On the Defense

A few classes ago, we discussed how people become defensive when they find out that a friend or someone that they know is vegetarian or vegan. I have realized how true it is, and in the past few weeks I have been more and more aware of it with friends and the public alike.

Last Friday, I went to a concert and afterwards my friends and I went to Dicks in Queen Anne. Dicks is not known for being too vegan-friendly, but french fries fried in vegetable oil and ketchup are sold there, so I did not complain about going there. After ordering our meals and bringing them to a table, we sat down near two men around our age bashing vegetarians. Immediately, my hearing sense picked up and I avidly listened in to why vegetarians were so "stupid." The main reason why, according to these "enlightenend" men, was that vegetarians were always sick due to the fact that they were vegetarian. I was compelled to reach into the conversation and ask them about all those vegetarians out there who suffer from diabetes, obesity, clogged arteries, heart problems, etc. But I kept my cool, knowing that Dicks is not a vegan's mecca and that I should mind my own business.

Yet it did enrage me. Vegetarians and vegans face false banter like this all the time, and for what reason? Veggies make researched, ethical and compassionate decisions to refrain from eating meat, and these decisions are tough. We know what we are getting ourselves into and are, to a degree, educated about our food choices. I cannot speak for all vegetarians and vegans, but I can assume that something came up in their lives, be it an animal, shocking article about factory farms, or whatever, that forced them to think critically about what they eat. I cannot say the same for meat eaters since this diet's normalcy does not advocate as much ethical thinking in the way that vegetarian and vegan diets do.

But back to the point. My hunch about why people are defensive about eating meat is that they are intimated by vegetarians and vegans. Veggies have gone through the process, again, of critically thinking about their food and have altered their lifestyle for, what i believe, the greater good. Others must then be defensive because arguments for eating meat, in my opinion, are quite trivial in most experiences. It is a nuisance that veggies must live with, yet it can open a door for thoughtful conversation, or intense debates.

Liberal Communists

After reading Slavoj Zizeck's article Violence: Six Sideways Reflections, I was left part uninspired and part depressed. Today we live in a world of capitalism and globalization, which allows us to connect to the world on so many different levels. Some connections are unfortunate, such as spreading McDonalds to the entire world, while others are fortunate, like being able to communicate with anyone in the world to promote understanding. Another matter that has emerged from this ability to connect is the mass information of the atrocities in the world. Is it just me, or does it seem like anyone can access absolutely any and all problems of any matter? I am overwhelmed by the atrocities of the world daily! And I do not think that I am alone.

This is where the "liberal communist" comes in. In my eyes, the "liberal communist" is the one born into a privileged life, has a good job, and knows of the problems of the world. What makes them different from a money mogul is that they are sensitive and want to help. They are empowered and know that they should make a difference. I see how with great power comes great responsibility, and I think that these "liberal communists" do their best to make honest decisions about helping the world out. How dare Zizeck advise them to commit suicide! If these people died, would his belief that waiting would make things better? Or would greedy capitalism take over? Everyone would consume meat because they would just "wait" for who knows to have the problem of animal cruelty to be solved. "Liberal communists" are a powerful force, and a benevolent force to be aware of.