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Case Exploration: Why do Children Eat their "Friends"?

Desiree Rickett

Animals are depicted in a variety of media outlets as happy, friendly, and akin to humans. From games to books to movies, individuals-specifically children-are taught to care for, cherish, and possess empathy for animals. In the words of Disney’s Finding Nemo, “Fish are friends, not food” [1]. Even the act of pet ownership portrays animals in a positive light as shown by how children benefit socially, develop empathy, and gain more positive attitudes toward pets from these interactions [2]. Early positive incorporation of animals into different mediums should increase childhood empathy for animal welfare that transitions into adulthood because these relationships to animals enhance human animality that binds individuals not only to each other but also to other species [3]. However, children grow up to eat the same animals they were taught to regard as friends. How do young children navigate this juxtaposition of both loving and eating animals?