[what the fuck is wrong with this world] um…i’ll take the chicken

The Humane Society of the United States recently distributed a video from an undercover investigation at the Hallmark Meat Company in California. Let me first say that I am a meat eater. I do not agree with the guerrilla tactics of radical organizations such as PETA. And I am content with the idea of raising and farming of animals for consumption. But after watching this video, I will certainly think twice the next time I purchase red meat.

While this new footage may be news to some, the inhumane practices of the meat and dairy industry they have been long documented by the HSUS and even popularized by films such as The Corporation. Sadly, videos like these are rarely covered in mainstream media. Furthermore, unlike the HSUS, organizations like PETA have been hurting the cruelty awareness campaign, making a very serious problem seem fringe-fanatical. This video, alone, would have drawn minimal press coverage and has only been brought to light because it led to the largest beef recall in history.

While the publics moral acumen towards these atrocities may be stunted, we are understandably alert to its potential danger to the consumer. Many of the cows in the video are classified as “downer cows” and are banned from consumption because of their links to mad cow disease. The video shows several of these cows being prodded, electrocuted and dragged in order to pass USDA inspections. It is clear that this industry is willing to take inconceivable measures to get their products approved and shipped to the market.

Some say that a large scale boycott would cause the meat industry to perform even more egregious offenses to hold onto already razor sharp margins. Perhaps the best way to address this issue is to take a look at the energy and petrol industries. I recently spoke to a friend about my experience designing an white paper environmentally friendly jet. The premise of the operation was that passengers would happily pay a duty or premium knowing that their environmental footprint would be reduced compared to conventional air travel. What seemed like a financially laughable plan a year ago now begets a new industry founded on this principle. People care about their image. And these days, environmentally aware is synonymous with conscientious, educated, and affluent. It is therefore no surprise that the Prius is one of Toyota’s best selling cars.

Organic, hormone-free, free range chicken and cattle have been on the market for years, but are noticeably more expensive than your average Safeway fare. And it seems unlikely that such a mundane product would compel the consumer to vie for a product that they can’t be seen driving in. While I try not to make this a habit, I, again, advocate governmental support/regulation. Subsidize these safe-practice companies so that they can compete with the likes of Hallmark. Even the burgeoning alternative energy industry is getting help from the government in terms of rebates and funding. The one thing more important to people than their image is their health. Whats preventing us from doing the same thing for the food industry?