Tell me how it is justifiable to eat meat?

Question

I am told that I don't understand meat-eaters perspectives (I'm a vegan). I have heard all the arguments and never found them reasonable or justified-how can eating an animal that feels pain be okay when it can be prevented?
So here I am, trying to be more "open-minded". I will try to understand, but don't expect much. The best answer will get 10 points if there is a best answer...

Answer 1

I'm a vegan, and I've heard all the uneducated comments about how bad it is to not eat meat, that we HAVE to eat meat to survive, that we will need to take protein pills (which don't exist... so what do these people really know anyway?) if we don't eat animals.

But I've never heard one good justification for eating meat, otherwise I would have less conversations that sound like this:

Joe: Meat is good

Me: Why

Joe: it's got protein

Me: name something without protein

Joe: Uh, meat isn't bad

Me: What about cholesterol and high fat content? Parasites and carcinogens? The pain of the animal?(if they are capable of empathy)

Joe: There's no proof of that

Me: Only scientific studies that link high cholesterol and fat intake to heart disease and kidney failure. Also it's true, the animals are killed before you eat them.

Joe: But it says here at MeatisGood.Beef.com that's not true

Me: it's funded by the beef industry, it says so on the front page

Joe: You're a vegan-nazi

Me: a what?

Joe: you're forcing your views on me!

Me: Ah, you started the whole conversation, and is discussion bad?

Joe: ah, no, PeTA sucks! I saw it on TV

Me: What does that have to do with our conversation?

Joe: (fingers in ears, eyes closed, stomping feet) LA LA LA LA LA I CAN'T HEAR YOU! Runs away....



But I forgive them because bad habits are very hard to break, and good habits are hard to cultivate and maintain. There's one thing I know for sure doesn't have a very positive effect, and that's to make people feel guilty about what they're doing. They may listen and change their eating habits for a while, but in the long run, there's a great chance they're only ending up getting annoyed by whoever it is who makes them feel guilty.



Things to consider;

Family values (Mom loved you and she gave you meat to make you strong, she knows what she's doing and she woudln't give you anything unhealthy)

Religious upbringing (you may have been told that God gave you these animals to eat, that the earth and it's creatures are yours to use at will, my interpretation of that misconstrued line is we were meant to be stewards to the earth and its animals, not enslave it)

Intelligence (you may believe everything you hear, and never read, and have no idea what healthy really is)

Exposure (they may have never heard of vegetarians, factory farming, or thought nuts were for squirrels.



Anyway, I can't explain the backwardness of human beings.

Answer 2

It is certainly not justifiable in the quantities that many ppl eat. It is not natural, nor is it healthy for oneself or our world.



But humans have eaten meat throughout our entire time on this planet. Some people ate almost primarily meat, like the Native Americans in the northern part of Canada and Alaska. It was a way for all humans to store fat/energy for the times when food wasn't as plentiful. The modern supermarket has pretty much eliminated this reason.



On a spiritual level, that is determined by the individual, some are more conscious than others, and this can sometimes determine their actions. But I think if a vegetarian was truly honest with themselves (and I consider myself, if I must label myself, a vegetarian) they would feel that there are times when ones body needs the energy that only comes from an animal. If you choose that animal over yourself, that's your choice.



But do not say that eating meat is always unhealthy or unnecessary, it undoubtedly is necessary, just not anywhere near the quantities that many people consume (I'm thinking once a month, a nice piece of fish or game hen). And this is just a generalization. As I saw a previous poster said, there are climates in this world a person truly could not survive w/o the extreme energy only the flesh of another animal can provide.



But as for veganism, you can't possibly think that any early human or even more modern human that has come across a nest of eggs hasn't stolen a few?



I believe in a very limited amount of meat in my diet, about once a month, and from a source that I know is not only environmentally conscious (increasingly difficult) but also spiritually conscious. Often this is from a trout farm in my area who also stock our areas lakes and rivers with many little fish every year.



Its not perfect, but until I get my own chickens or doves, its the best I can do.

Answer 3

There's nothing wrong with eating meat. Everyone must make their own lifestyle choice in what they eat or don't eat. Some may make that decision for moral reasons, others for health reasons, but it's always a personal choice. However, it's not acceptable to force your lifestyle choice upon others. For vegetarians to get mad at you for eating meat, they are just as short-sighted and narrow-minded as the people who get upset at vegetarians for not eating meat. Eating meat (or not eating it) is a personal choice and no one can make that choice for anyone else.

