Thesis - I need ideas!
Hello my little dumplings! I need some ideas, and who better to supply them, then my friends on the Poultry Connection.
I have to write a formal thesis for my English Comp class. It must be an argument that can be substantiated with at least five sources. Although this is a formal thesis defense, I have been given permission (because of my literary style) to use a less then formal premise....as long as I defend it in an academic manner.
My mind immediately went back to the thread....Do my chickens really love me....Lol.
Now, although I will most likely be giggling through most of the presentation, I will have to back this up with scientific facts. What do you think?
I am open to just about any suggestion that I can defend. I almost used "The sky is blue", but thought that was kinda boring. I need to write about something fun.....
The one I see argued endlessly and without resolution is:
Is it ethical to kill and eat and animal that you have raised yourself? I wouldn't think there would be 2 sides to the issue, but apparently there are, and they are both pretty passionate about it.
Also free-range vs protect from predators.
That's a good idea, but there is not documentation to support it. I can argue it, but I can't back it up.
Hey, lady....aren't you on the wrong forum to get info on affectionate poultry??)
My chickens sing to me & come running but I highly suspect they're only hungry. LOL
You are so funny!!
I was going to argue on the rational side (you know...logic), but I'm actually having a bit of difficulty sifting through all the data surrounding animal emotions. I've decided that it may be to broad of a topic.
I'm giving serious consideration to the "Pet or Food" argument as put forth by Oregon Swedes, but there are several different directions in which I can go. Hell, I may just do an argument on why stress is causing my hair to fall out. It doesn't have to be a serious topic, just a serious argument. Right now, I'm in the middle of an argument about the ultimate effects of GMO's on organic/naturally grown farms. Talk about a minefield.
Angelia, Don't know if it will do any good toward your argument or not. My little buff colored Bantam runs to me where ever I am to be picked up and petted. No food involved, just petting and talking to her. Hope you keep the class in stitches and the instructor.
You really have an interesting topic. I am curious as to how this will turn out. Do give us an update.
Even in higher education nothing is serious anymore?
It's worse than Jr. High!Originally Posted by Patrick
The task is serious....How it is approached is the issue. The ability to argue a thesis and properly defend it's foundations and conclusions is the objective. The topic is/can be fluid. But, why can't it be fun and interesting also? I'm tired of topics such as abortion, capitol punishment, euthanasia, cloning and stem cell research...all of which I've had to write papers on. All have garnered A's, but so did my "Pickle Manifesto", and my latest paper "Utopia". Why can't I have fun with it?
At the invitation of the English department, I have changed my major to Technical Writing, with a minor in English. For this particular course, the task is WRITING. I just finished a paper on GMOs (for Biology), and have another paper in process about euthanasia and it constitutionality (for Ethics). That's all pretty serious, don't you think?
The paper will be a justification for my style of humane livestock management compared to PETA's propaganda and the established standards of care in the cattle industry as it relates to holstein bull calves. It's very specific, but at the same time, very broad. I've taken a middle stance, and must defend against polar opposite opinions. Is that serious enough? In this agricultural community, I'm really ruffling some feathers.
GO GIRL! Sounds like you are doing something worth while. May you get the top grade in the class on this one.
Well, I've got to admit that I am somewhat disappointed in the final grade for my term paper in my Ethics class....Just a B+. I know, I know, but it's 40% of my final grade. It may have dropped me from an A to a B. I'll know more after the Final Exam on Thursday....another essay.
Sorry it wasn't at least an A. I know anything less has to be disappointing.
The paper "Pets or Food" produced an "A" for the assignment, and a corresponding "A" in the Writing class.
OS, thanks for the idea. It was a nightmare to research....but a good idea nonetheless.
The "Pets or Food" one sounds interesting. Is this a prolog to naming your chicken?
No, it was an argument for the humane treatment of FOOD. It was much more involved then I had intended it to be..it just seemed to grow. I've spent years defending how and why I can raise calves as pets and than sell them to slaughter. Every animal has a purpose, and bull calves are pretty much food. But, that doesn't mean that they cannot be raised with kindness and care..even if only for a few months. We are all stewards...we determine if we are good ones, or not.
I like that, Angela. We raised broilers one year. They had as good living conditions & care as my show birds in the 8 weeks of their lives. I won't even attend the local weekly farm auction because of the way they handle / treat everything.
It's difficult, and people do not understand. I had the same problem with my broilers. They have a purpose, and it's not as pets.
My calves have the best of care and food for a year, then they are sold. I don't kill things, but I understand that this is their pupose in life. So, I try to make their time joyful and carefree. Right now, I've got a 500 lb longhorn steer that bounces around like a dog. I've never seen another one act like him.....it's hysterical, but a bit awkward. I've got to discourage him from rubbing up against me, as he's now getting to big. His name is Hummer, as he doesn't bellow like his pasturemates, he just lowly hums.
I know that my methods are not as cost effective as others, and the bottom line is definately affected....but, I sleep well.
I grew up on a farm. Everything went for food either for us or sold for others food. We always treated our animals with kindness, dignity and gave them a respectable place to live and as much freedom as the situation allowed. Our laying hens were allowed free range for a couple of hours every evening in our alfalfa patch until they started laying eggs and needed to be confined (2400 + 400 roosters = 1600 eggs a day to hatchery) from the time the weather was warm enough for them to be out from under the brooders. Our plants were weeded so they didn't have unfair competition for the nutrients in the soil, watered regularly, we watched their leaves for signs that they were ready for a drink just in case we didn't have them scheduled at that time, plenty of natural fertilizer as well as some commercial fertilizer. The hogs, cattle and even the goat (goat that belonged to my nephews) all had large areas to graze and laze around and a shelter from wind, rain, snow and the heat of the sun. The goat could climb the fences so she actually went where she wanted when she wanted. Good care of the animals makes for healthier animals and I can't see where it makes a significant difference in the bottom line. They certainly are tamer if well cared for and get human contact. With the big animals having a good working relationship with them makes caring for them safer for the care giver. They have to know you are boss (alpha). Just part of the equation.
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