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Sweets, swans, and prejudices against foreigners
The Economic Timesยท 2025-11-02 05:05
Core Perspective - The article discusses the historical and cultural context surrounding the consumption of swans in Europe, highlighting modern prejudices and political narratives that have emerged regarding immigrants and swan consumption [4][5][7]. Group 1: Historical Context - The tradition of eating swans was common in royal feasts, and the practice of fattening and consuming cygnets persisted until about a century ago [7]. - The decline in swan consumption is linked to the introduction of turkeys to Europe after Christopher Columbus's first voyage in 1492, which became the preferred bird for feasts due to their domestication and ease of cooking [7][8]. Group 2: Modern Prejudices and Political Narratives - In contemporary Europe, there is a growing anti-outsider sentiment, exemplified by claims from political figures like Nigel Farage that immigrants are harming swan populations [4][5]. - Media narratives have perpetuated unverified stories about immigrants killing and eating swans, reflecting a broader trend where truth is shaped by repetition rather than evidence [5][6]. Group 3: Legal and Cultural Implications - Recent prosecutions for swan killing are rare, with notable cases including a Turkish migrant and a musician who found a dead swan, indicating that the legal framework around swan protection is not frequently enforced [6]. - The cultural perception of swans as symbols of elegance and their legal status as property of the British Crown contribute to the sensitivity surrounding their treatment [4][5].