Answer 4

I'm a vegetarian, but it's not because I believe it is wrong to eat meat. I fully disagree with the mass-meat industry, but really, I have no problem with the act of killing animals for food. While humans certainly don't NEED to eat meat to survive (well, not usually... there are exceptions... read on), we are capable of digesting it. It is a rich source of easily accessible fat, protein, and iron (like it or not, heme iron is easier for the body to absorb than non-heme).



There are societies that do not farm and they rely on meat for calories and nutrients. Some cultures like this actually will mix milk and blood (gross, I know) for a nutritious drink between "harvests". Eating a vegetarian diet takes more planning and can be more expensive (in terms of both time and money... sad, but eating a diet based in whole foods can be more costly than eating processed crap). Some people don't have that luxury.



I consider myself lucky to be able to choose a vegetarian diet. There are those who must eat whatever they can get on sale, at the food bank, or that they grow/raise themselves. I think humans come first.



By the way, it is possible to kill an animal painlessly. While it is not economical and it certainly is not the norm, it can be done. Getting shot in the brain puts you out pretty much immediately, whether you're a person, a cow, or a deer. Instant decapitation (birds) also works (you can't feel pain when your nerves aren't connected to your brain, though with that there's obviously fear, etc.



Another point worth noticing is the environmental impact. This probably doesn't matter as much to you, since you mention animals and not any of the other ethically-based reasons for veg*nism, but eating pasture-raised beef that was ranched and slaughtered uses significantly less fossil fuel than eating tofu that was produced in a factory over 1500 miles away, especially if the soybeans were picked 500 miles away from where they were processed. Again, this reason doesn't matter to you if environmental factors aren't a concern of yours, but there are those for whom eating local is a value, much like veg*nism for many of us.



Overall, I'm sure there are things you do that others would find ethically questionable. Maybe you buy stuff that was made using child labor because it was the cheapest. Maybe you throw glass into the trash because you don't want to clean it. Maybe you throw food away. Maybe you don't compost. I guess the main point is that everyone has their own motivations for doing things and if you prioritize one value, then when others make a choice based on a value that is opposition to yours, it is not going to make much sense.



Some people choose to not go to Wal-Mart because they don't agree with their business practices. Others do because it is cheaper and they want to be able to buy more for their families (or themselves). You choose not to eat meat or animal products because you care about animal welfare. Others might choose to include meat and other animal products because they can buy them locally, or they raise them themselves, or simply because they don't have the time and money to make balanced vegetarian meals for their families. Be secure in knowing that you are living your values. :-) That is to be admired.



Namaste!

Answer 5

Since you live in a society and not in an island by yourself, there are only two "justifications" that you need to know, understand and respect



1)They have the right to make a choice to eat or not eat meat as they see fit just like you have the right to choose to be vegan, vegetarian or whatever..



2) It is legal and as long as it is, moral arguments aside, there is, by law, nothing wrong with it.



Now you can argue back and forth about health issues, moral issues, cruelty issues etc etc etc. all you want. But as long as the right to choose is in place and meat is a considered an essential food commodity by the majority of people in the society in which you live, meat will be produced, sold and served as food, whether you like it or agree with it or not.

Answer 6

We don't need to convince you, you're not the food queen. I eat meat because it's good and really good for you, I do not slaughter my meals..the meat industries do and there is no way that it can be prevented, even by the efforts of veg*ns. Also, I care so much about my health, that I will not avoid eating meat.. which will probably not even save 1 cow, fish or chicken. Meat industries cannot keep up with the small decreases in meat demand in such a short time as it is always increasing.. and they will not stop production of a few pounds of meat just for me. New products are being made every year and i'm not the cause of it, THERE IS SO MANY F IN WAYS to protect animals from cruelty and NOT EATING meat is probably the worst form of protest, common sense. I'll leave veg*sm to the people who don't care about their health and have the money to live a vegan life, thank you. Btw even the BIBLE states we're supposed to eat meat, and our teeth are clearly those of an omnivore. Jesus loved steak you azzwhole.



