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Seafood
Seafood draws on controversial themes in the interdisciplinary field of food studies, with case studies from different eras and geographic regions. Using familiar commodities, this accessible book will help students understand cutting-edge issues in sustainability and ask readers to think about the future of an industry that has lain waste to its own resources. Examining the practical aspects of fisheries and seafood leads the reader through discussions of the core elements of anthropological method and theory, and the book concludes with discussions of sustainable seafood and current efforts to save what is left of marine ecosystems. Students will be encouraged to think about their own seafood consumption through project assignments that challenge them to trace the commodity chains of the seafood on their own plates. Seafood is an ideal book for courses on food and culture, economic anthropology, and the environment.
156 pages, Hardcover
Published September 7, 2018
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March 9, 2019
Overall very interesting and I am glad I read it. HOWEVER, some statements are purely based upon what sounds to me as nationalism...and it is throughout the book.
Additionally, many times the authors seem to be making a point just to go backwards and conclude another thing. It would be a good thing if the objective was to be neutral but that does not occur.
Some questions raised in the book:
After the authors state live octopus, shrimp and squid are a delicacy in Asian countries, they ask:
"Does it seem more ethical when diners kills the animal, or when it is done by a chef or a factory worker on a fish-cleaning line?"
Yes, the latter two do seem more ethical. Anyone who has been to Asian countries or watched a movie about live seafood dishes have seen how far diners would "play" with the live food and for octopuses, for example, little by little cut part of the tentacles to eat. Or fishes that are purposely kept "alive" while the sashimi of their flesh is served beside their body 'carcass'? I am sorry but no. The only ones buying that 'speech' are people who have never stepped in Asia.
After the authors were defending the catch of marine mammals that is traditional and part of culture in some countries, they ask:
"Would you be able to eat whale sushi if you knew the whale was sustainably caught and processed?"
And that is exactly the point. Yes, we don't eat them because they are 'cute' and we would prefer to see them stick around... But also because they cannot be farmed as the cows mentioned in another line. For Japan specially, new generation of Japanese people do not even like eating whale meat, they are so much so "in need" of killing whales for food that they are promoting its consumption in university canteens - the cheapest meal you can get. It is a matter of pride to keep this catch, as I heard from many Japanese fellows " we won't stop just because other countries tell us" (but also MOST of the population don't particularly fancy the meat).
I understand the book wants to show different cultures and traditions, but by trying convince the readers with such, and many other, statements (and also lack of references) will only work for the least informed people. Nevertheless, I recommend it anyway. Make up your own conclusions.
Additionally, many times the authors seem to be making a point just to go backwards and conclude another thing. It would be a good thing if the objective was to be neutral but that does not occur.
Some questions raised in the book:
After the authors state live octopus, shrimp and squid are a delicacy in Asian countries, they ask:
"Does it seem more ethical when diners kills the animal, or when it is done by a chef or a factory worker on a fish-cleaning line?"
Yes, the latter two do seem more ethical. Anyone who has been to Asian countries or watched a movie about live seafood dishes have seen how far diners would "play" with the live food and for octopuses, for example, little by little cut part of the tentacles to eat. Or fishes that are purposely kept "alive" while the sashimi of their flesh is served beside their body 'carcass'? I am sorry but no. The only ones buying that 'speech' are people who have never stepped in Asia.
After the authors were defending the catch of marine mammals that is traditional and part of culture in some countries, they ask:
"Would you be able to eat whale sushi if you knew the whale was sustainably caught and processed?"
And that is exactly the point. Yes, we don't eat them because they are 'cute' and we would prefer to see them stick around... But also because they cannot be farmed as the cows mentioned in another line. For Japan specially, new generation of Japanese people do not even like eating whale meat, they are so much so "in need" of killing whales for food that they are promoting its consumption in university canteens - the cheapest meal you can get. It is a matter of pride to keep this catch, as I heard from many Japanese fellows " we won't stop just because other countries tell us" (but also MOST of the population don't particularly fancy the meat).
I understand the book wants to show different cultures and traditions, but by trying convince the readers with such, and many other, statements (and also lack of references) will only work for the least informed people. Nevertheless, I recommend it anyway. Make up your own conclusions.
Displaying 1 of 1 review