Because She doesn’t like YOU, that’s why. Well, actually, …
… actually, in a world that by its very nature can only be optimized, not perfected, the whole concept is relative. Maybe the factory farm animal, had it the wit to consider the matter, would consider humans deadly parasites on its species. Think about it.
Don’t go nuts over it. Just think about it.
CBC Radio’s Ideas program recently hosted Rosemary Drisdelle, a parasitologist and author of: Parasites: Tales of Humanity’s Most Unwelcome Guests, along with other experts:
People hate parasites. They’re slimy and repulsive – worms emerging from blisters on the body, mites breeding in skin folds. They hold wild parties in our guts. They bring pestilence, misery…even death. But wait: parasites can also be good – really, really good! Author Rosemary Drisdelle explores these much maligned creatures and their importance in nature, and she unveils exciting new medical research into the good they can do for us. More. Listen.
From Drisdelle’s book:
Chapter Two: Market of Peril
When we think about parasites, we often think in terms of them eating us, or at least parts of us. But it’s also true that we eat them: that’s how many of the parasites that live in people get into people in the first place. Looking back in time, it’s clear that people have been tremendously helpful to many parasites. Even today, we’re making it easy for various parasites to infect more people than ever before! And you thought your food was safe.
In Chapter two, take a walk through the local market and find out how people have added worms to pork, beef, and even greens. Find out why sheep and sheepdogs can be a bad combination for the shepherd, and consider whether raw fish is worth the risk. Have you ever wondered why, exactly, we shouldn’t let flies walk on our food? The giant fly at the market fills you in.
Okay, okay. Drisdelle, a lab scientist, is just trying to help us see that it isn’t a conflict between good Us and bad Them.
Remember that the next time some smartass raises parasites as an instance of why there isn’t really design in nature, or anyway, not one that he himself would worship.