I eat tilapia, salmonIboth lowest in mercury) and lean chicken breast with a variety of veggies and a calorie restrictive diet of about 1400 calories a day and 2200 when I am working out. I eat lean sirloin steak when I want to treat my self and I make sure they are all organic or all natural. I drink several cups of organic white tea every day and exercise moderately on days of low calorie intake.



Plants have a crapload more pesticides.



Vegan diet is only healthier compared to that of the average American you idiot. I can bet my life that I am more healthy and can live longer than the average vegan.



Plants are people too.



I agree with the poster below.

Answer 7

I'm sure you have heard every argument in the book. Truth is that if you were really open-minded you would realize that different people think different ways based on a number of factors including cultural standards, upbringing, brain chemistry, etc.



To me eating meat is what is normal to me. I understand your perspective and personally don't have a problem with it. What you eat does not effect me in anyway. I can justify eating an animal that feels pain very simply. I just don't care. If there were a completely painless humane way to end a life of a creature that would be great.



I do not value the life of a cow, chicken, or pig more then I value my dietary tastes. Call it selfish or whatever you like but I simply am wired this way and have no desire to "rewire" my thinking.



Meat to me is delicious and I don't care if it is natural or unnatural. I enjoy the taste, get myexercisee, and am very healthy as a result. You will never understand our perspective because your mind is still very closed. Not everyone is as sensitive to the feeling and lives of these animals as you are. Humans in general are selfish creatures. Congrats on who you but also respect who I choose to be.

Answer 8

As a vegan, I won't answer this, per se - there is NOT a single reason consuming animals products is justifiable.



A vegan diet is healthier (proven by science and medicine), more environmentally friendly (as proven by several studies, including those done by the U.N.), and can help to abolish world hunger (as shown by simple math), and unequivocally, without a doubt, causes suffering and exploitation without foundation.



We do NOT *need* meat to live, and therefore all the damage we cause to ourselves, the planet, and the animals who suffer for a meal is 100% unnecessary and avoidable.



In short, every meat eater should really just admit that the only reason they eat animal products is because it tastes good to them. That's all.



I just have to say: Satya Ahimsa - LOL!! That was funny, and pretty much sums up every conversation with necrovores. It was completely representative, and a good laugh.

Answer 9

I'm just starting to become a vegan in a family of meat eaters. There reason is because humans were made to eat meat. When my dad was a boy he ate farm fresh food, not meat from the horrible farms out there. I agree, humans were made to eat meat... but not this way. Animal cruelty is not the way to live, and truthfully if dogs and cats were treated this way it would be considered animal abuse. Humans are not seeing past this. I praise those who eat real farm meat and dairy products. Humans have become so adapted to eating meat that giving it up is insane to them. They hear about the cruelty and just tune it out because meat is so good to them. I agree I don't understand why some people don't try to change even after seeing the pictures of the animals.

Answer 10

if you have not been raised vegan since birth then they have no reason to say that because you have seen both sides to the arguement then.



personally the only reasons i know why i ate meat, was fear of change and ignorance. i mean personally i'd grown up on meat my whole life, and to get rid of it seemed like a huge change, something i could never do, but once i tried it i realize what a small part meat plays in the food world. i have no problem replacing it. it is totally a psychological thing, you have been taught forever that eating meat is okay, and the general population finds nothing wrong with it. and heck don't often people follow the crowd, because that many people can't be wrong, right? wrong, you personally have to question it to see what is so crazy about it, now that your veg*n don't you think eating meat is one of the weridest things ever. i know personally i am disgusted to have ever thought that an animals life was worth a momentary taste in my mouth. its all about perception. people justify eating meat because everyone is doing it.

as for ignorance. the only thing that can change that is knowledge, and being open to that knowledge and new ideas. which many people aren't, i've had people numerous times tell me not to tell them how their meat gets to their plate. or what is really in that hot dog. and it doesn't help that the meat and dairy industry present everything so false anyways. meat and dairy commericals are some of the most ridiculous things ever! many times they need to feel the need to put down vegetarians. if not they depict that only weak people don't eat meat, and that real men eat thickburgers. or theres nothing wrong with the dairy industry, don't you know happy cows come from california? or that milk has so much calcium, right? yea but only 1/3 of it is absorbed, and then the animal protein in it makes other calcium leach out of you bones, thats really preventing osteroperosis isn't it. its a bunch of bull misinforming people. the meat and dairy industry have so much power it's ridiculous.

