Zachary Ball Ball 1

English 111

09 June 2014
Animals, Vegetable, Miserable:
Curveball from a Meat-Eaters Perspective
That delicious taste of salty, juicy, tender goodness as I chomp down on my steak during
dinner is exquisite. Is it morally wrong for me to consume another living creature and be able to
enjoy it? Philosophy professor and author, Gary Steiner, seems to think so as he spoke strongly
against consuming animals in his article, Animal, Vegetable, Miserable. He is an exceedingly
strict vegan who portrays himself in an aggressive manner throughout his article in order to
persuade his audience to follow a similar lifestyle. Although Steiner makes compelling points on
major issues concerning the animals well-being, he also crosses the line by coming off as
judgmental and having a biased opinion towards meat lovers. Simply because people consume
meat, does not mean they are heartless beings who have forgotten that these creatures are
sacrificed for our everyday use.
Most people view animals as having a lesser intelligence which allows their mind to be
at ease when it comes to the actual slaughtering of animals. Steiner makes a comment: People
who are ethical vegans believe that differences in intelligence between human and non-human
animals have no moral significance whatsoever (7). The fact that he uses the word
whatsoever shows that he feels he is right and everyone that is a non-vegan is wrong. The
author argues that simply because certain animals dont show intelligence does not mean they
dont serve a purpose in the world. Steiner is stereotypically generalizing that the public thinks
animals are not able to have abstract thoughts. He feels that this line of thinking ultimately
allows the public to make it easier to go ahead with their actions. If animals did have the
Ball 2

capability of thinking abstractly, consuming and using them for everyday use wouldnt be so
easy. He also claims that all non-vegans believe they are morally superior to animals. I disagree
with this statement because, for example, I have a cat that is beyond spoiled and prances
around with a dominating presence making me fully aware that I am in no way superior to her.
Of further importance, human safety and well-being is top priority in the eyes of meat-
eaters. Steiner goes on: How can people continue to eat meat when they become aware that
nearly 53 billion land animals are slaughtered every year for human consumption? (6). If an
entire world of vegans existed and animals were untouched by humans, overpopulation would
occur. Lets think logically here; hunting season exists because of extreme abundance of certain
animals in specific regions which put humans in danger. If deer were allowed to live freely in
Michigan and became restricted from being hunted, not only would there be more diseases
carried by them, but also driving would become a hazard. These laws werent put into place to
anger vegans; they are there to protect our well-being.
Gary Steiner contradicts his persuasion when he states that living a vegan lifestyle is
challenging when it comes to socializing, he says: You just havent lived until youve tried to
function as a strict vegan in a meat-crazed society (6). I recall Steiner stating he has five
friends because of the fact he cant socialize with other meat eaters. To me, his statement has
failed in its attempt to persuade me into his lifestyle. Living as a strict ethical vegan would leave
me depressed and lonely due to the fact they are a dime a dozen. Steiner could portray more
positive examples about being a strict vegan versus stating so many negatives. I would like to
argue instead that vegans just havent lived until theyve tried to function as a meat-eater in
society.
Ball 3

Meat-eaters are not oblivious to the loss of animal life. However, as functioning meat-
eaters in society, they recognize that the benefits of consuming meat and using animal
products outweigh the cost to the animals. Our existence and well-being depends on our ability
to consume and harvest animal parts for our usage. In addition, those who consume meat
recognize that animals have their place. However, at some point overpopulation becomes an
issue and the reduction of the species becomes necessary. As I said earlier, Steiner does make
compelling points on the well-being of animals, but he is judgmental and too bull-headed to see
things from a different view. I am grateful every day for having a meal to eat, even if that food
happens to be an animal.










Ball 4

Works Cited
Steiner, Gary. Animal, Vegetable, Miserable. Exploring Relationships: Globalization and
Learning in the 21st Century. Boston: Pearson Learning Solution, 2013. 5-7. Print