Sunday, August 22, 2010

Veggies and shit storms



It’s rather interesting to discover which types of blog posts illicit the most comments and even outright fury by some readers. A few days ago one of my favorite bloggers ‘The Bitchy Waiter’ posted something about vegetarians. Who knew that something as innocuous as vegetables would be the spark that set off a shit storm of major proportions?

Yes, you read that correctly. Vegetables. Category 5 shit storm. Readers were leaving quite lengthy and fascinating comments supporting their case for or against being a vegetarian. Now I like a spirited debate as much as the next person but the situation quickly veered off track and started to get ugly.

The mud-slinging and casting of sticks and stones was beyond epic. And to be truthful, somewhat entertaining. Some anonymous d-bag crossed over the line and wrote a derogatory racial comment that had positively no relevance to the topic at hand. Another person alluded to some nonsense about vegetarians not being cable of having orgasms. And as to be expected, there were guilt inducing comments that had incredibly heavy political or moral undertones.

Being a vegetarian, I of course I had to share my two cents as well. I totally get that there are some wacky and sanctimonious vegans and vegetarians out there who constantly climb up on their rickety-ass soap boxes and chastise anyone who dares to consume meat. Those types of annoying and holier than thou crack pots get on my nerves too. But not all vegetarians are like that. I for one am most certainly not.

Basically I was born a vegetarian. I eat normal food just minus any sort of meat. This is because I do not like the taste, texture or even smell of meat. Eating meat does not agree with my body and therefore I do not eat anything that has a face. It is as simple as that.

However, not eating meat is where I draw the line. I am not a vegan and have zero desire to venture over into that territory. If other people choose a lifestyle of veganism, then good on them. I just happen to love the yummy deliciousness that is otherwise known as cheese, yogurt and ice cream far too much to ever imagine my life without them.

With that being said, it is true that when it comes to going out to eat the process is generally a pain in the arse. This because there are usually very limited desirable choices on the menu for a vegetarian but then why should a restaurant cater to me and my individual food preferences?

Oh but what about those gross little vegetarian restaurants you ask? I absolutely 100% avoid them like the plague. For some strange reason their menu selections tend to consist of creepy sounding ingredients and abnormally high concentrations of garlic, to which I am highly allergic.

But big deal. I go out to eat and share meals with others because I enjoy the company of those involved. I can always order a salad minus the meat or even better have dessert instead! If my dinner companions want to eat bloody, raw gianormous steaks then more power to them.

This perspective comes from understanding and appreciating that many people just so happen to salivate over big honking slabs of juicy prime rib. I just so happen to drool over chocolate cupcakes and designer handbags. And yes, many of those lovely purses just so happen to be made out of leather.

But in the grand scheme of things who really cares? Maybe if more people focused on finding common ground with others instead of looking for the things that could potentially divide them, then perhaps the world would be a happier place. …I’m just saying…

31 comments:

  1. The one's who refrain from all dairy are going to pay heavily in the near future as you just cannot get enough calcium without it in your diet as well as the rest of the healthy foods like fruits, veggies, and the rest of the food pyramid. I get the no meat thing and I too say to each his own, but case in point:
    My father is now 79, but since 40 he started getting a bit hunchy in the shoulders, then in his 50's an obvious hunching and in his 60's total hunching of the chest and shoulders so much that he has trouble laying on his side in bed and stomach sleeping is out. It hurts his neck to be so out of line on the pillow laying on his back, too. Now at 79 he's shrunk down at leat 4 inches and is losing teeth- breaking off teeth left and right due to calcium deficiency-osteoporosisthat he's had for years... I tell you this because he never drank milk, ate cheese, or any dairy other than an occassional ice cream in his life! Meat, potatoes, and bread...hardly any fruit and barely vegetables as he only likes 3. He's paid for that diet and is now looking back wishing he had a better diet years ago as his body has hurt for decades and at this point only gets worse from age on top of bad diet. Every choice you make to put things in your system in your twenties and up, whether it be food or other...will affect you with certainty and you cannot go back in time to change it, so live it now and live it healthily. Great blog subject today.
    By the way, I need air, sweets, and chicken to live. Need my nasty chickens...LOL!

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  2. I tend to agree that extremely restrictive diets can't be healthy. Most people need a diet including both meat and vegetables to sustain proper nutrition. A small percentage of the population does not require meat to stay healthy but still needs to ensure they get adequate amounts of protein. It is unfortunate that your father is learning this lesson the hard way.
    Enjoy those nasty chickens!! xo

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  3. there are other ways to get necessary nutrients, like calcium, besides dairy and meat. it is totally possible to have a healthy, balanced, nutritious vegan diet and lifestyle.

    i am a vegetarian-friendly meat eater. my brother has been a vegetarian for like five years now, and i've recently become very interested in meat-free main dishes. partially because i like to be able to cook for him, but also because i'm trying to introduce many more vegetables into my daily diet.

    i have known the holier than thou asshole vegans and vegetarians, and really don't like them. but my brother is totally cool with the rest of us eating meat, and will even go out to steakhouses with us - and order pasta primavera, and eat it without giving us all nasty 'you horrible meat eaters' looks.

