uck uck uck.

alright. this has been encumbering my thoughts for the last few days.
the definitions below will serve as a starting point for what i'm sure will be a long, rambling, opinionated collection of words posted shortly.
my brain simply cannot grasp the difference and acceptance and tolerance --or lack thereof in this case-- of animal abuse in relation to cultural traditions.
to me, these statements taken from dictionary.com sort of clean up the slop that is mucking up my brain. it just seems that there are so many different planes to view this from. and that's because there are. maybe, to me, it just comes down to a respect of life, regardless of cultural beliefes.
anyhow, i'd really like YOUR thoughts. different or what not-- share away.

culture: the behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social, ethnic, or age group.

tradition: the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc., from generation to generation, esp. by word of mouth or by practice.
a long-established or inherited way of thinking or acting.
a continuing pattern of culture beliefs or practices.
a customary or characteristic method or manner.

cruelty: mistreatment or neglect that causes pain and suffering.
a cruel act; a deliberate infliction of pain and suffering.

abuse: to treat in a harmful, injurious, or offensive way.
bad or improper treatment; maltreatment.

abuse: a corrupt or improper practice or custom

abuse: An unjust or wrongful practice

eh?