It’s long overdue that we address a harmful and outdated stereotype: the idea that modern Koreans are dog eaters. This pervasive image, often perpetuated through memes and casual jokes, is not only inaccurate but also deeply offensive and rooted in racist tropes. Associating Koreans with eating dog meat in today’s world is a form of cultural prejudice that needs to be challenged.
Beyond Korea: Dog Meat Consumption is a Global Issue
The stereotype unfairly targets Korea, ignoring the fact that dog meat consumption exists in various countries around the world. Attributing this practice solely to Korea is not only factually incorrect but also conveniently overlooks similar practices elsewhere.
Consider these facts:
- China: China has a history of dog meat consumption, and while practices are changing, it’s a country where dog meat markets have existed and, in some areas, continue to operate.
- Vietnam: Dog meat has been part of Vietnamese cuisine, and while it’s not a mainstream practice for all, it’s a recognized part of their culinary landscape in certain regions.
- India: Reports and investigations have revealed dog meat consumption in parts of India, highlighting that this issue is not geographically limited.
- Indonesia: Despite growing opposition, dog meat consumption persists in parts of Indonesia, demonstrating that cultural practices vary within countries.
- Switzerland: Surprisingly to some, even in Europe, there have been reports of dog and cat meat consumption in certain rural areas of Switzerland.
Why, then, does the “Eating Pets Meme” predominantly target Korea? The selective focus reveals a bias, ignoring the broader global context of diverse culinary traditions.
Korea’s Evolving Relationship with Dogs: Pets, Not Food
The stereotype becomes even more absurd when considering the reality of modern Korea. The vast majority of Koreans today do not eat dog meat. In fact, surveys indicate that over 70% of adult Koreans do not consume dog meat, and this number is rapidly increasing, especially among younger generations.
This shift isn’t due to external pressure or Western shaming. It’s an internal evolution driven by Koreans themselves. Dog meat restaurants, markets, and farms are closing down across the country not because of international condemnation, but because demand from Koreans has plummeted. Dog meat consumption is becoming a fading practice, primarily limited to older generations, not a reflection of contemporary Korean society.
Active Efforts to End the Dog Meat Industry in Korea
Koreans are not passively reacting to change; they are actively leading the way in dismantling the dog meat industry. Driven by Korean activists and media, awareness about animal welfare and changing societal views on pets have led to significant progress.
- Restaurant Closures: The number of dog meat restaurants in Korea has drastically reduced, with estimates suggesting a halving in recent years, and the decline continues.
- Market Closures: The infamous Moran Market, once known for its dog meat trade, has closed down, symbolizing a significant victory for animal rights advocates in Korea.
- Farm Closures: Dog meat farms are rapidly decreasing. Estimates show a dramatic drop from 17,000 farms in 2015 to just 2,800 two years later, and this trend of closure continues as farmers seek to exit the industry with government support and compensation to transition to other forms of agriculture.
- Presidential Support: Even the President of South Korea has adopted a dog rescued from a dog meat farm, sending a powerful message about the changing perception of dogs in the country.
- Legislative Efforts: There are ongoing legislative efforts in Korea to officially ban dog meat farming, further solidifying the movement away from this practice.
These actions are driven by Koreans, for Koreans, demonstrating their commitment to animal welfare and reflecting their evolving cultural norms. The “eating pets meme” ignores this proactive change and perpetuates a false narrative.
Modern Korea: A Nation of Pet Lovers
To understand modern Korea, one needs to look beyond outdated stereotypes and see the reality of its thriving pet culture. Dogs in Korea are overwhelmingly considered companions, family members – pets, not food.
- Pet Ownership: A significant portion of Korean households, around one-third, own pets, demonstrating the widespread love for animals in the country.
- Pet Industry Boom: Korea has a flourishing pet industry, with pet stores, accessories, and services readily available, reflecting the growing pet-loving demographic.
- Pet Media: Korean television and media are filled with shows featuring adorable and beloved pets, showcasing the nation’s affection for animals.
- Pet Fashion: The popularity of pet clothing and accessories in Korea further emphasizes the view of dogs as cherished companions, dressed and cared for like family members.
The “eating pets meme” clashes sharply with this vibrant and visible pet culture, highlighting the disconnect between the stereotype and the reality of Korean society.
Misinformation and the “Dog Meat Festival” Myth
Another common misconception fueled by the “eating pets meme” is the idea of a Korean “dog meat festival.” This is a conflation with China’s Yulin Dog Meat Festival. Korea does not have a dog meat festival.
The confusion often arises from Boknal, three of the hottest days in summer in Korea. Historically, dog soup was consumed during Boknal for perceived medicinal benefits to combat the heat. However, this practice is largely outdated and has been replaced by healthier and more widely accepted summer dishes like ginseng chicken soup (Samgyetang).
Attributing the Yulin Dog Meat Festival to Korea is a factual error, often stemming from a generalized and stereotypical view of Asian cultures. It’s crucial to distinguish between countries and their specific cultural practices, rather than perpetuating harmful generalizations through memes.
Rejecting the “White Savior” Narrative and Respecting Korean Agency
The “eating pets meme” often intertwines with a “white savior” narrative, suggesting that Western intervention is necessary to “save” dogs in Korea. This perspective is not only condescending but also ignores the agency of Koreans who are actively addressing this issue within their own society.
Well-intentioned but misinformed campaigns that portray Koreans as needing external saviors to change their ways are counterproductive and disrespectful. They echo colonialist attitudes and fail to recognize the progress already being made by Koreans themselves.
Koreans are capable of addressing their own cultural practices and are doing so effectively. Respecting their agency and supporting Korean-led initiatives is far more constructive than perpetuating stereotypes and adopting a savior complex.
Time to Bury the “Eating Pets Meme”
The “eating pets meme” is not just an outdated joke; it’s a harmful stereotype that perpetuates racism and ignores the significant cultural shifts happening in Korea. It’s time to retire this tired trope.
Modern Korea is a technologically advanced, culturally rich nation where dogs are increasingly viewed as cherished pets. Clinging to the “eating pets meme” is not only inaccurate but also prevents a genuine understanding and appreciation of contemporary Korean society.
Just as other harmful food stereotypes associated with different ethnicities are recognized as racist, the “eating pets meme” directed at Koreans should be similarly condemned. Let’s move beyond outdated prejudices and acknowledge the reality: Koreans are not defined by a fading culinary practice, but by their dynamic culture, their love for pets, and their active role in building a more compassionate society.
