Let’s say someone invites you to dinner, and says the main course will be something special, a new meat you’ve probably never had before. You’re thinking maybe ostrich or alligator or a take on the Impossible Burger, but it turns out to be a very lean steak. While you’re chewing, your host announces that you are eating horse meat.
Do you freak out?
I don’t think I would. A horse is a perfectly fine herbivore, and there is no reason to be squeamish about it. I would have no problem cleaning my plate.
There was a whole episode of All in the Family based on this. Everyone was terrified that Archie would find out what he was eating. He never did, as I recall.
Okay, another example, and instead of steaks, the meal is a sort of stew meat over rice. Your host announces as you chew that it is dog meat.
Do you freak out?
I think I would be a little stunned, but not horrified. I don’t know if I could finish the meal though. I would try, just to show how badass I could be.