(Vanity) A Lesson from the Buffalo, or, Let the Chips Fall Where They May

grey_whiskers ^ | 2-8-2009 | grey_whiskers

[grey_whiskers]

It seems to be a commonplace, taught everywhere from elementary schools to colleges, that modern Western culture (in particular, America) sucks. We are told that our society is self-indulgent, uninformed, out of touch with nature, and not given to sustainable practices. In this, we are contrasted both with "developing countries" and with primitive societies, whose practices we are supposed to imitate. With this in mind, it might be worthwhile to take a closer look at one of oft-cited examples -- the Plains Indians in the United States, and their relationship to the Buffalo.

Indians were (before being cruelly starved, harrassed, swindled, and sent to reservations by incoming Europeans)[*] the embodiment of The Noble Savage: they lived in tune with the land, did not pollute, and respected the ecosystem. Many of the Plains Indians were nomadic: following the herds of buffalo as they migrated. (In fact, there is even a site near Calgary, Canada, named the "Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump" for the tribe member who was killed by standing under a cliff as a herd of buffalo was stampeded over it.)

The buffalo were more than a source of food, more than just an embodiment of popular culture. Here is a list (which I found from the South Dakota State Historical Society) of the uses which the Plains Indians made of the buffalo:

Buffalo and the Plains Indians

South Dakota State Historical Society Education Kit

How the Plains Indians Used the Buffalo

BUFFALO HIDE
Containers
Shields
Buckets
Moccasin
Soles
Drums
Splints
Mortars
Cinches
Ropes
Sheaths
Saddles
Saddle Blankets
Stirrups
Bull Boats
Masks
"Parfleche"
Ornaments
Lariats
Straps
Caps
Quirts
Snowshoes
Shrouds
LIVER
Tanning Agents
BUCKSKIN
Cradles
Moccasin Tops
Winter Robes
Bedding
Shirts
Belts
Leggings
Dresses
Bags
Quivers
Tipi Covers
Tipi Liners
Bridles
Backrests
Tapestries
Sweatlodge Covers
BRAIN
Hide Preparation
Food
BLADDER
Pouches
Medicine bags
BONES
Fleshing Tools
Pipes
Knives
Arrowheads
Shovels
Splints
Sleds
Saddle Trees
War Clubs
Scrapers
Quirts
Awls
Paintbrushes
Game Dice
Tableware
SKULL
Sun Dance
Medicine
Prayers
Other Rituals BEARD
Ornamentation
Dolls
Mittens
MUSCLES
Glue
Preparation
Bows
Thread
Arrow-Ties
Cinches
HOOFS, FEET
DEWCLAWS
Glue
Rattles
Spoons
HORNS
Arrow Points
Cups
Fire Carrier
Powderhorn
Spoons
Ladles
Headdresses
Signals
Toys
Medication
Page 2 TAIL
Medicine
Switch
Fly Brush
Decorations
Whips
CHIPS
Fuel
Diaper Powder
Toys
Jewelry
GALL
Yellow Paints
HAIR
Headdresses
Pad Fillers
Pillows
Ropes
Ornaments
Hair Pieces
Halters
Bracelets
Medicine Balls
Moccasin Lining
Doll Stuffing
PAUNCH
LINER
Meat Wrappings
Buckets
Collapsible Cups
Basins
Canteens
FAT
Tallow
Soaps
Hair Grease
Cosmetic Aids
SCROTUM
Rattlers
Containers
STOMACH LINER
Water Container
Cooking Vessels
TENDON
Sinews
Sewing
Bowstrings
STOMACH CONTENTS
Medicines
Paints
BLOOD
Soups
Puddings
Paints
MEAT
Immediate Use
Sausages
Cached Meat
Jerky (Dehydrated)
Pemmican (Processed)
HIND LEG
SKIN
Preshaped Moccasin
TONGUE
Choice Meat
Comb (Rough Side)
TEETH
Ornamentation
[Original Source: http://www.buffaloexpress.com/uses.html, link now broken]

So the Indians were practicing sustainable harvesting, by assuring the maximum use out of each carcass.

But then...especially after the US Civil War, things changed. Between the demand for buffalo hides (for tanning), and the scorched earth attacks on the buffalo by General Sherman (who had practiced similar tactics against the Confederacy), millions of buffalo were killed. By 1890, most of the buffalo were gone, the herds nonexistent.