Answer 11

Humans would not be what they are today if not for meat and carbs. So those of us beings who eat meat are justified. I choose not to eat meat because I simply choose not to. All Americans-even vegetarians and vegans are under the false impression that they need to eat and eat protein. The average human being only needs 5-6 ounces of protein a day. That's not a lot. And it needs to be a complete protein, like rice and beans mixed, within 24 hours.



Though I don't eat it, meat is raised to be eaten, so the animal isn't as intelligent or cared for as a family pet. If these animals were just "let free" one day they would consume more food than anyone could afford and take up more space than we have to give them. Sure, it's "unethical" but look at how human beings have lived and survived in poverty for the last thousand years or longer. They are surviving is the big part- so the animals treated horrid are serving a purpose, and as long as they are treated in a way that doesn't make people sick- Like with Mad cow disease- then let them eat meat. I will stick to my polenta and mushrooms instead.

Answer 12

Most of the meat I eat comes from the woods were I killed it or the farm were I raised it. I eat meat because it's cheap for me, it fills my freezer and it's been a staple in my diet since I was born. I don't see the same 'feels pain' attitude you do. A 150 grain boat-tailed slug punching through the vitals of a white-tailed deer at 2800 fps, does not cause pain. It causes instant death. There is no suffering.



As far as health goes, I'll take any of you vegans/vegetarians out for a weekend of farm chores and watch you drop in exhaustion.

Answer 13

I used to eat meat, but then I became aware of where my meat was coming from. Some people are not affected by knowing that an animal was sacrificed so they could it eat, others are. I can't imagine anyone not feeling an ounce of guilt about that, but for some odd reason some people think it's "natural". I admit that back in the stone ages humans needed meat for survival purposes. Now, truly there's so many other healthy, good things to eat we don't need to sacrifice the lives of animals, but now humans are aquired to the taste of meat and find it appetizing, simply because we've had it before. But now, we as humans don't NEED meat, it's simply only for taste and protein (everything else is crap), but protein is packed in so many other healthier items, it's not necessary whatsoever. And I know exactly what you mean. When people offer me meat I simply say no I'm vegetarian (I've been vegan for 4 days :D) and people always ask me questions (some people are genuine) but most aren't because to them my lifestlye is different so they attack me with the stupid excuses of how meat is good and how I'm gonna die without protein. I wish more people were much more open-minded to the idea of vegetarianism and veganism, considering it's amazing for the environment (it saves toooons of water), gives food to starving children (the grains and whatnot to feed pigs and cows and chickens, etc can be used for feeding other humans instead) and is a much healthier lifestyle. And of course less and less innocent animals would be killed. Also, people always say if we didn't eat animals than animals would over populate the earth. This however is false. Animals would maintain themselves because they follow the system of the animal kingdom, just as we humans don't over populate the earth because we follow a system. Therefore, a meat based diet is simply not helping others, the earth, ourselves, and the animals, making vegetarianism and veganism the ideal option. Others may disagree (everyone can have their opinion :D) but no matter what anyone tells me my beliefs will remain this way. So as I'm sure you know by now, I comletely agree with you :D

Also, people always say that milk and and dairy is good for us but it truly isn't. Calcium is good, but other than that (just like meat) it's crap, that doesn't do good for our bodies. Plus theirs calcium in many fresh veggies. And milk, that supposedly keeps your bones, healthy is destroying your bones and causing what it's supposed to prevent. The dairy and meat industry wants everyone to think their crap filled products are doing good for your body when it isn't. It's leading to obesity, heart disease, and so much more. Just like companies have put high fructose corn syrup in almost everything imaginable (although that is considered vegan and vegetarian) it is crap and does no good for your body, causing it to store itself as fat. The meat and dairy industry is making things cheap and not of good quality and making sure the public thinks it's delicious and healthy, so they can earn tons of money. The public is really not to blame, but if you do research you'll learn mind boggling things about what you eat and then you can decide whether to choose a healthier lifestyle or continue to eat crap. Also, have you seen the commercials the meat and dairy industry has??? Happy cows live in calafornia!!! Those poor cows are miserable and go through hell. The mother's are constantly pregnant so they can produce milk and when their babies are born they're immediately seperated from one another. Then their babies are sent to go get slaughtered (for veal) or be raised to later be eaten. I'm sorry but that's ubsurdly, cruel and wrong and disgusting. And that's no life. Anyone who can say that's ok and humane needs to reconsider and open their eyes. Also, those hillshire farms, go meat commercials get on my nerves. Those commercials are perfect examples of making sure the public thinks that meat is healthy and exctiting (which is the total opposite!!!) It's all a bunch of bs in my opinion. I'm sorry if this offended anyone, but this in my eyes is how I see it and that's why I'm happy to be a vegan :D

