Farm Dreams

Homesteading, Organic Gardening, How to Farm, Preparedness, Self-Reliance

When they say "I could never..."

Ok, just wondering how all my fellow homesteaders answer that inevitable question.
Your showing some stopNshoppers your pigs or chicks, and they flash you that Judgey look and say "I could never do that" or "how could you kill the animals you raise" or my personal favorite, "I'd become a vegetarian if I had to do that"

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by John D Jones on June 29, 2012 at 10:40pm

I work with a woman who only eats chicken because "all other meats are gross" due to how they're raised. I asked her one day, during lunch, if she knew how commercial chickens are raised. When I began to explain the process, by which commercial chickens are raised and slaughtered, she literally put her hands over her ears and shouted "Don't tell me that! Chicken is the only meat I can eat and you're trying to ruin it for me!" It doesn't matter how these animals are treated, as long as she doesn't know about it. How does one respond to that way of thinking?

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Permalink Reply by Susan C on June 30, 2012 at 2:40pm

As J Green put it so well, either they have the eyes and ears, or they don't. It is frustrating for sure. I still try, though, just once, and would go so far as to ask, "so it's not about THE truth, it's about YOUR truth?" While it may seem none of my/our business what they think, it is in fact people who think like this that buy into the PETA concept of human animals. It is then those PETA thinkers who influence the laws, who in turn may one day prevent us from keeping, raising, and eating poor animals.

Susan

http://homesteadingstewards.com

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Permalink Reply by emily a on July 18, 2012 at 5:17pm

As a homestead dreamer I truly appreciate all that all of you are doing and going through. I think that when the day finally comes and I can raise my flock, I'll be able to go through with that final action... but I haven't gotten my first bird yet, much less had to face that moment. I think I will be praying for God's help the whole time. But I refuse to eat unhappy and miserably raised meat. I have searched out local farmers and try to support them as much as I can. (I'll make vegetarian meals when I can't get local meat.) I also try to educate my family, friends and coworkers (sometimes strangers) about how much better poultry, pork, and beef is when it's had a healthy happy life! Not to mention my conscience feels much better about not supporting factory farms. It's amazing to me the responses you get, and amazing how little most people know about the factory farms. Some people will never be able to fully cross over from the dark side, no matter how much they learn. It's simply easier for them to pretend like it's not happening, and continue on with what they've always done. I have a huge garden and live with several family members and one family member in particular still buys (non organic, non local) produce from the grocery (the same produce that's coming in from the garden right now). We draw the line at any meat brought in, but she probably sneaks it in when we're not looking. It's hard not to freak out, but you can't make people change, just try and help guide them. And make sure you don't accidentally eat what they've bought. Sorry I got a little off topic there, but I just wanted to say thank you for having all those conversations with new customers or coworkers. You can't convert them all, but every one that gets it may help someone else get it... Thank you!