might read it, or better yet ask my vegan husband to read it for me. I’m not really the target market.
Then again, he’s probably not either.
I’m assuming that, like Skinny Bitch and the language therein, the idea is to shock. And if as many people claim to love the book and go vegan as a result, great. But it’s a pretty difficult concept for me to support, based solely on the title.
I don’t think you’re overreacting, nor do I think there’s anything you need to get over.
But that’s me.
“Sue, obviously you’re someone who is trying to capitalize on the low-carb myth. Why not be up-front about your business of making money from the low-carb fad when you come here to act the troll?”
I actually haven’t got a business but I do believe in the health benefits of low-carbing. My email address has low carb in it which I need to change as it gives people the impression that I believe low carb is the only way. I believed that once but now think most prefer moderate carb.