Answer 14

I eat meat because I was brought up eating meat, and I like the taste. That's basically how I decide. To be honest, I ignore what happens behind the scenes. It's really not that out in the open, so if I wanted to see what happened, I would either have to go see for myself or find a video. For the most part, society seems okay with what happens, so that's just what my mind is trained to eat. I love to cook (I do it for a living) and I really like what can be done with meat and I really love the flavor. I don't want to give it up. I suppose it's analogous to a smoker not quitting even though they know the consequences.



I do have my limits...I've seen videos of fish being cooked alive to the point where it's partially cooked but still moving. I don't agree with that, but I've seen it, and because of that, I will never be a part of it.



I think I justify it because society does. It's too hard for people to maintain proper protein levels without meat. I know I can do it, you can do it, but not everyone can. Most people don't know enough about nutrition to begin with, let alone how to get enough protein (which is extremely important) without eating meat.



I also agree that it's part of our nature. Some animals are just supposed to eat other animals. I don't go around eating animals alive, so that makes it a little better I guess.



Hope this helps!

Answer 15

I agree with you. Although I'm not here to promote meat eating(I'm a vegetarian) I find it repulsing. If you think about it..it's a carcass someone decorated. I can't help to think..what if it were a person? Truthfully I find eating meat such a strange practice. People are always disgusted with cannibals but average people are pretty much doing the same thing. We evolved from animals and this is how we repay them? Eating their flesh? I find it so weird.

Answer 16

Because I think that meat tastes ******* delicious.



I don't really expect you to understand either, especially when you put "open-minded" in quotes. But I will try and explain my reasoning...



Humans, as all animals, evolved senses of taste and smell to help them determine what is good to eat and what is not. This is why strawberries are tasty and feces is not. So I essentially let my tongue and sense of taste (as well as my nose and sense of smell) decide what I will eat. I certainly find this reasonable and justified (as would anyone who knows anything about biology), but I take no personal issue if you do not.



Meat is tasty, and I don't believe that I NEED another reason to eat it. I know perfectly well how the meat gets to my dinner table from factory farms and feeding lots. I've even personally hunted or caught some of the meat I have eaten, and looked my meal directly in the eye as I did so as to come literally face-to-face with its suffering.



And surprise, I haven't felt guilty yet. I'd be absolutely shocked if you actually chose a meat-eater's response as best answer, as opposed to just choosing an answer who agreed with you.



But I don't expect much.

Answer 17

Wait, let me think. Ummmmmm....



Oh yeah, it's not justifiable. Causing animals to suffer and die for the momentary pleasure of eating their bodies, or consuming their eggs or milk, is completely unnecessary. It's completely OPTIONAL. It's just as optional as taking a blowtorch to your dog. We don't NEED to do this. It doesn't make any SENSE to do it.

Answer 18

Animals that don't eat meat:

Kangaroo

Elephant

Grasshopper

Rabbit

Rhinoceros

Koalas

Horses

Cows

Gazelles

Goats

Deer

Honey Possum

Bees

Termites

Lemur

Sloth

Aphids

Moose

Sheep

etc. and so forth.



And following the "It's what's done in nature" logic, Male bees die after sex, female praying mantis eat their males after mating, snails are sado-masochists and stab one another during sex..



Or Apes, Grey Wolves, Swans, Cranes, Pigeons, Angel Fish, Voles, Red-Tailed Hawks, Condors, Golden Eagles, Ospreys, Black Vultures, they all mate for life without a flaw. So why can't humans?



Oh... dogs lick there own asses... So lets see why do I think "because animals do it?" is a bit lame...



My apologies for the sarcasm.

