It isn’t difficult to find criticisms of our meat-heavy diet in the U.S., but this one comes from an unexpected source: Josh Ozersky, the founder of Meatopia, the event that calls itself “the Woodstock of edible animals.” His essay appeared in Time magazine in August 2012.
Read it here: Ozersky, "A Meat Lover Says Yes to Meatless Monday”
- Ozersky is not arguing for the elimination of meat from the U.S. diet but rather an improvement in the quality of the meat that we eat. What evidence does he provide to support his argument? Is the evidence sufficient? Why or why not?
- Ozersky uses the phrase “round-the-clock meatitude,” and chances are you’ve never heard this phrase before. Did it make sense to you when you read it? What do you understand it to mean? Does using such an invented phrase make the article more interesting or entertaining? Why or why not?
- Do you think that a “Meatless Monday” movement can effect substantial changes in meat production in the United States? Why or why not? Would you participate in such a movement as a political statement? As a personal health choice? Why or why not?
- If Ozersky had his way, there would be less meat available and it would be much more expensive; however, it would be of a consistently higher quality. How would you and your family be affected by these changes? Would you view the changes as generally positive? Negative? Why? Write an essay in which you respond to Ozersky’s proposal, explaining your position clearly.
They Say I Blog 
Ozersky lists several different reasons why the quality of meat in the United States is in a bad state. Some of these are that dangerous bacteria are commonly found in meat, the fact that fillers and chemicals are starting to be added to it. However, he doesn’t delve into these claims quite enough in order to fully back them up. I found the phrase “round-the-clock meatitude” to be humorous when I read it, and felt that it added a more light-hearted tone to the article. I understood the phrase to mean something along the lines of our current society being obsessed with having copious amounts of meat 24/7. As a vegan, I think that Meatless Mondays are a great thing and would have a major impact on the production of meat in the United States for seemingly obvious reasons. My personal stance is that killing animals (for food production especially) is morally wrong and I believe that if a large enough number of people were to partake in this movement, the number of animals killed for food production would be greatly decreased. Though I do not eat meat, the rest of my family does. If meat were to become less readily and cheaply available I might be able to share more family meals with them and see my family become more physically healthy due to their lesser consumption of meat. I feel that less production of meat in the United States could only result in good things. I also support Meatless Monday because the more people search for and discover vegetarian or vegan options, the more encouraged they might become to perhaps pursue a more permanent meat-free diet.
LikeLike
According to the 2014 Meat Atlas of the Friends of the Earth Foundation, there are 375 million vegetarians worldwide. That means that 31% of the population are in fact cutting out meat and choosing a cruelty-free diet. However, for those who don’t entirely want to give up their meat, I think that “Meatless Mondays” is a fantastic idea. Designating a non-meat eating day (in this case Mondays) can be a great start to a better diet. A substitution of vegetables or fruit for meat on that day can really make a difference both economically and physically. I believe that because the prices of meat have increased, so many people have turned to cheaper, low quality meats. Believe me, ordering a dollar cheeseburger that will be made in less than two minutes (that may taste pretty good) seems like the way to go, but it does more harm than good. As a pescatarian, I love the idea of “Meatless Mondays” for all the meat lovers out there. I gave up meat over a year ago and it was one of the best decisions I have made for my health. Even just starting out with one day per week, people can really make a difference in the meat industry and a difference in their health.
LikeLike
I enjoy eating meat just as much as the next American, I look forward to eating things like hamburgers and hotdogs in the summer, and my grandma’s famous beef stew in the winter. However, I think we all overlook the quality, and the production value of the meat that we consume on a daily basis. Farmers are forced to keep up with Americans’ meat-heavy diets, leading them to cut corners. These farmers add things like antibiotics, and ethanol to their animals’ feed. These can both play a big part in speeding up the animals’ growth processes in an unnatural way. This is not only bad for the animal, but also is very unhealthy for us to consume the chemical filled meat. In the article “Why A Meat Lover Endorses Meatless Monday”, the writer Josh Ozersky shares how if Americans were to cut meat out of their diet for just one day, it would be easier for farmers to keep up with our ever growing population of meat eaters. This would not only improve the quality of meat that we are eating, but would also improve the quality of life for these animals before being used for meat. Personally I am all for this idea of a “meatless monday”, I think over time we would really be able to see a change in the quality of the meat we consume, and I also believe that using meat substitutes for only one meal a week is not only extremely doable, but necessary.
LikeLike
I enjoy eating meat just as much as the next American, I look forward to eating things like hamburgers and hotdogs in the summer, and my grandma’s famous beef stew in the winter. However, I think we all overlook the quality, and the production value of the meat that we consume on a daily basis. Farmers are forced to keep up with Americans’ meat-heavy diets, leading them to cut corners. These farmers add things like antibiotics, and ethanol to their animals’ feed. These can both play a big part in speeding up the animals’ growth processes in an unnatural way. This is not only bad for the animal, but also is very unhealthy for us to consume the chemical filled meat. In the article “Why A Meat Lover Endorses Meatless Monday”, the writer Josh Ozersky shares how if Americans were to cut meat out of their diet for just one day, it would be easier for farmers to keep up with our ever growing population of meat eaters. This would not only improve the quality of meat that we are eating, but would also improve the quality of life for these animals before being used for meat. Personally I am all for this idea of a “meatless monday”, I think over time we would really be able to see a change in the quality of the meat we consume, and I also believe that using meat substitutes for only one meal a week is not only extremely doable, but necessary.
LikeLike
This blog brings attention to an overshadowed topic about the true quality of American foods. Pesticides and chemicals are only becoming more and more exposed and talked about recently, but it is still not as popular as it should be. Taylor highlights how simply cutting out meat for one day a week can make a significant impact on our health, our neighbors, and society as a whole. This small but meaningful change draws attention to the unsustainable and overworked practices surrounding meat production and encourages a shift toward better food quality.
Taylor explains that, historically, humans didn’t rely on daily meat consumption. Instead, they balanced their diets with a mix of proteins, fruits, and greens, which is not only viable but beneficial. By adopting a similar mindset today, we can sacrifice merely one day out of seven to contribute to both personal health and broader societal benefits. Reducing meat consumption sends a message to farmers and food producers that overproduction isn’t necessary. Farmers won’t feel pressured to meet unrealistic demands, which often lead to the excessive use of chemicals and hormones to “speed up” the growth and processing of livestock. This adjustment could pave the way for a more sustainable, natural, and ethical food system.
Meatless days can inspire individuals to explore plant-based alternatives, creating awareness of healthier, eco-friendly choices. By making this small change, we not only benefit our own health but also help to build a future where food production aligns more closely with environmental and ethical standards.
LikeLike