Speech Example on Harvest Time: Animal Slaughter in Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle

Introduction

The fourteenth chapter "You can't run away from harvest day" of Barbara Kingsolver's "Animal, vegetable, miracle" explains a different kind of harvest where animals that have been raised in the farm must be slaughtered. In Kingsolver's homestead, the specific animals to be slaughtered are chicken. Kingsolver was a vegetarian in the past, but her perspective changed, and she explains her new belief regarding meat consumption. One of the most significant arguments the author makes is that there is a lot of hypocrisy regarding animal harvest as the people opposed to the activity claim that it is morally wrong.

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However, the book points out that millions of animals die every year due to various reasons like exposure to chemicals like pesticides, and when their habitats are interfered with during the process of plant food processing (Kingsolver, Hopp, Kingsolver, & Harris, 2007). The activities mentioned above are perpetrated by human beings, and animals die as a result. Kingsolver explains that it is comprehensible when those who oppose meat consumption only categorize animal life in three types, people, pests, and wildlife (Kingsolver, Hopp, Kingsolver, & Harris, 2007). However, the author gives a fourth category stating that animals are bred and raised on the farm to be slaughtered and become a source of food to the farmer. Therefore, it is essential for any farmer to value their harvest since the process requires effort, respect, and planning.

Kingsolver explains to her readers that the slaughtering of animals on a farm is not all about moral purpose (Kingsolver, Hopp, Kingsolver, & Harris, 2007). Some substantial amount of American animal farming has become dehumanized and industrialized, leading to several adverse effects. For instance, there is a huge consumption of fuel, the emergence of deadly strains of E-coli, the emergence of anti-resistant bacteria, and the confining of animals in a manner that their psychological and physiological well-being is affected (Kingsolver, Hopp, Kingsolver, & Harris, 2007). Kingsolver explains the various alternatives that exist to deal with the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO). For instance, in many supermarkets and other outlets, pasture-based chicken and turkey are available. However, the birds raised on open pasture are more costly during the sale than those raised in factories.

On the other hand, the domestic birds raised using the industrial system cause environmental pollution since fossil fuels are used in the process. The effects of fossil fuels and other pollutants continue to have adverse effects on the environment, which are visible by the hurricanes, famine, and other issues that cause the death of humans (Kingsolver, Hopp, Kingsolver, & Harris, 2007). The author acknowledges that as capitalism rises, and so does the demand for birds. Therefore, in the future, many farmers may shift to the industrial production of industrial birds rather that depending on pastures to raise them. Kingsolver admits that if she must eat meat, then it should come from animals raised in uncrowded places, with good water and pasture (Kingsolver, Hopp, Kingsolver, & Harris, 2007). Most of the time, her perspectives are aligned with those of vegetarians, but if she has to eat meat, she does it selectively.

According to Kingsolver, it is easy to criticize raising animals on a farm for consumption when vegetation is slim, and vegetarians may lay back and feel-self righteous about the issue. However, the author explains that substantial amounts of vegetation people consume may cause more environmental damage than raising animals and slaughtering them for food (Kingsolver, Hopp, Kingsolver, & Harris, 2007). Vegans also believe that animals should have civil rights. Some people may decide to give up meat and other vegetables. It is all about the personal choices made because we live in a free world. Complex options emerge as people continue to learn more about the food system.

Ladies and gentlemen, I would like you to focus and reflect on your views regarding animal consumption and if you consider it morally wrong. Do you raise animals for meat? If not, have you ever considered doing so? Do you think vegetarians cause a more negative environmental impact than those who consume meat?

Personally, I have raised animals for meat, and I don't find it morally wrong. What to consume and what to leave is a personal but complex choice that everyone makes. It would be hypocritical to claim that slaughtering animals is morally wrong, yet people kill millions of animals like bugs, parasites, and pests even during harvesting crops (Reilly & Schimmelpfennig, 1999). Some vegans may argue that killing an animal deprives it of the rest of its existence when there are other healthy and nutritious alternatives. However, in my opinion, people who raise animals plan in advance that at some point they will kill it and eat or sell the meat. Obviously, there is a high cost of production. Even after the loss of an animal, another one is brought in for replacement. Secondly, vegetarians may even be worse for the environment. For instance, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, a fully vegetable-based diet increases energy use and more greenhouse gas emissions (Reilly & Schimmelpfennig, 1999). For instance, the consumption of lettuce only is three times harmful as compared to eating bacon or meat since the latter causes greenhouse gas emissions.

Thank you for listening, and I would love to hear about your views on the slaughtering of animals for consumption.

References

Kingsolver, B., Hopp, S. L., Kingsolver, C., & Harris, R. (2007). Animal, vegetable, miracle. Blackstone Audiobooks.

Reilly, J. M., & Schimmelpfennig, D. (1999). Agricultural impact assessment, vulnerability, and the scope for adaptation. Climatic change, 43(4), 745-788.