And between the loss of the buffalo, and military attacks from the United States, the Indians' way of life was doomed.

What has the White Man done in place of the buffalo? Popular culture would have us recall the great piles of bufallo carcasses left to rot after the skins had been removed, the bones taken to be used for fertilizer, the tongue removed for sale as a delicacy.

In a foreshadowning of Orwell's "Four legs good, two legs bad" the image, the mantra, is repeated: "Red skin good, white skin bad".

For you see, in addtion to conquest, rape, murder, and cultural genocide, the White Men were...

wasters.

How dare they not make use of the plentiful resources given by the Great Spirit!

And, as so often happens, by accident or design, the label has stuck. (How many people now realize that it was Tina Fey, not Sarah Palin, who cheerfully said, "...and I can see Russia from my house" ?)

What have the Europeans used to replace that mainstay of American agriculture, the bison? Another large ruminant, the cow. Aside from methane (an evil greenhouse gas), and beef, how many people can tell me how much of a cow is used? Most of the rest is just thrown away, just like the white man did with the buffalo, right?

WRONG.

Here is a list of by-products *currently* made from cattle. And it was written not by a cattle-industry publicist, but by someone sounding a warning about Mad Cow Disease!

Here goes:

GENERAL MEDICAL & HEALTH CARE PRODUCTS

antibodies (immunoglobins)
beef insulin
bovine collagen - used as injections to fill in scars
bovine fibrinolysin (brand name- Elase) ointment for necrotic tissue
bovine super oxide - dismutase cream (Orgotein) -
cosmetic skin cream to prevent tissue aging.
bovine thrombin (brand name- Thrombinar) clotting agent for blood
culture medium - diagnosis
fetal bovine serum - tissue cultures
Hyaluronidase - efficient drug use
PTH - control tetany
pegademase - bovine derivative (brand name- Adagen) - for patients who are immuno-compromised...helps prevent white blood cells from breaking down.
pill capsules - GELATIN
whole serum - vaccine manufacturing

PRODUCTS FROM OVARIES
estrogen
progesterone - a reproductive hormone

PRODUCT FROM STOMACHS
pepsin - aid in protein digestion
rennet - aid in milk digestion

PRODUCTS FROM THYROIDS
bovine thyroid (Thyrar) a thyroid replacement
TSH - thyroid diagnosis
thyroid extract - hypothrodism
thyroid hormones
myxedema
cretinism

PRODUCTS FROM ADRENALS
cortisone - for arthritis, skin allergies, anti-inflammatory medicine
epinephrine - aid in raising blood pressure, heart disorders, and allergies

PRODUCTS FROM LIVERS
heparin - anti-coagulant, prevents gangrene
liver extract - treatment of anemia
intrinsic factor - pernicious anemia
Vitamin B12 - prevention of B-complex deficiencies

PRODUCTS FROM LUNGS
heparin - anti-coagulant, prevents gangrene

PRODUCTS FROM BLOOD
plasma protein
blood albumin - RH factor typing
Fraction I - hemophilia
Fraction V - kills viruses
iron for anemia
thrombin - blood coagulant
protein extracts
diagnostic microbiology

PRODUCTS FROM INTESTINES
medical sutures - surgery

PRODUCTS FROM BONES
bone marrow - blood disorders
bone meal - calcium and phosphorous source
mineral source in supplements
collagen and bone for plastic surgery
soft cartilage - plastic surgery
xiphisternal cartilage (breastbone) plastic surgery

PRODUCTS FROM PANCREAS
chymotrypsin - contact surgery
diastase - aid in starch digestion
glucagon - treat hypoglycemia
insulin - diabetes mellitus
pancreatin - aid digestion
trypsin - for burns, wounds, and infection - promotes healing - aid in protein digestion and in cleaning wounds
PRODUCTS FROM PITUITARY GLANDS
ACTH - arthritis, allergies, rheumatic fever, skin and eye inflammations
pressor hormone - regulates blood pressure
prolactin - promotes lactation
vasopressin - controls intestinal and renal functions

