After the shocker that was The Cove, the acts depicted in this film didn't seem quite as disturbing. However, that doesn't mean that there wasn't a lot of disturbing moments. One of the main things that creeped me out were just the horrible conditions that the chickens and cows were living in while in the slaughterhouses. I mean, living knee-deep in their own waste to the point that it's caused more outbreaks of e coli in the past decade than ever? That's a almost as disturbing as the great lengths that they go through to stop people from finding out about what goes on, as well as the other things they do (granted, not quite as bad as The Cove). The worst would either have to be the horrible conditions that the workers have to work with in the factories, or the whole story about how Monsanto just relentlessly tries to ruin anybody who is even suspected of using their seeds. I also liked the film's comparison of the meat factories with those in the early 19th century.
With that said though, the film still managed to have more moments of hope than I thought it was going to have. It showed that there are still actual farms that are able to thrive in spite of the huge companies running the food market. It also shows that these farms are still able to stick to their morals such as with the Polyface farm. It also states that the organic market has not only been able to start up, but has actually been growing to a phenomenal level while still being very profitable.
On a side note, was anyone else really disgusted by that one scene where they just reach into the cow's stomach and take out its food, possibly more-so than any other image from the film? I'm not sure if the fact that it apparently can't feel a giant, gaping hole it its stomach makes it more sickening or more bearable.
I love that you brought up the organic market and how much it's been growing recently. Although this film included some pretty disturbing moments and definitely made me question everything I was eating of recent, it's true that people are fighting back and choosing to eat organic fruit, vegetables, and meat. The proof of that is made very apparent here in Asheville also. We have whole restaurants devoted to the quality of food within walking distance!
ReplyDeleteSidenote, the cow stomach part disgusted me too!
The film did a good job at portraying the unsanitary problems that lay within the slaughterhouses, especially by noting the fact that the break out of E. coli has gone up in the past decades. Its astounding to me to think that certain humans have no feelings for what certain animals go through. (like in the cove as well)I agree with you in saying that the scene where the farmers go in elbow deep into the cows stomach to examine its contents was completely horrific and disgusting.
ReplyDeleteI do have to agree with you about the cow, it made me sick to my stomach. Pun intended.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you about the hopefulness of the documentary, what we seemed to overlook through all the shocking yet truthful scenes is that there are farms and foods that are natural and local and thriving.