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  4. Even though I would love to switch to being a vegetarian, I know I couldn't possibly do it. I love fruits and veggies and can go a few days without meat if need be, but not only does meat curb my appetite better, consuming less calories in a day, I crave it now and again.

    Yes I'm mentioning it, my period, right after or soon after I crave meat because I need the hemoglobin. I don't care what the person's diet consists of but as long as it doesn't affect me negatively, I don't care.

    Oh and Ranter, I have a friend who chooses not to eat meat because she doesn't like the taste as well.

    The Adorkable Ditz

    http://theadorkableditzmissteps.blogspot.com/

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  5. I love my veges but sometimes I just crave a steak. I just wish I was more adventurous in cooking vegetarian. I think you have a great attitude. What people choose for themselves is thier choice. Hate some vegetarians who try to convert those around them, like rabid non smokers and born again christians. People need to be more accepting of others.

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  6. I do love me some steak but understand that not everybody likes what I like. What I can't stand are those looneytune granola crunchers who ramble on and on about mistreating animals. I wish they would just shut the hell up already. Not all animals that are raised as food end up being mistreated. Just saying...

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  7. I saw your comment on BW's blog and thought I couldn't have said it better myself. I read this and thought the same! I'm in almost exactly the same situation, except my allergy to garlic is (thankfully) fairly mild!

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  8. I don't understand the ability to eat nothing good. And don't get me wrong. I LOVE my veggies too. I just like to balance my diet a little more than vegans do. As for the garlic, they do that to hide the taste of the odd veggies they serve. I choose to have some bones left when I get past 50.

    I am at a loss to explain why people get so riled up about veggies. Now I posted about the "not really a Mosque in New York" and didn't get that kind of response.

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  9. @Steph gas: Good on your brother for listening to his body and yet still being accepting of others and their choices.

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    @The Adorkable Ditz: Most people NEED meat in their diet. Don't ever feel guilty for eating something your body tells you it needs.

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    @Mynx: Thanks my friend! I couldn't have said it better about those who are so vocal about trying to force their opinions on others. I'm glad you named specific examples so I didn't have to. ; )

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    @Anonymous: It sounds like no one is a fan of those fanatical granola crunchers. You are right, they should shut the hell up!

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    @Claire: Great minds think alike!

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    @Christy: Yes, having some bones left past the age of 50 is important. ... I'm still surprised how people become so incredibly opinionated over food. I wrote another post about various types of food I thought should be banned. No one got all crazy in their comments but this topic generated a fair amount of response. Perhaps food is something that people feel comfortable talking about. But I agree, you would think that other topics would incite greater response.

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  10. As someone who went "veggie" for about 6 months about 2 years back I always think I have a unique perspective on the subject since i have seen both sides. A number of my friends are vegetarians, some of which have been there entire lives. Like you they can't stand the thought, texture, taste of meat and it's not necessarily a moral thing. For others its strictly moral - they used to enjoy the taste before making the switch.

    When I gave up meat it was intended as sort of a trial. I did it partly for moral reasons, partly for health reasons. But after about 6 months I "fell off the wagon" but I do limit my meat, maybe only have 2 - 3 servings per week.

    Vegans who are creative can get all the nutrients they need without meat or dairy, although some also supplement with vitamins which is the smart thing to do. For those that say they could never go without meat i say bullshit. You've never tried it and frankly its not that hard at all. I am not a very skilled cook but found veg dishes to be easier to make (and tastier) then many meat dishes.

    I think everyone should try it, even for just a month. It changes your perspective on things.

    SD
    http://simpledudecomplexworld.blogspot.com/

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  11. I witnessed that whole mess on "The Bitchy Waiter" too. I couldn't believe how verbally violent people became over this issue!

    I've always been a "live and let live" kind of person. If you don't want to eat meat for whatever reason, that's just fine with me. As you said, the vegans and vegetarians that I can't stand are the ones who try to push their lifestyle on me. It's called common courtesy people. Let's all try it every now and then.

    Good post! :)

    http://candicesstories.blogspot.com/

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  12. "But not all vegetarians are like that. I for one am most certainly not." Same here! I choose harmony over disharmony whenever possible. Not that I don't mind a healthy (and civilized) debate over the merits of vegetarianism, but I've always felt that starting fights over such obviously subjective stuff is a waste of time.

    And anyway, the kind of people who are just in it to ARGUE are not going to have any earth-shattering revelations because of it, so why bother? I'm a vegetarian and that's how I like it. 'nuff said?

    - Tiff
    http://zenalicious.blogspot.com

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  13. I just wanted to say that you have such a level head and understanding mind. In the internet, that is refreshing.

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  14. @Simple Dude: Thanks for providing a male perspective here. I agree that people should speak from experience especially about topics they are passionate about. While I don't eat meat I certainly can say that I have tried every single thing that I now choose NOT to eat.

