I think it is interesting how people prefer a binary classification system whenever possible. People can be "good" or "bad", jobs "desirable" or "undesirable". Temple Grandin's radio essay on
NPR's Morning Edition illustrates just how limiting this world view can be. Given the opportunity, I would have undoubtedly classified the job of designing slaughterhouses as "undesirable". I am a practical person, I realize that my steak didn't offer itself up willingly. But even after acknowledging the necessity of slaughterhouses, who wants to be an accessory to murder? My world view (admittedly more black and white than I want it to be) would have me shun that job immediately and reflexively. Just the word "slaughterhouse" makes me conjure up images of chaos, fear, and blood. All things people are conditioned to avoid. Listening to Temple Grandin's essay, I see the job differently. When she describes it, designing slaughterhouses seems logical, humane. Rather than an accomplice in bloodshed, she acts as an advocate for the animal, reducing their fear in an unpleasant but necessary aspect of supplying protein to carnivores. I wonder what other jobs I would call "undesirable" that she would see differently. Any thoughts?
