American writer and photographer Austin Bush, who is based in Lisbon, shared a snapshot of the slaughter of a pig.
A few days ago I came across a photo – unusual for my Instagram feed – even though I follow dozens of accounts related to food. American writer and photographer Austin Bushbased in Lisbon, shared a snapshot of a pig being slaughtered in Portugal’s Alentejo region.
It is not the first time that he stands as a witness in front of the slaughter of an animal, but this was particularly cruel. “It took a long time for the pig to die. Honestly, it was a very unpleasant and hard sight to watch,” he confesses in our email communication.
“I would also like to add that some of the images I took that day are really beautiful. The scenery, the people and the elements are unique and beautiful, but it’s also something that people have been doing for thousands of years, and I think there’s something special about capturing that.”
Austin Bush did not intend to shock with his photo, but to make a necessary one occasional reminder about what we consume. Especially if we eat, serve or write about food that includes meat. “After seeing my first slaughter of a large animal, I became more conscious about eating meat. I’m a food writer, so I still eat meat, but when I cook at home, I emphasize vegetable dishes, which I think is partly a result of witnessing these events.”
Portraying reality is not the basis of social media. And although there are many attempts to strip it down, the truth is that food, like many other issues, is covered behind filters, beautified and misses the point. The American photographer considers it important to show the reality behind a massacre but admits it is a fine line. “If I show images or videos that are very bloody, I’m very likely to push people to the extremes of their preconceived notions.”
“Although I sympathize with the vegetarians when it comes to treatment of animals, I continue to eat meat as it is part of my life as a food writer and photographer and recipe creator. What could possibly be a reason to give it up is the meat industry, especially as it exists in the US. It’s bad for the animals, but also for the environment and for the people involved – both those who are tasked with killing/processing the animals and those who eat processed meat.”
Bush’s photo does not embellish any situation but presents a necessary truth: where our food comes from. Except that killing an animal doesn’t have the same heavy impact on our consciousness as picking some broccoli from the garden. “Especially in the US, where I’m from, we have no idea where our food comes from. It is more clear here in Portugal and Thailand, where I lived for a long time and witnessed some massacres. But as the world adopts a US-style meat processing industry, I fear those connections will be lost.”
Back in Athens, we were with NEWS 24/7 at Diamanti Ecological Farm. In this model farm, Spyros Chrysoulas produces dairy products with organic certification. Male animals, however, do not have the “good” luck of females, as their usual destination is slaughter for their meat. Wanting to raise awareness among consumers and especially younger generations about meat-eating, the farm owner plans to make the animal area accessible to children. Every step we take closer to nature gives us the required knowledge and consciousness for the choices we make. Choices that can determine morality, health, and the sustainability of the planet.