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    @Candice: The BW thing was crazy wasn't it? Glad you enjoyed the post! : )

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    @Tiff: I like you comment about opting for harmony over disharmony. Great concept!

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    @Miranda: Thank you so much for your kind words. While I am known for ranting, I still try to do so with some thought and consideration.

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  15. Hey ya'll! It seems that the major d-bag who was acting like a wanker over at 'The Bitchy Waiter' has decided to publically give me the one finger salute. To this I say, BRING IT! He/she or whomever the Anonymous Asshole is just better get ready to have a new one ripped!

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  16. Well written! Each to their own, I say and everyone has the right to choose and not get lectured about their lifestyle choices!

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  17. @Nat: Amen to that! ...And merci for the blog props. They are always appreciated.

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  18. I use garlic in almost everything I cook and I love the taste and the smell. It makes me enormously sad that you are allergic to it.

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  19. You are 100% right.

    I posted on BW that I don't respect vegetarians, but I was just being funny. I don't respect people who are sanctimonious about their food.

    I have lots and lots of vegetarian friends. Most of them happen to be from India. Not a single one is as annoying. Not even Deepa, and she can be a real PITA about other stuff.

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  20. I have been a vegetarian for about 4 yrs now. I do it because the thought of eating a animal grosses me out and I am all about animal rights. I don't wear leather and I have actually considered being a vegan (but I love dairy way too much) That being said I chose this life style and I hope people would not judge me based on what I eat. I don't judge people on how they eat and never had. If you want to eat a steak more power to you. I have people try to start arguments with me and some people get personally offended with me not eating meat. When this happens I kindly say it is my choice what I do and do not put in my body and no one else. I think some people feel like because I choose not to eat meat or wear leather or anything I'm going to judge them. I mean I'm not a member of PETA I wont hurt you I swear! ha (nothing against PETA)

    thanks for posting and showing the world that not all vegetarians are judgmental! :)

    http://books-music-life.blogspot.com/

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  21. @Erica: It must be the vampire blood that runs through my veins!

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    @Mary A: Being funny is both good and appreciated. Gotta love the BW huh?

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    @gggrl in green: It is interesting how people can get so opinionated about what other folks choose to eat. It sounds like you have a healthly perspective on this topic.

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  22. @grrrl in green: Sorry about the type-o in your name when I replied.

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  23. @Erica, it makes me sad that you devour your garlic without thought of what will become of your breath, smell even comes out of one's sweat!

    http://msibanda.blogspot.com

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  24. Ranter's Box-
    Which "wanker" gave you the one finger salute? I mean seriously, which one since I read the comments from MANY wonkers! Ha-ha-ha!
    Anyone who reads The Bitchy Waiter for their daily serious dose of news is an idiot as it's pure satire and it's supposed to make fun of whatever , whenever, wherever! I can't believe the poster who commented they'll never read the BW bog again and cannot believe how hurtful that was as they were vegan/vegetarian/whatever...c'mon, it's written to make you laugh- even if it means at yourself. Stop being so serious people and let the pucker relax!

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  25. @G: The Bitchy Waiter wrote a follow up post the next day and the "Anonymous Asshole" continued to offend others including telling me to fuck off. Well you know The Empress was going to go all kung-fu dragon lady over that shit. So far the little coward crawled back into their hole and hasn't been heard of since. ...Seriously though, this is all meant in good fun : )

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  26. i love me some garlic, whether or not i'm cooking with meat! it goes in EVERYTHING in this household.

    also, anyone wishing to try some meat-free main dishes, there are some great websites out there for free recipes. the uk has an entire campaign backed by none other than sir paul mccartney called 'meat free mondays' - check it out.

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  27. @steph gas: You can have my ration of garlic for certain! That stuff is major vampire poison in my body... but big deal, you love it, I'm allergic and we're still friends.
    Thanks for the 'Meat-free Mondays' tip.

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  28. Thanks, Empress! I love your posts and you can consider me a faithful follower now. Respect for another's right to choose what is best for his/her life is all I've ever asked. I'm just saying...love the tagline.

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  29. @A Bitch Called Mom: You are more than welcome. And thank you so much for the blog love! I have a feeling you and I are two peas in a pod. Looking forward to reading more of your posts.

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  30. Empress, a fellow vegetarian! I find it really effing annoying that every single person I meet asks me why? I get annoyed because I don't want to explain something which I find so important to people who really don't care. It doesn't bother me that they don't care, it's just frustrating that there is no other way out of that question without seeming like you're damning the meat eating inquisitor. I always end up and saying something like, animals are my friends and I don't eat my friends.
    xx
    Corianda
    P.s Life is being a hectic asshole right now.x
    http://corianda-corianda.blogspot.com

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  31. @Corianda: Seriously, like why the eff should they really care anyhow? After having to go on and on answering questions about whether or not I eat particular types of meat (no I am a vegetarian so I don't eat meat of any kind) I just give up and tell them that I don't eat anything with a face. That usually shuts them up... but not always. ...Sorry life is being an a-hole for you right now. Big hugs!

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