Thursday, March 12, 2009

Meta-suicidefood: a digression

This specimen of meta-suicidefood has garnered a lot of attention lately. We're not even going to name the product it is meant to advertise. Nor will we link to any of the (many) locations where you can view it online. If you really care, you may do your own legwork.

The reason we term this "meta-suicidefood" is that the commercial does not intend to sell dead animals at all. It profits only indirectly from the themes so common to suicide food analysts. And it is precisely that casual reference that renders it so insidious. For it assumes—rather than asserts—the primacy of suicidefoodism’s central tenet: animals are honored through being killed and consumed.

In this commercial spot, two pigs dine on another. "I like a nice ham," one of them tells us, before asking, "Do you think that's wrong?" He then brushes aside any concerns of morality or decency with the pat non sequitur "We're just enjoying the flavors of a fallen friend." Only in a world tainted by suicidefoodism's sickly vapors could that proposition be conceived, uttered, and embraced. Enjoying the flavors of a fallen friend? Who but a monster would say this? (And who but a fool would think this addressed the issue of morality?)

If your friend died, would you eat him? As the police subdued you, with unconcealed disgust, would you remind them that you were only "enjoying the flavors of a fallen friend"?

Oh, but don't worry. The announcer informs us that the pig is "unwronged."

That’s all, folks! What else can we say? The virus of suicidefoodism has spread so far and infected so many that it has become a cultural touchstone, something requiring no context at all. It just… is. As unremarkable as the air.

(Thanks to Drs. Dave, Josh, Danielle, Meagan, and Carol for the referral.)

8 comments:

Zucchini Breath said...

I do believe you may have to introduce a "6 nooses" category.

munchy365 said...

I completely agree with Zucchini Breath.

Erika said...

Wow, grotesque beyond anything that has ever come before it. This is like the Mercedes-Benz of suicide food. Dare I say the Bentley?

Anonymous said...

This Commercial is horrible, gross & sad. Check out the GirlieGirl blog to see why leather is NOT eco-friendly....http://girliegirlarmy.com/blog/20090312/is-leather-eco-friendly/

Anonymous said...

I wouldn't be surprised if this ad sprung from the same "creative minds" who came up with Burger King's "scorned cow."

Anonymous said...

Every time I see this commercial I get red-in-the-face-ANGRY. Ugh!

Anonymous said...

For it assumes—rather than asserts—the primacy of suicidefoodism’s central tenet: animals are honored through being killed and consumed.

-----> but that's the reality.

Sbrrl said...

Just saw this commercial on TV last night - unbelievably sick and demented.