The Influence of Cultural Construction

I was torn all through class today on the discussion of what does or does not have an inherent value. Coming from a class before where all we talked about was cultural construction I was hard pressed on what gives us the ability to say what is worthy of having inherent value. As we view ourselves as individuals with individualistic mindsets we do not want to believe that we decide things based upon what our culture leads us to believe. Unfortunately this is mostly always the case and it is hard to accept this claim. I just want to bring forth the idea that we do not necessarily make the final claim for what is inherently valuable and what is not. So the question of which cultural construction we agree or disagree with more present in our life then we know.

Are lab. animals mistreated worse then CAFO animals?

 This image has been stuck in my mind since the UVM prof. put it up on the screen in her powerpoint the other day. Human interest to solve all widespread diseases and problems is a great motive to have however it does not come very easy. Unfortunately we want to know answers to all of our problems but the only way to get them is to test them before on non-humans. I feel that the species that are used to test our vaccinations after being treated with diseases and brain trauma and everything else one can think of, are suffering even more so then the species that are just raised in horrible conditions and killed after a short life. I'm not sure animal testing is at all humane and it seems to be the least monitored form of animal "abuse". Maybe people will stop eating meat, but will people every stop testing new vaccines? I doubt it.

What is wrong with a good farm?

A little late, but i'm catching up..and I have a question. We all know that people will not stop eating meat, maybe cut back on their consumption, but the eating of animals will continue as long as that process is available. Does that make me a bad person for wanting to own my own farm and doing the local business gig? I don't believe so, I believe that it may not be the BEST answer for many would argue vegetarianism is the best answer, but for now is that not making a step in the right direction? At this point in the system, what is better than a good farm?

First Try

What happens when we are the only top predators remaining?