First off, I'd like to say that my intention in my posts is and was not to be condescending... I don't look down on any one person for eating meat. We were all (well, most of us, myself included) raised thinking eating meat is just the way to eat. Therefore, most people still believe that, and that's not their fault, or anyone else's. Actually, Alan's post about belief systems etc... that put what I was just trying to say into words perfectly. Anyway, what I look down on is the practice of eating meat... if that makes sense. I consider it murder, as you already know if you've been reading this thread. I don't consider meat to be food, which is why I don't refer to it as food. To me, it's not.
blue eyed soul wrote:no, it isn't murder for pleasure. please refer to my earlier posting of undeniable factual proof that eating meat is part of nature.
i don't mean to be a bit of stickler here, but i don't like baseless moral pandering.
It's not baseless. What do they call the place where they turn animals into meat? A slaughterhouse. Definition of the word slaughter: "To kill in a violent or brutal manner." Kill. Which is a synonym for murder, last I checked. Why do people eat meat? It's not a necessity, cos many of us don't eat it, and we're still living. People eat it because they like the way it tastes. It brings their taste buds pleasure. Murder for pleasure. Yes, it is part of nature and society; and, yes, that's the reason people eat meat... but that doesn't change what it is. I'm not calling all meat-eaters murders, but rather the people who slaughter the animals, and I'm referring to the process. That doesn't mean that I don't wish more people would see it this way... but if they don't, it's not their fault, it's society's. Ugh, trying to explain how I feel about this topic is incredibly hard to do.
And, to reiterate (since you seem to disagree), I wasn't acting all high-and-mighty. I was merely stating my beliefs... which I don't do often. This is one of the few things I truly believe in, and when people start belittling it, I feel the need to stand up for it... just like people stand up for their religion, or political views. I have no religion, and hate politics. So, there ya go.
And, yes, maybe I use words to describe the practice of eating meat that make some people upset. But, I don't use strong words unless people start insulting vegetarianism. Ask anyone who knows me in "real life" who's eaten with me. I encourage them to get certain meals that include meat, if I think they'll like them. Heck, whenever anyone visits me from out of town, I MAKE them get a cheesesteak on South Street in Philly. I don't force my beliefs on anyone, unless I feel like what I believe in is being insulted. Then, well, look out.
Though, you guys already know that by now, I'm sure.
Rufus Wainwright wrote:Ummm, Nikki, I am not all up on the whole ingrediants in food thing, but I am going to quote NOFX on this and you tell me what you think of this.
"I eat no breath-mints 'cause their from de-hoofed horses"
This is coming from the mouth of a strict vegan. Now tell me, does this sound like aminals die from having candy produced? I mean, it seems awful cruel for a horse to be de-hoofed just so people can pop a breath mint. Do you use toothpaste? I am pretty sure some nasty things happen to animals to produce that. But whatever though, it's pleasurable for you to have nice smelling breath and brush your teeth too, ya know. Just wanted to give you the heads up on that.
That's a good point, Alan. I was actually thinking about being more specific in my original reply, because of the animal products they use in some candy, but I didn't think anyone would catch it... and that'd have just made my reply even longer.
Anyway, yes, all of what you said is quite true. Personally, I try to steer away from gelatin and other stuff like that found in candy, even though I'm not vegan... but I am guilty of using/eating some stuff that includes it. I wish I weren't, but it's just so hard in our society to do, cos you never know what it's hiding in.
If I've offended anyone in my posts, I'm sorry, it wasn't my intention. Unless, of course, you said something anti-vegetarian in your previous posts that offended me.
Then, yeah, I hope I offended you.
