#6: Final Reflection

I am so glad that I read this book because I loved exploring a different perspective like Foer's. Today, the people that share their opinions are usually the burn-down-a-building-of-humans-to-save-a-cow group or the people who love meat so much that they support the mistreatment of animals. It's refreshing to know that there's a person that exists who values animals but can still understand the opposing side. Foer talked about his grandmother who survived the Holocaust a couple of times. He shared how much she valued food, health, and tradition. The way we are raised is usually the lifestyle we will adapt in our younger years. One could reasonably conclude that it would be hard for a child whose family has endorsed hunting and leather coat wearing to question his values at a young age. I like and respect Foer's opinion because he establishes his values, but he pursues them in a realistic manner. He comes to terms with the fact that in the next 10 or 20 years, people will still be eating animals. There is nothing (besides the apocalypse) that would completely halt the human consumption of animals. So, why try to change everyone's point of view when you can change what you don't like about animal agriculture (which is MUCH easier.) Sentimentality can only be shared to a certain extent by polar opposites. You can't tell people what their morals should be. You have to be realistic. I think that Foer's message was to define your values in the most idealistic way and then sensibly pursue them.