Blog Post #1
October 27, 2009 by dkwon
Steak has always been an integrated part of my diet. I am a huge lover of meat due to its high protein content and taste. After a great workout I would always crave for some red meat. Up until we watched “King Corn” however I never thought of the process in which the meat I love ended up in the supermarket. I also never thought of how what the cow was fed affected the quality of the meat. “King Corn” led me to further explore my curiosities and watch a few of the PETA videos. What I discovered shocked me.
“King Corn” only touched upon the cruelties that animals have to endure for the sake of corporate profit. It talked about how it was economically beneficial to feed livestock a mainly yellow corn based diet even though it caused health defects. A yellow corn based diet also lowers the quality of the meat by lowering its overall protein content. This could be reflective to show that it causes muscle deterioration. Upon hearing this, I honestly only thought to apply this information for my own sake. I thought of cutting down on eating meat not because it was cruel to use yellow corn as the main part of a cow’s diet, but because knowing that the meat that is sold nowadays is not that great.
After watching the PETA video’s however my view completely changed. The process in which livestock is made for food HIGHLY angered me. The conditions in which they are raised and the lack of freedom they have is despicable. Watching the way cows are lined up to be slaughtered reminded me of the Holocaust in many ways. To think that humans were once treated in similar conditions brought me mixed emotions of sadness and shame. I felt sadness to think that such inhumane thinks have happened and are still happening in the world today. I felt shame because of my naivety and lack of action in stopping such things. I was able to relate to this due to my Korean culture. I remember my dad would tell me heart wrenching stories of the Japanese occupation of Korea during World War II and he would always come to tears. I used to think that he was just being a sensitive guy at the time, but now I think that it would be inhumane not to break into tears. I considered being a vegan for a while, however didn’t believe that I had the willpower to cut out meat altogether. The social circle that I am part of and my family’s customs would make it highly difficult for me to avoid any sort of meat. However every time a grab a hamburger now or my mom prepares a delicious homemade meal I think of the industry that I am supporting. This is an industry that induces animal cruelty for the sake of corporate profit. It is an industry that follows the principles that are not too far from Nazi Germany or World War II Japan. It disgusts me. In terms of how it changed my view of steak, I would try to lean towards a more salad based diet when out with my peers. For protein intake after a workout, instead of craving a steak I would now much rather choose a protein shake or high protein content beans.
On a side note my aspirations were to always be a criminal justice lawyer. Now I am considering studying law to fight for animal and human rights. What I have learned from “King Corn” and the PETA videos was truly inspiring. Thank you.