From an abstract perspective, I guess that makes sense given local cultural norms? I don't think that many Americans would appreciate someone eating horse or dog meat in public even though that is normal in other countries.
On the other hand, I suppose one could see such bans as a symptom of rising Hindu nationalism at the expense of India's minority populations. That's definitely more concerning.
To nitpick, can't compare dog meat's acceptance in western society to Beef in Indian culture.
The Cow is revered at different levels in India. From a 'mother' to a 'diety'.
The comparator would be eating pork in a Islamic State.
In the multicultural society, we need tolerance. The ban on beef is not intolerance, but a form of tolerance. You are welcome to eat any meat, but beef. This is at best an inconvenience, but of great significance to Hindus.
This again brings up a similar topic of tolerance of intolerance.
Here is the bargain that exists in a multicultural, multilinguistic, multireligious society like India (There is no other country that comes even close) - We don't eat Beef or Pork. There, all accomodated, tolerated and agreed upon.
> The comparator would be eating pork in a Islamic State.
Not really. Mohammedans don’t revere the pig; they think it is filthy.
> The ban on beef is not intolerance, but a form of tolerance.
That’s nonsense on stilts. It is textbook intolerance.
Beef is an absolutely delicious meat (so’s pork too, by the way). Hamburgers, steaks, roast beef, beef stew, cottage pie: to a very great extent beef is what food is.
cultures can be objectively worse when it comes to outcomes for all humans who transport them. Also we are at a cultural lagrange point, were one set of screamers is out of air and the other cant terrorize you yet. might as well do something for science in that window.
> I don't think that many Americans would appreciate someone eating horse or dog meat in public
I believe that it’s actually worse in America: to my knowledge, it is illegal to sell horse or dog meat at all in America. Which is intolerant and frankly stupid.
I love my dog, but it’s no skin off my back if someone else eats his.
Then again all hindus have todo to get away with that is having a reputation for violence. Middle east can ethnic cleanse every day noone bats an eye- unless its Israel ...
Which cultural norms is this catering to? Certainly not the previous norm of pluralistic society where people could eat beef in public without government reprisal.
On the other hand, I suppose one could see such bans as a symptom of rising Hindu nationalism at the expense of India's minority populations. That's definitely more concerning.