The images of meat, meat-eating and vegetarianism
In primitive societies meat-eating had four symbolic images:
- strength
- manliness
- aggression
- passion
These images date back to early times when man was a hunter-gatherer and to some extent they probably persist in the subconscious mind today. These images also feature in the minds of vegetarians when they think about meat-eating, but more importantly meat also inspires images of:
- animality
- animal cruelty
- depriving animals of the right of life
- the consumption of dead flesh
The image of animality is embodied in the well known phrase Ayou are what you eat@. This phrase was originally used in a physiological sense. It stated in a very blunt way that your body is made from the food you choose. This saying has now acquired a symbolic meaning. Many vegetarians believe that humans behave like animals when they eat animal flesh. It increases animality in humans. Along with this meat eaters are thought to be more aggressive, and they acquire animality through that particular food.
Vegetarianism conjures up an opposite set of symbolic images. Traditionally, these have been:
- purity of lifestyle
- healthiness
- elevated spirituality
- femininity
- weakness
These images probably existed in the first vegetarian movement (Orphism) which, according to legend, started about 2,500 years ago. In recent times crispness, freshness and light-eating have been added to the images of vegetarian eating, and these fit well with heightened consciousness about youthfulness and one's body shape. Vegetarianism is concerned with purity and spirituality, and a central theme is mental and physical harmony. It is held that this harmony is conducive to mental and physical health.
All these images help to influence an individual's attitudes and beliefs, which in turn helps to decide whether he or she is a meat-eater.
Contact for Enquiries
Rural Affairs Coordinator
Sector Performance Policy
MAF Policy
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0675
Fax: +64 4 4 894 0745
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