Aspectos morais por trás da "carne quente" : uma questão de gosto e (in) civilidade

Abstract

This work analyzes the relationship between civility and morality when related to the issue of meat consumption and slaughter of animals. To do so, we develop the research in an area where there is a remaining way of the slaughter practice. This place is Casa Amarela Market, located in the northern suburb of Recife, and its close open air market where live poultry are sold, many of them to be killed in a service of slaughter offered nearby. In this context, attended by a very heterogeneous public, we noticed a strong appreciation of fresh meat, "hot meat", as opposed to meat processed industrially. We try to analyze this predisposition according to Norbert Elias' logic of internalization of civilizing forms. Thus, we turn to the sociological understanding of the circumstances in which the informants are entitled to keep practicing the craft slaughter, an activity that suffers more social pressure then before due to the growing concern for animal welfare. The interest here is to identify the reasons why, in the midst of amenities and advertising appeals designed by meat and slaughter industry, certain individuals prefer to remain close to the most critical stage of meat eating. As a result of this discussion, this article raises some reflections on the moral implications that the civilizing process and food modernity evoke, especially concerning the treatment of animals.