Answer 19

I've honestly never considered a vegetarian/vegan perspective. I don't eat red meat or fish because I don't like the taste. But I love chicken and sometimes turkey. Honestly, the way I look at it is that it's already there, so why not eat it? I know that may sound simple/stupid, but animals are specifically bred to be killed to feed. Everyone lives to die, and if you want to think about it, they are somewhat of a sacrifice.

Answer 20

My personal opinion is that it is nature. We are all mammals and act as such. We eat meat for the protein that it provides us. The same with other mammals. Would you expect a Tiger, Lion, Wolf, Shark to eat a salad? Sure there are other things we could eat, but even as vegans you have to get protein somewhere. I just think it is part of our makeup.

Answer 21

So here's a few things: 1) Obviously, you've never seen the movie The Secret Life of Plants. Plants have memory. Plants have feelings. Plants have blood, it's just green. The molecular matrix of chlorophyll is EXACTLY the same as that of hemoglobin, except for the molecule the entire matrix revolves around. So as a vegan, it's imperative that a) you remember at all times that for you to live, something alive MUST die, unless you're a breatharian, and b) I also think it highly important that anyone being or becoming vegan get way off their high horse about the moral superiority and health superiority of their diets. I was strictly vegetarian for over 17 years of my life. I am trained as a macrobiotic and vegetarian chef out of the Natural Gourmet Cookery School/Institute for Food and Healing in NYC, and have been cooking since I was 11 years old. I need to tell you that as a now diabetic woman, I tried for over a decade to heal my diabetes naturopathically, primarily by diet, exercise and supplements. It didn't work, and I nearly made myself deathly ill. I have 6 planets in fire, mostly Leo. Lions eat meat. They need to to survive. As a diabetic woman, the transit time thru my gut of an almost pure carb diet, which most forms of vegetarianism ultimately are, makes me exceedingly ill. I, fortunately or unfortunately, depending upon your perspective, NEED to eat animal foods to survive. I also eat a TON of veggies, fruits, seeds, nuts and nut butters, beans, seaweed, pickles, meat analogs and soy, but I require a bit of protein, be it eggs, poultry, red meat, fish, beans, nuts, seeds and nut butters with each meal in order not to become terribly ill from blood sugar that's way too high. Chimps and bonobos, who have 98.9% of our same genetic material are omnivores too. They hunt for fresh red meat, and are quite violent when they do it. They know what their bodies NEED, and they give it to themselves. You want to get that plants feel pain, too, and they absolutely cannot run away. At least an animal when hunted has a chance at escaping. Plants have no chance whatsoever. It's very easy for anyone to become insufferably morally superior in their choices. It is essential, however, that all of us come to respect that there is a wisdom in all things, or maybe I should say most (Can't find any wisdom in drinking soda...) and that it is imperative that we do not judge others for their dietary choices. Some people really do need to eat animal food. I lived in the macrobiotic and vegetarian communities in both Boston and New York City for years. I saw people make themselves and their children extremely ill from excess rigidity in their diets, especially men and boy children/infants. I know of a little boy who almost died from anaemia whose grandmother in desperation gave him bologna and hot dogs to eat. He would eat nothing but meats and boxed macaroni and cheese for almost a year after they were finally found to agree with him. His anaemia disappeared, rather than killing him. For awhile, he was too listless to eat anything and was even on IV feeds. Let's just say Grandma had some intuitive wisdom, shall we? Imagine the horror of his extremely strict Number 7 Diet (which is only organic brown rice chewed until it liquifies in the mouth) eating parents...imagine also their joy, and the deep lessons about biological imperatives and not being too rigid when one has children, and not trying to dictate what ANYONE eats. Remember also that most people in our modern society are so removed from the natural world as to be completely out of touch at this time in history. Whenever I have a question, I look to the Native Americans. To recap for you: There is not now, nor was there ever ANY tribe of Native Americans that was vegan. It is NOT, IMHO, a diet that is suitable for survival in northern climes, period. And if you don't believe me, ask a vegan or a macrobiotic person, especially a man, how he's doing at keeping warm in the wintertime while on such a restrictive diet. By year seven, and usually much sooner, he will NOT be able to keep warm outside, no matter how much clothing he wears. The secret then, is gratitude for all things, not another form of food facism.

Answer 22

I don't think it is justifiable at all.