Your article about the “art” of butchery takes the concept of speciesism to its most extreme [“The Art of Butchery: An ancient craft is reborn in Asheville” July 15, Xpress]. No one in their right mind would refer to the killing of humans as “artisan.” Yet just because farm animals are not like us, we rob them of their sentience and call their slaughter “art.” It’s profane.
I do not eat animals, and if you do, that is your choice. But own up to the fact that the animals you eat are living, complex creatures. There is nothing artisan to them about being killed, carved and served on your plate.
— Carrie Stilwell Asheville
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2 thoughts on “Letter writer: Calling animal slaughter ‘art’ is profane”
George Mantle
Although I agree with the sentiment expressed, I’m a Vegetarian, I don’t believe that invoking the term ‘Art’ to describe butchery necessarily implies a lack of respect for the animals in question. Any profession, pursued through out one’s life, can be become an ‘Art’ form through devotion and experience, and if anything, I would rather have a butcher take her/his profession so seriously that they think of themselves as partaking in a ancient art form, as opposed to mindlessly butchering the animals.
Zia Terhune
Maybe animal slaughter by backyard butchers is considered an art form but does that make any difference to the victim? If you don’t agree, go and watch this violent horrible process yourself. You will never get it out of your mind, or heart.
Although I agree with the sentiment expressed, I’m a Vegetarian, I don’t believe that invoking the term ‘Art’ to describe butchery necessarily implies a lack of respect for the animals in question. Any profession, pursued through out one’s life, can be become an ‘Art’ form through devotion and experience, and if anything, I would rather have a butcher take her/his profession so seriously that they think of themselves as partaking in a ancient art form, as opposed to mindlessly butchering the animals.
Maybe animal slaughter by backyard butchers is considered an art form but does that make any difference to the victim? If you don’t agree, go and watch this violent horrible process yourself. You will never get it out of your mind, or heart.