Making kangaroos grievable; making grievability non-human

Abstract

When Australian economist Ross Garnaut proposed to increase the commercial kangaroo industry in 2008, it started a national debate on the supposed edibility of kangaroos. Campaigns against the commercial kangaroo industry and hesitance amongst many consumers to eat kangaroo reflect concerns about viewing kangaroos as food. This article explores the reactions and challenges that originate from the kangaroo’s changing role in society by using Judith Butler’s concept of grievable lives. Using this framework shows that what animals we eat goes beyond nutritional value; it symbolizes deeper values regarding human–animal relations and illustrates why and how not all animals are seen and treated as the same.

What is the central focus of the study on the Ottoman postal system in the 1690s?

The central focus of the study is the paradox within the Ottoman postal system during the 1690s, where despite reforms aimed at improving the system and expanding monitoring capacity, a chronic shortage of horses frequently delayed official correspondence. The study investigates this issue by analyzing Ottoman imperial decrees and reports from 1690 to 1833, exploring how bureaucrats attempted to address the problem and why they failed to recognize the underlying causes.

How did Ottoman bureaucrats attempt to resolve the horse shortage in the postal system?

Ottoman bureaucrats tried to resolve the horse shortage by rationing horse usage and strengthening the enforcement of rules. They implemented measures to regulate the allocation of horses and ensure that the postal system functioned more efficiently. However, these efforts were insufficient to address the root causes of the problem.

What role did the "shadow economy" play in the Ottoman postal system's challenges?

The "shadow economy" refers to the diversion of horses by both official and non-official actors toward profit-making ventures outside the official postal system. This unauthorized use of horses created a competing demand that exacerbated the shortage of horses available for official correspondence, undermining the efficiency of the postal system.

Why were Ottoman bureaucrats unable to recognize the existence of the shadow economy?

Ottoman bureaucrats were unable to recognize the shadow economy due to a blinkered informational order. They treated reports of missing horses as isolated incidents rather than connected evidence of a broader, competing market demand for horses. Additionally, they were slow to realize that long-held official entitlements regarding personal horse usage were contributing to the growth of the shadow economy, compounded by profound economic and social changes.

What broader implications does the study draw regarding the Ottoman postal system and capitalism?

The study concludes by considering the social consequences of commercial forces in Ottoman society and draws parallels with contemporary France. It highlights the rise of anonymity in market exchanges as a key property of capitalism, emphasizing the stakes of this study in understanding how economic and social transformations influenced administrative systems and market dynamics in the early modern period.