PRODUCTS FROM SPINAL CORDS
cholesterol - hormone products

OTHER MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE PRODUCTS
nitroglycerine
antibodies (immunoglobins)
beef insulin
bovine collagen - used as injections to fill in scars
bovine fibrinolysin (Elase - brand name) ointment for use on necrotic tissue
bovine super oxide - dismutase cream (Orgotein) - cosmetic skin cream to prevent tissue aging
bovine thrombin (Thrombinar - brand name) clotting agent for blood
culture medium - diagnosis
fetal bovine serum - tissue cultures
Hyaluronidase - efficient drug use
PTH - control tetany
pegademase - bovine derivative (Adagen - brand name) - - for patients who are immuno-compromised
- helps prevent white blood cells from breaking down.
pill capsules - GELATIN
whole serum - vaccine manufacturing

*** GENERAL FOOD PRODUCTS ***

PRODUCTS FROM CATTLE, SHEEP, HOG FLESH
a huge variety of fresh, frozen, and pre-cooked meats and prepared and processed meat products

PRODUCTS FROM MILK/DAIRY
butter
casein (proteins)
cheese and cheese products
cream
food ethanol
ice cream and ice cream mixes
lactose (carbohydrates)
milk powder
sherbet
whey (proteins)
fats (lipids)
yogurt

PRODUCTS FROM FATS AND FATTY ACIDS (edible)
chewing gum
lard
oleo margarine
oleo shortening
oleostearin
pharmaceuticals
rennet for cheese (sheep)
rennet for cheese (sheep)
shortening

PRODUCTS FROM BLOOD
blood sausage
bone meal
cake mixes
deep-fry batters
egg substitute
gravy mixes
imitation seafood
pasta
whipped toppings and coffee whiteners

PRODUCTS FROM BONES
whitener in refined sugar

PRODUCTS FROM BONE, HORNS, AND HOOVES
gelatin capsules
gelatin deserts
ice cream, malts and shakes
marshmallow
potted meats

PRODUCTS FROM INTESTINES
sausage casings

PRODUCTS FROM HIDES and SKINS
sausage casings
gelatin
candies and confectionery
flavorings
foods
gelatin desserts
ice cream
marshmallows
mayonnaise
yogurt

*** INDUSTRIAL AND CONSUMER PRODUCTS ***

** INDUSTRIAL AND CONSUMER PRODUCTS ***

PRODUCTS FROM MILK
adhesives
animal feed
buttons
carriers for human medicine
cosmetics
glue
pharmaceuticals
sizing
specialty plastics
veterinary medicines

PRODUCTS FROM BLOOD
adhesives
bone marrow
bone meal
fabric printing and dyeing
leather-treating agents
livestock feed
minerals
plaster retardant
plywood adhesive
diagnostic microbiology
from colloidal proteins - glue for automobile bodies
protein source in feeds
sticking agent
textile sizing

PRODUCTS FROM BONES
bone charcoal
pencils
high grade steel
bone handles
bone jewelry
mineral source in feed
fertilizer
dried bones
buttons
bone china
glass
porcelain enamel
water filters
whitener in refined sugar

PRODUCTS FROM BONE, HORNS, AND HOOVES
adhesives
bandage strips
collagen cold cream
cellophane wrap and tape
crochet needles
dice
dog biscuits
emery boards and cloth
fertilizer
glycerine
laminated wood products
neatsfoot oil
photographic film
plywood and paneling
shampoo and conditioner
wallpaper and wallpaper paste
syringes

PRODUCTS FROM BRAINS
anti-aging cream
cholesterol

PRODUCTS FROM FATS AND FATTY ACIDS (edible and inedible)
animal foods
biodegradable detergents
biodiesel
cellophane
cement
ceramics
chalk
chemicals
cosmetics
crayons
creams and lotions (sheep)
deodorants
detergents
explosives
fertilizer
fiber softeners
floor wax
glycerin
glycerol
antifreeze
herbicides
horse and livestock feeds
industrial oils and lubricants
insecticides
insulation
linoleum
livestock feed
lubricants
makeup
matches
medicines
mink oil
nitroglycerine
oil polishes
ointment bases
oleostearin
paints
paraffin
perfumes
pet foods
pharmaceuticals
plasticizers
plastics
printing rollers
protein hair conditioner
protein hair shampoo
putty
rubber products
shaving cream
shoe cream
soaps
solvents
stearic acid (sheep)
tallow for tanning
textiles
tires
water proofing agents
weed killers

