As you have most likely heard, there have been several cases across the globe lately of horse meat being found in items that were advertised as being cow meat aka beef.  What I find fascinating by this entire “scandal” is that people are upset.  Why are they so upset?  Is it because the meat was falsely advertised and it turns out there is a big different between the two… for example something along the lines of horse meat has less nutrition than cow meat?  (I have no clue if that’s true, just making guesses here).

My guess for this outrage is because horses are valued more than cows in American and some parts of Europe:  “horses are nice/pretty/my friend so why on earth would one eat a horse?!  But cows?  No, those are dumb, ugly mammals so it’s okay to eat them. “  This mentality will always amaze me – that people can choose to love and respect some animals but kill and eat others.  And it has nothing to do with the animal’s intelligence, appearance, etc. 

Some cultures will eat animals that other cultures value and would never dream of eating.  Americans eat beef at alarming levels, while Indians would never even consider eating a cow.  Some cultures have no problems eating dogs, but in America that is considered horrendous.  So what is the difference?  Honestly, I am asking in earnest here.  As a vegetarian, I will not eat any animals.  Personally, I view it as a form of cannibalism since I respect all lives and don’t believe any life should end for my benefit.  I realize my views are not shared by all and I respect that, but I really do not understand the logic behind eating a pig but loving a dog.  Or eating a cow, but loving a horse. 

So if you are upset by the horse meat scandal, I invite you to ask yourself why and genuinely think about it.  I’m not asking you to become vegetarian, but I am asking you to consider your views on the value of life – for all lives great or small.