The Sociopolitical Implications of a Vegan Diet
Vegetarian traditions have been present in human society since ancient times, being primarily associated with religious traditions and personal philosophies. However, the 20th century saw the rise of a dedicated group that took a strict stance, avoiding the use of any animal products instead of simply abstaining from meat. These people, known as vegans, tend to base their opinions and practices on a disdain of animal cruelty associated with most farms. It may be argued that the rise of this population group was caused by the advancement of humanity and its growth. Food producers are forced to resort to methods that disregard animal well-being, but people nowadays are better educated and have more access to information, and can discover and condemn such practices.
The trends that can be discovered in vegan populations reflect this idea. According to Mensink et al., there are no clear trends in veganism that depend on the socioeconomic level, but better-educated people and those living in large cities are more inclined to join the movement (8). The rapid advancement of humanity’s knowledge and the birth of large metropolises changed our perceptions of the origins of food and animal cruelty. In addition, food in cities is never scarce and there is no threat of famine, and therefore people can choose unusual food habits. Some people, such as Gandhi, adopted similar opinions long before the 21st century (Pilcher 56). However, the current availability of education and food allows the positions of veganism to spread and grow considerably faster.
Twinkies and Food Habits Post-Industrialization
Industrialization and the numerous advancements associated with it, particularly in the field of chemistry, have enabled the creation of foods that do not spoil and have fantastical tastes. However, the chemicals employed in the production of such goods may not necessarily occur in ingredients traditionally used in cooking or be healthy. Humanity has been consuming potentially harmful foods, such as alcohol or fugu meals, for a long time, but the new products are characterized by a danger that is less immediate or obvious. According to Chodosh, people who eat processed foods tend to consume more calories in a faster manner, leading to increased weight. This effect may have contributed to the obesity crises found in many countries, which are frequently blamed on so-called “junk” food.
My favorite unhealthy food is Twinkies, a brand of pre-made snack cakes famous for their long shelf life. They consist of numerous ingredients, many of which traditionally have not been used in food and only have chemical designations. Nevertheless, I enjoy their taste, and they are available in most grocery stores, allowing me to obtain them at any time. I have considered the idea of making healthier alternatives at home, but the complexity and cost of making cream-filled sponge cakes are daunting when compared to the ease of buying a pack of Twinkies. I believe that this convenience may be the reason for the popularity of most modern junk foods, as it is easier and cheaper to choose them over a healthier, more natural alternative.
Works Cited
Chodosh, Sara. “Processed Food Really Does Make You Gain Weight.” Popular Science, 2019, Web.
Mensink, Gert, et al. “Prevalence of Persons Following a Vegetarian Diet in Germany.” Journal of Health Monitoring, vol. 1, no. 2, 2016, pp. 2-14.
Pilcher, Jeffrey M. Food in World History. 2nd ed., Routledge, 2017.