PRODUCTS FROM GALLSTONES
ornaments

PRODUCTS FROM HAIR
air filters
artist's paint brush
felt and rug padding
insulation material
non-wovens
plastering material
textiles
upholstering material

PRODUCTS FROM HIDES and SKINS
belts
collagen-based adhesives (from trimmings)
bandages
emery boards
glues -for papermaking, bookbinding, cabinetmaking
sheetrock
wallpaper
drum head (sheep)
pharmaceuticals
photographic materials
leather sporting goods
leather wearing apparel
luggage
pigskin garments, gloves, and shoes
porcine burn dressings for burn victims
shoes and boots
upholstery
wallets

PRODUCTS FROM HOOVES AND HORNS
chessmen
combs
buttons
fertilizer
horn handles
imitation ivory
inedible bone meal
livestock feeds
ornaments
piano keys
plant food

PRODUCTS FROM INTESTINES
instrument strings
sausage casings
tennis racquet strings

PRODUCTS FROM MANURE
fertilizer - used in gardens, lawns and farm cropland
nitrogen
potash
phosphorus
minor minerals

OTHER PRODUCTS FROM CATTLE SOURCES
airplane lubricants and runway foam
car polishes and waxes
hydraulic brake fluid
Stearic acid - helps rubber in tires hold shape under steady surface
friction
steel ball bearings containing bone charcoal
textiles for car upholstery
various machine oils and viscous fluids

PRODUCTS FROM WOOL
asphalt binder
carpet
clothing
cosmetics
fabrics
felt
insulation
lanolin
medical ointments
paint and plaster binder
pelt products
rouge base
rug pads
upholstery
woolen goods
worsted fabric
yarns

There are two points we can draw from this.

First, it is manifestly untrue that the Indians were more efficient in their rendering of the Buffalo than Americans today in their rendering of the cow.

Second, take another look at the lists above.

Noties some of the items are postash, hydraulic brake fluid, and photographic materials (to name a few) whose use would have been unknownto the Indians. Our modern processes don't just use the cow -- they have joined an entire economic ecosystem, with whom the cattle industry maintains an equilibrium.

And in that fact, there is something which those pressing wholistic, socialist values on us, need to learn themselves. That economic ecosystem as a whole is called capitalism: and it is vastly more efficient than their dreams of "sustainability". The buffalo did not go extinct because of evil white men. They went extinct because of an externality: they didn't belong to anyone, so nobody had any incentive to take care of them, and to enforce sustainability. And the economic system which this most closely resembles is socialism: the very socialism seemingly being embraced by the incoming Administration, and by Congress. It has already been shown that it never works. So why try again? Let us put capitalism to work to solve our economic crisis -- and let the chips fall where they may.

Or to put it another way -- socialism drove the buffalo nearly to extinction. Do you think there is any reasonable chance, in the near future, that *cows* will go extinct?

[*] Don't get me involved in any flamewars in either direction on this. Granted, Ward Churchill is not credible. But the treatment of the Indians by the US government largely sucked -- and until the rise of the gaming casino as a source of income, the lot of most American Indians was not enviable. Alcoholism, malnutrtion, poverty, and unemployment, to name just a few issues. And the destruction and/or subsumation of one's culture -- the story of conquest as replayed throughout history.

[grey_whiskers]

Cheers!

[rockinqsranch]

“Don’t get me involved in any flamewars in either direction on this.”

LOL...Good luck. (thinking about the scanner/speed readers)

[snarks_when_bored]

Jeez, I was about to have a snack before I read this, g_w...

[grey_whiskers]

Try the brake fluid, it's very nice tonight.

Cheers!

[raybbr]

Try the brake fluid, it's very nice tonight.

What part of the cow makes brake fluid?

[grey_whiskers]

What part of the cow makes brake fluid? I think it's the part of the udder just behind the *marshmallow* dispenser.

Cheers!

[an amused spectator]

bump for a good post!

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks grey_whiskers.

[justiceseeker93]

It turns out that cattle and buffalo are similar species (both classified as bovine), so it’s hardly surprising that both have had multiple uses for mankind.

[grey_whiskers]

Wow, you've posted something *I* wrote?

Now I've *REALLY* made the big time.

I'm not just famous...I'm FReeper famous! (swaggers)

g_w

[SunkenCiv]

;’) That and $1.50 will buy ya a cup of coffee. ;’)