In recent weeks, an unexpected trend has swept through conservative circles: Republicans are drinking raw milk like the liberals are coming to take it (and their guns) away. This movement, reminiscent of their stance on masking during the COVID-19 pandemic, has transformed a public health issue into a political statement3.
Raw milk consumption has become the latest battleground in the ongoing debate over personal freedom versus government regulation. Conservative politicians and media figures are framing attempts to regulate raw milk as government overreach, echoing their approach to other public health measures. Infowars liar Owen Shroyer went as far as calling the FDA a "gangster mafia" trying to make raw milk illegal, while TheBlaze published an "article" suggesting the government is hiding the truth about raw milk's benefits35.
Raw Milk does a body good.
— Marjorie Taylor Greene 🇺🇸 (@mtgreenee) October 6, 2024
Make America Healthy Again! pic.twitter.com/nVUJ0tQnEy
The movement has gained such traction that Turning Point USA, an idiotic conservative youth organization, is now selling t-shirts emblazoned with the slogan "got raw milk?" This merchandising move underscores how deeply the issue has penetrated conservative culture5.
Legislative action has followed suit. Louisiana recently passed a bill (HB467) to legalize raw milk sales, albeit with certain restrictions. Delaware has introduced bipartisan legislation (SB 273) to permit the sale of raw milk directly from dairy producers to consumers. Since 2020, five Republican-leaning states have passed laws or changed regulations to legalize raw milk sales7.
This shift represents more than just a dietary choice; it's a cultural statement. Raw milk has transitioned from being associated with "new-age hippies and fad-chasing liberal foodies" to becoming a conservative cultural signal7. It reflects a growing distrust of experts and conventional wisdom among conservatives, a trend that was particularly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic7.
The raw milk movement aligns with a broader desire for personal control over food choices and skepticism towards government regulations. It's a tangible way for conservatives to assert their independence and challenge what they perceive as overreaching government control7.
However, this political enthusiasm comes with potential health risks. The CDC continues to advise against raw milk consumption due to potential health hazards12. These concerns have been heightened by the recent spread of avian flu (H5N1 virus) among dairy cows35.
Ok I'm saying it. Cancel me.
— giggly ♡ (@xgigglypuff) July 10, 2024
Purchasing and drinking raw milk is genuinely stupid.
There are no scientifically-proven health benefits. You are paying more money for something that puts you at higher risk for dangerous bacteria. I do not respect your opinion.
The raw milk revolution exemplifies how certain public health issues have become deeply politicized in America. What was once a matter of food safety has transformed into a symbol of personal freedom for many Republicans37. As this trend continues to gain momentum, it will be interesting to see how it impacts public health policies and political discourse in the coming months.
I say, let them drink their milk and find out themselves.
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