Carnage: Swallowing the Past

In the year 2067, the United Kingdom has fundamentally transformed its dietary landscape, embracing a fully vegan society. This shift reflects significant changes in social values, scientific understanding, and environmental priorities that have taken hold over the past several decades. Plant-based diets have become the norm, supported by advancements in food technology and a global movement towards sustainability.

However, this societal shift has not erased the complexities of the past. Older generations, who grew up consuming animal products as a regular part of their diet, often carry with them feelings of guilt and remorse. These individuals are faced with reconciling their past choices with the current ethical and environmental standards. Their internal struggle highlights the deep emotional and moral layers intertwined with dietary history.

Simon Amstell's question to society invites a moment of reflection and forgiveness. He urges us to consider the context in which these older generations made their dietary choices, emphasizing compassion for their unresolved feelings. Forgiving them involves understanding that their actions were shaped by the knowledge, norms, and cultural influences of their time.

This perspective encourages a compassionate view of human history and progress. It recognizes that societal norms evolve, and individuals are often products of their environment and available information during their formative years. In doing so, society can foster a sense of collective empathy and drive forward positive change without lingering resentment.

Ultimately, the narrative of "Swallowing the Past" serves as a reminder that change is a gradual process. It calls for understanding the moral journeys individuals undertake, acknowledging their past, and supporting them as they adapt to a new ethical landscape. Only through such compassion can society truly move forward toward a more inclusive and understanding future.