It’s time to address a harmful and outdated stereotype: the idea that modern Koreans widely eat dog meat, often perpetuated through the “eating pets meme” online. This portrayal is not only inaccurate but also deeply offensive and rooted in ignorance. Associating contemporary Korea with dog meat consumption is a form of racism that contributes to harmful food stereotypes. Let’s look at the facts and dismantle this damaging meme.
FACT: The “Eating Pets Meme” Ignores Global Dog Meat Consumption
The meme often singles out Korea, implying it’s the only or primary nation where dog meat is consumed. This is simply untrue. Dog meat consumption exists in various countries around the world, including:
- China: As reported by The Economist, China has a significant dog meat market.
- Vietnam: The Guardian highlights dog eating as a substantial business in Vietnam.
- India: Daily Mail exposed the horrific dog meat trade in parts of India.
- Indonesia: The New York Times reported on the growing taste for dog meat in Indonesia.
- Switzerland: Even in Europe, Daily Mail revealed that some farmers in Switzerland eat cats and dogs.
Why is the “eating pets meme” so focused on Korea when dog meat consumption is a broader issue? This selective focus reveals a bias and a lack of accurate information.
FACT: The “Eating Pets Meme” Distorts Current Korean Dietary Habits
The meme suggests that eating dog meat is a mainstream practice in Korea today. This is a gross misrepresentation of reality. A 2017 survey cited by Al Jazeera showed that over 70% of adult Koreans do not eat dog meat. This number is increasing rapidly, especially among younger generations.
The decline in dog meat consumption isn’t due to external pressure or the “eating pets meme” itself, but rather a natural shift in Korean society. Fewer and fewer Koreans choose to eat dog meat, leading to the closure of dog meat restaurants, markets, and farms throughout the country.
FACT: Koreans Are Actively Working to End the Dog Meat Industry – Not Perpetuating a Meme
The “eating pets meme” ignores the significant efforts within Korea to eliminate the dog meat industry. Wikipedia and USA Today both report a substantial decrease in dog meat restaurants in recent years. This decline is driven by Korean media, activists, and changing social attitudes – not by the influence of a condescending meme from abroad.
In fact, the meme and similar stereotypes can be counterproductive. They can be perceived as condescending and culturally insensitive, potentially causing some Koreans to resist change as a defense against external criticism of their cultural practices. Change takes time, especially when dealing with traditions that are centuries old.
Korea is making significant strides internally. The Korean president has even adopted a dog rescued from a dog meat farm. Legislation to further restrict and close dog farms is under consideration. Even without new laws, dog farms are closing down due to lack of demand. The infamous Moran Market, once known for its dog meat trade, has been shut down. The number of dog farms in Korea plummeted from an estimated 17,000 in 2015 to just 2,800 two years later – a dramatic decrease. Farmers are actively seeking to transition out of the industry, often with government support to switch to other forms of agriculture.
It’s time to move beyond the simplistic and inaccurate “eating pets meme” and acknowledge the real progress happening in Korea.
FACT: Modern Koreans Predominantly View Dogs as Companions – Not Food
The “eating pets meme” completely disregards the burgeoning pet culture in Korea. Just like in many Western countries, dogs are overwhelmingly considered pets in Korea today. One-third of Korean households own pets, and this number is growing.
Korean television is filled with shows featuring adorable and playful dogs. The pet industry in Korea, including pet food, accessories, and services, is thriving. Have you seen the vast array of stylish dog clothes available in Korea? This vibrant pet culture directly contradicts the outdated image presented by the “eating pets meme.”
Alt text: A small, fluffy white dog happily wearing a colorful traditional Korean Hanbok costume, showcasing pet fashion in Korea.
FACT: The “Eating Pets Meme” Confuses Korean Culture with Misinformation
The “eating pets meme” often conflates Korean culture with inaccurate information, sometimes even confusing it with other cultures. For example, the Yulin Dog Meat Festival, often mistakenly associated with Korea in these memes, is actually a Chinese festival.
In Korea, there is Boknal, three of the hottest days of summer. Historically, dog soup was sometimes consumed during Boknal for perceived medicinal benefits. However, in modern Korea, Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) has largely replaced dog soup as the traditional dish for these hot days. This shift further demonstrates the declining relevance of dog meat in contemporary Korean cuisine and the inaccuracy of the “eating pets meme.”
FACT: Koreans Don’t Need Condescending Memes – They Need Respect and Understanding
The “eating pets meme” often carries a tone of moral superiority and judgment. It perpetuates the idea that those who consume dog meat are somehow morally inferior. This kind of attitude, often masked as concern for animal welfare, can be perceived as a form of cultural condescension, even “digital colonialism.”
Koreans are capable of addressing the dog meat issue within their own cultural context and at their own pace. They don’t need to be shamed or lectured by a meme. True progress comes from understanding, respect, and factual information, not from perpetuating harmful stereotypes for likes and shares.
It’s Time to Bury the “Eating Pets Meme”
The “eating pets meme” about Korea is outdated, inaccurate, and frankly, racist. It’s a stale stereotype that ignores the significant changes happening in Korea and contributes to harmful generalizations. Just as it is wrong to stereotype any ethnicity based on food, it’s wrong to fixate on Korea for a practice that is declining and exists in many other parts of the world.
Instead of relying on lazy and offensive memes, let’s acknowledge the reality: modern Koreans overwhelmingly view dogs as pets, are actively moving away from dog meat consumption, and are building a vibrant pet culture. It’s time to retire the “eating pets meme” and embrace a more informed and respectful understanding of Korean culture and their evolving relationship with animals. Let’s focus on promoting accurate information and celebrating the love of pets in all cultures.
