Godwashing An Thanksgiving: Tierleid

PETER

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Post on Nov 28, 2024

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Godwashing and Thanksgiving: Tierleid (Animal Suffering) – A Critical Look

Hey everyone, so Thanksgiving, right? Turkey, stuffing, family… the whole shebang. But lately, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about the darker side of this holiday, the stuff they don't show you in those cute holiday commercials. We're talking about the tierleid, the animal suffering, that's inherent in the traditional Thanksgiving feast. And how easily it gets glossed over with a bit of, well, "Godwashing."

What's Godwashing, you ask? It's basically using religious language or imagery to make something look better than it actually is. Kind of like a really fancy marketing campaign, but for your soul. Think of those ads showing happy cows grazing in green pastures, while conveniently ignoring the realities of factory farming. That's Godwashing in action.

I remember one Thanksgiving, years ago, my aunt, bless her heart, kept insisting that the turkey we were eating was "God's gift." Like, the poor bird was willingly sacrificing itself for our enjoyment. Seriously. I almost choked on my mashed potatoes. It felt super awkward, but I knew at the time it wasn't the right way to look at it.

<h3>The Reality of Turkey Farming</h3>

The truth is, most turkeys raised for Thanksgiving are crammed into huge sheds, barely able to move. Their lives are far from idyllic. They're genetically modified to grow incredibly fast, leading to all sorts of health problems. Many suffer from crippling leg deformities, heart attacks, and other issues. It's brutal. And it’s definitely not something that aligns with any compassionate view of creation or the natural world. We should be more aware of these realities. They're rarely discussed openly and this needs to change.

What can we do about this? This is where things get tricky. It’s hard to completely avoid participating in systems that contribute to animal suffering. But we can make conscious choices.

<h3>Making Ethical Choices</h3>

• Go Vegetarian (or at least have a meatless Thanksgiving): This is the most direct way to reduce your impact. I know, it can be a big change. But even just one meatless Thanksgiving dinner might open your eyes to delicious and surprisingly easy plant-based alternatives. You'd be surprised how many great recipes are out there.

• Source your Turkey Ethically (if you must have turkey): If you're determined to have turkey, seek out a local farmer who raises their birds humanely. It's more expensive, definitely, but you’ll know the bird lived a somewhat better life. Look for certifications like "Certified Humane Raised and Handled." They aren’t perfect but it's a start.

• Reduce your Consumption: Even small changes matter. Smaller portions, less meat overall — these adjustments help to lessen the overall demand for factory-farmed products. The more we push back against this demand, the more it shows and things might start to change.

• Talk About It: Don't be afraid to have uncomfortable conversations with your family and friends about the ethical implications of eating turkey. It’s a conversation that needs to happen. Bringing it up gently might help some people understand the suffering that the system causes. We need more people to acknowledge this!

<h3>Beyond the Turkey</h3>

The issue isn't just about the turkey. The whole Thanksgiving meal, often laden with dairy and other animal products, raises similar ethical concerns. Consider exploring plant-based alternatives for all aspects of your Thanksgiving feast. There are amazing vegan recipes out there; it’s not all tofu and sadness I promise!

Ultimately, Thanksgiving should be about gratitude and togetherness, not ignoring the suffering of others. By being mindful of where our food comes from and making conscious choices, we can celebrate this holiday with a clearer conscience, and maybe make the world a slightly kinder place in the process. We can make an effort to be more aware of the tierleid and be more respectful of all living things.