US Versus UK Perspective?

[Guest guest]

I recently read a (dated) book about the sociology of food and came

upon some interesting facts. Although studies on vegetarianism are

scarce and not all-inclusive, it was estimated in the late 90s that

between 3 and 7 percent of Americans identified themselves as

vegetarians of some sort and as much as 16 percent of UK citizens did

so as well. There are, of course lower estimates in other studies

for the UK, but there are no comparable higher estimates for the US.

This suggests (although possibly in no way scientifically) that in

general a higher percentage of UK citizens are vegetarian, if you

look at the mean average of all of the studies.

 

I also just read For the Love of Animals: The History of the Animal

Welfare Movement (yay Humanity Dick) and I was impressed with how

fervent the animal wefare movement in the UK was about enacting laws

to protect animals so much earlier than other Western countries.

 

I know there are many members here from all over the world and I was

wondering what they think the differences are between their country

and others as it applies to vegetarian/vegan ideals? It has to be

something largly cultural or some norm that our society impresses on

our citizens. Why are some countries so much more advanced in their

thinking than others when it comes to vegetarianism? Why are some

people/cultures so resistant to change? The US/UK comparison is

puzzling because while there are some definite differences in

culture, most of our norms and values are shared, right?

[Guest guest]

i had a long reply ready....but. decided i didn't like it

short answer..we are different cultures/societies, for all our similarites.

"individual rights" have always been part of the US mythology.

socialism and social aspects have bee part of the UK aspect/society for a long time. common law, etc. it helps to create a different mindset.

not to mention the difference in land use, natural resources, etc.

slavery was outlawed(more or less) almost a century before it was in the US. different mores, different cultures.

whitty__ Oct 27, 2008 7:56 AM US Versus UK Perspective?

 

 

 

I recently read a (dated) book about the sociology of food and came upon some interesting facts. Although studies on vegetarianism are scarce and not all-inclusive, it was estimated in the late 90s that between 3 and 7 percent of Americans identified themselves as vegetarians of some sort and as much as 16 percent of UK citizens did so as well. There are, of course lower estimates in other studies for the UK, but there are no comparable higher estimates for the US. This suggests (although possibly in no way scientifically) that in general a higher percentage of UK citizens are vegetarian, if you look at the mean average of all of the studies. I also just read For the Love of Animals: The History of the Animal Welfare Movement (yay Humanity Dick) and I was impressed with how fervent the animal wefare movement in the UK was about enacting laws to protect animals so much earlier than other Western countries. I know there are many members here from all over the world and I was wondering what they think the differences are between their country and others as it applies to vegetarian/vegan ideals? It has to be something largly cultural or some norm that our society impresses on our citizens. Why are some countries so much more advanced in their thinking than others when it comes to vegetarianism? Why are some people/cultures so resistant to change? The US/UK comparison is puzzling because while there are some definite differences in culture, most of our norms and values are shared, right?

 

 

 

 

 

For in a Republic, who is “the country� Is it the Government which is for the moment in the saddle? Why, the Government is merely a servant—merely a temporary servant; it cannot be its prerogative to determine what is right and what is wrong, and decide who is a patriot and who isn’t. Its function is to obey orders, not originate them.

Mark Twain

[Guest guest]

People in Britain generally call themselves animal lovers - and yet the vast majority eat them! Very strange.

 

Did we have more of a problem with BSE in the UK (or was it covered better by the media), that frightened more people into giving up meat?

 

Jo

 

 

-

whitty__

Monday, October 27, 2008 2:56 PM

US Versus UK Perspective?

 

 

I recently read a (dated) book about the sociology of food and came upon some interesting facts. Although studies on vegetarianism are scarce and not all-inclusive, it was estimated in the late 90s that between 3 and 7 percent of Americans identified themselves as vegetarians of some sort and as much as 16 percent of UK citizens did so as well. There are, of course lower estimates in other studies for the UK, but there are no comparable higher estimates for the US. This suggests (although possibly in no way scientifically) that in general a higher percentage of UK citizens are vegetarian, if you look at the mean average of all of the studies. I also just read For the Love of Animals: The History of the Animal Welfare Movement (yay Humanity Dick) and I was impressed with how fervent the animal wefare movement in the UK was about enacting laws to protect animals so much earlier than other Western countries. I know there are many members here from all over the world and I was wondering what they think the differences are between their country and others as it applies to vegetarian/vegan ideals? It has to be something largly cultural or some norm that our society impresses on our citizens. Why are some countries so much more advanced in their thinking than others when it comes to vegetarianism? Why are some people/cultures so resistant to change? The US/UK comparison is puzzling because while there are some definite differences in culture, most of our norms and values are shared, right?

[Guest guest]

here you get sued if you try and say there could be BSE in cattle

"jo.heartwork" Oct 27, 2008 12:11 PM Re: US Versus UK Perspective?

 

 

 

 

People in Britain generally call themselves animal lovers - and yet the vast majority eat them! Very strange.

 

Did we have more of a problem with BSE in the UK (or was it covered better by the media), that frightened more people into giving up meat?

 

Jo

 

 

-

whitty__

Monday, October 27, 2008 2:56 PM

US Versus UK Perspective?

 

 

I recently read a (dated) book about the sociology of food and came upon some interesting facts. Although studies on vegetarianism are scarce and not all-inclusive, it was estimated in the late 90s that between 3 and 7 percent of Americans identified themselves as vegetarians of some sort and as much as 16 percent of UK citizens did so as well. There are, of course lower estimates in other studies for the UK, but there are no comparable higher estimates for the US. This suggests (although possibly in no way scientifically) that in general a higher percentage of UK citizens are vegetarian, if you look at the mean average of all of the studies. I also just read For the Love of Animals: The History of the Animal Welfare Movement (yay Humanity Dick) and I was impressed with how fervent the animal wefare movement in the UK was about enacting laws to protect animals so much earlier than other Western countries. I know there are many members here from all over the world and I was wondering what they think the differences are between their country and others as it applies to vegetarian/vegan ideals? It has to be something largly cultural or some norm that our society impresses on our citizens. Why are some countries so much more advanced in their thinking than others when it comes to vegetarianism? Why are some people/cultures so resistant to change? The US/UK comparison is puzzling because while there are some definite differences in culture, most of our norms and values are shared, right?

 

 

 

 

 

 

For in a Republic, who is “the country� Is it the Government which is for the moment in the saddle? Why, the Government is merely a servant—merely a temporary servant; it cannot be its prerogative to determine what is right and what is wrong, and decide who is a patriot and who isn’t. Its function is to obey orders, not originate them.

Mark Twain

[Guest guest]

LOL. The knowledge wasn't on the media much for a few years here.

 

Jo

 

Re: US Versus UK Perspective?

 

 

here you get sued if you try and say there could be BSE in cattle