Dogs, Monkeys, and Dolphins are SELL-OUTS
OK, so I'm in Taiwan, a province of China. And while no one here does, I've had many conversations with people concerning the eating of certain animals such as the dog and the monkey. Unlike many people in China, the Taiwanese do not eat dog and monkey (from what they've told me- Google says the contrary) and the act is actually banned by the government by law. Now, I'm not sure if there's such a law in the US, but Americans- as far as I know- refrain from those particular delicacies. But- like many things we do and don't do in life, do we even know why? I think most of the animals that we don't eat is an act of common sense. Animals like the lion are too dangerous to hunt. Animals like the elephant and the whale are too big to capture. The risk far outweighs the reward. But times have changed. We are now the kings and queens of this jungle we call earth (after a million year battle) and we can eat any animals we want. So I don't think our diet has anything to do with the risk involved.
But could it be taste? Taste is obviously a major factor and could even override the urge to use caution, made evident by shark being on some menus and the fact that almost no one in the world eats rat. But taste is more of an acquired thing than a fact of nature. You can learn to enjoy any food that you've been presented with in your early stages in life. I wholeheartedly believe the animals that we choose to not eat are the ones that we can relate to the most. Our narcissistic supremacy has ordained cannibalistic behavior a sin as we aren't allowed to eat the deities we call human beings or any animal we consider in the same vicinity of our "vast intellect". Now since we couldn't possibly understand the full capacity of intellect of any given animal, we merely make assumptions based on what the animals want us to see. That's where the dog, the monkey, and the dolphin come into play.They show-off, they befriend, and they completely sell-out to set themselves apart from the rest of the animal kingdom.
Urbandictionary defines a "sell out" as anyone who sacrifices artistic integrity in an effort to become more successful or popular; someone who forgets their roots. One who betrays a cause for personal advancement.
The more credible source Wikipedia states selling out is a common slang phrase. Broadly speaking, it refers to the compromising of one's integrity, morality and principles in exchange for money, success or other personal gain. It is commonly associated with attempts to increase mass appeal or acceptability to mainstream society.
Now, while some animals are enslaved due to their lack of strength and/or ferociousness (ie the pig, the house cat, the cow, etc.), animals like the monkey, dog, and dolphin could easily stick to the wild side of the animal kingdom. Many animals that refuse to befriend human beings show intellect (keep in mind that pigs are known to be one of the smartest animals on the planet). And wolves, for instance, have a hierarchy system of government within every pack and intricate plans of attack, but you don't see them siding with the enemy that is us. They'll tear us to pieces and have every right to do so since we are the number one predator on earth.
Sellouts! From Lassie to Flipper to every monkey who's ever showed off their sign language skill, we've accepted their cowardly (albeit wise) plea to "please, don't eat me!" For such a viscous predator, we sure are easily amused. And if you think Nature would have us doing things the way we are now, think again. There once was a circle of life that existed for millions of years and we've destroyed that circle in a few thousand years by picking and choosing what we eat and what we deplete. And what's the basis for the choices we've made? We chose the animals that entertained us and comforted us the most. We're the kings and queens of this jungle we call earth, the monkey is our jester, the dolphin is our source of wonder and admiration, and the dog… well, the dog is just the dog. And all of the other animals- if they're capable of this thought at all- are all watching in disgust. Or rather a combination of disgust, jealousy, and a perpetual fear of being eaten by the predator that is us.
So please, have less respect for the monkey, the dog, and the dolphin. I'm not saying eat them… but respect them far less than the other animals who have remained true to their roots. Sure selling out might keep you alive, being an uncle Tom might've given some a way out of the harshness of slavery and being a stoolpigeon might decrease your prison term, but be wary of who you respect. So…..What are you having for dinner?