Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat, Chapters 9&10
Chapter nine includes Hal's views on how societal behaviors often contradict their views. It is a detailed discussion on how nearly half of the general population feels that animals deserve to be treated just as well as humans- yet the norms for these same individuals have conflicting behaviors. For example, animals are killed to be cooked- or even eaten raw. Also, many of these same individuals enjoy wearing the fur and skins of animals in the form of clothing, coats, shoes and more. Hal comes to the stark conclusion that individuals are without a firm stance when it comes to the animal rights movement, and therefore continue to show inconsistencies in the views and behaviors exhibited. The chapter also provides a look at how some people within society become deeply involved with animal rights- with emotions so deep they often lead to erratic actions ssuch as terrorism. It becomes a "religion" of sorts, as they are emotionally tied to their views to the point of no return. Hal compares the two philosophies- that of Bentham and Regan, in which Jeremy Bentham follows utilitarian principles, and Regan follows deontological stance in the debate of animal rights. The difference within the two views lies within the ends and the means of the matter. Bentham philosophy is primarily focused on the ends, while Regan's theories are geared more toward the means which leads to the ends. However, Hal begged to differ, following the philosophy of Immanuel Kant regarding extremists, he conducted a test in order to evaluate the universal outcome of a moral dilemma. In the end, Hal concluded that when it comes to animals there is no logic or emotional rule which can be followed. Just as with many things in life which have no rhyme or reasonwhen it comes to animal rights there is no rule book for moral dilemmas which arise from emotions, logic or ignorance.
Chapter ten follows Hal and Michael of the Best Friends Animal Society Among all the individuals who Hal came into contact with in the book, there was Michael who had an organization which consisted of volunteers who tended to animals in the desert. The epilogue as it would seem was just as interesting as the previous chapters of the book, as Hal discussed with Michael his contradictory behavior when it comes to animal rights. Although Michael was not offended, it was apparent that Hal had a point. Michael insisted that animals are not treated as fairly as humans by him. However, this did not mean much as Michael and the Best Friends Animal Society was dedicated to making sure animals were treated with care and protected. He assisted Judy Muzee, a beautician whose hobby was finding sea turtles which were in danger, and assisting them in any way possible. Judy, along with volunteers from Best Friends Animal Society searched for sea turtle nests- with Hal joining in as well. Although Hal was not lucky in finding nests when out on the search, he did have a revelation while out in the desert. Hal finally came to the conclusion that as humans, animals will never be fully understood. The relationship between human beings and animals is a complex one. There is no easy way to explain or debate the subject matter, or the highly charged emotions which can evolve surrounding the animal rights movement. As long as there are animals there will always be a variation of emotions, disregard, and ignorance within society- just as there will be inconsistencies in views and behavior.
Individuals looking for clarity on why some people seem to be intensely emotional regarding animal rights, may want to consider Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat. The book clearly explains the various ways animals are used, while some are clearly okay- others are totally forbidden. Many times the very same individual has conflicting views regarding the very same animal. For instance- being against cockfighting, while enjoying fried chicken is contradictory. Killing an animal to eat is seen as okay by the same individual who does not want animals put in a cage to fight for their lives- often times losing the fight and being slaughtered. Another example is the constant fight for animals such as snakes. Some parts of society do not want snakes and alligators killed, but they will wear snake skinned boots or shoes. The book provides a deep look at how these conflicting behaviors are normal within society, as if humans do not view killing and eating animals for food as being the same as killing animals for entertainment. However, after reading this book one will conclude that there is only one outcome- no matter which route one takes- that outcome is death.
