|
By brook_rivers
|
|
24 October 2006 |
There was a debate going on in one of the forums about veganism, I have posted this up to share my views.
When I went on holiday to France in the summer of 98 I ate lots of different, unusual food. I remember a gorgeous tasting ice cream on a hot day in Biarritz called ‘Myrtle ice cream’ – it had the same name as my Aunty and she hates the name!! My Dad used to joke that any red meat we were eating was horse’s meat, which I found quite disturbing as I was a very keen horse rider at the time. The final episode on that holiday to France that dissuaded me from eating meat entirely was the day we went to the harbour and saw the tuna fish being caught, killed and prepared for eating. My brother’s favourite sandwich filler is tuna. According to my mother this is because it was her craving food throughout her pregnancy with him. So he found the process fascinating. I, on the other hand, did not. I was repelled by the overpowering stench of the fish, scared by the countless dead eyes lolling at me, frightened by the fishermen’s foreign tongue and ambiguous laugh, and by the fierce looking instruments used to slice through the scales and flesh. I was horrified as I saw life after life extinguished in a splurt of blood only to see the same helpless fish served on a plate with salad half an hour later for the gratification of my brothers grumbling stomach. Many children went through phases of becoming a vegetarian, usually after watching ‘Babe’ or acquiring a new pet. I however have stuck by my innocent sentiments for the past 11yrs and I’m not likely to change the view that slaughtering animals to feed humans when there are so many alternatives is just horrific. I believe that humans are at the top of the ‘food chain’ for a reason. We are meant to be the intelligence on this planet to look after the earth and all the other creatures which inhabit it.
The killing of animals for food is simply murder. I can not comprehend how anyone could even think of eating an animal let alone actually doing it.
|
But brook...
Written by patterjack (1328 comments posted) 24th October 2006 | .. why do I have canine teeth ? Had 'em all my life , and have used them too !
And maybe carrots scream inaudibly when pulled up -- mandrakes are supposed to !
But each to his / her taste. and the best of luck if you hold firm to your opinions .
This piece , I might add , was well written .
patterjack |
Written by Phil (6836 comments posted) 24th October 2006 | Well written piece Brook. I went through a veggie period when I was about nineteen. It didn't last. I might be a bit healthier if it had. All credit to anyone with firmly held beliefs but I'm not with you on this one. Sorry.
All the best,
Phil. | agree to disagree
Written by brook_rivers (484 comments posted) 24th October 2006 | I realise I am in a minority on this one but as patterjack said each to their own. I do feel that I am a healthier and less guilt ridden person for sticking to my beliefs. I think possibly it has something to do with my over active imagination also!!!
I do find it quite funny when people discover that I am a veggie they usually respond with 'you don't look the type' as if all veggies are all pale, starved hippies with flowers in their hair!!
Looking back on this post perhaps the last few lines are a bit strong but they are my views and I think people in general are coming round to respecting the veggie choice rather than deeming it as a bit off the wall, and i have no problems with other people eating me i just couldn't personally do it.
all the best
brook | TYPO!!!
Written by brook_rivers (484 comments posted) 24th October 2006 | the post was meant to read 'no problems with people eating meat'!!! not 'me'!!! Canibalism is a whole other issue!! LOL.
Brook |
Written by Witzl (1585 comments posted) 24th October 2006 | I spent much of my childhood a part-time carnivore in a family of rather fanatic vegetarians. Both of my sisters are still vegetarians, and very radical.
Although I now seldom eat meat, I do believe that some people are made to be carnivores. I also think it is great that many people are rejecting -- or eating less -- meat and looking for healthier and less cruel dietary options.
The best argument against eating meat I can think of is what goes on in slaughterhouses. I knew a man who loved eating meat; he took a job in a slaughterhouse and has been a complete vegetarian for fifteen years now. His work did not 'put him off' meat, he told me -- he simply realized that it was impossible to know whether the animals that are raised for meat had been killed humanely or not.
As for vegetarians looking pale and starved, that is just pure nonsense. I know plenty of strapping, healthy, six-foot plus vegetarians -- California is full of them! | empathy/sympathy
Written by patterjack (1328 comments posted) 24th October 2006 | Though I have never even dreamed of being vegetarian I do have some sympathy - indirectly expressed in my sonnet Site of Blood
As a trainee nurse my wife was taken on a tour of a site where they made sutures from animal intestines
Whether that process is stlll undertaken I do not know , but as one of the beings at the top of the food chain , I value (some) humans above animals
patterjack |
Only registered users can rate and write comments.
Please login or register. Powered by AkoComment 2.0! |
Previous item
