I. Thoughts on why one should be vegetarian.
The above is a misleading title. I feel no need to present an argument as to why one ought to be a vegetarian; it should be mostly obvious and, if not, there are other (better) sources. Simply, it boils down to two reasons: first, it’s far more healthier than the current western diet. While some people will argue this, I think a little research bears it out (just be careful to note who funds the research!). The book that was recommended to me, and the one I am now recommending, is The China Study by T. Colin Campbell. His claim boils down to this: a plant-based, whole-food diet is the best way to eat.
Second, animal cruelty is rampant in our food system to greater or lesser degrees. Yesterday, for instance, there was a massive recall of beef: it may or may not be tainted, but what’s clear is that abuses were occurring. Of course, one could make the claim that it’s morally acceptable to abuse (including torment and torture) and then kill an animal. I will not spend much time on these arguments, partly because I think it depends a lot on what assumptions we use, and to argue assumptions takes far too long. However, in discussing this with a variety of people, it seems that most reasons carnivores use to justify the abuse/killing are based on differentiating animals and humans. But when pressed for specific characteristics, the traits offered seem to allow for the moral eating of the handicapped and children. And that, I think we can all agree, is not right.
I’m not saying that I fully believe either one of these reasons; I think both have a great deal of validity but also their problems. In the first, for instance, one could point out (say) that alcohol is also unhealthy (if not moreso) and, if I was being consistent in my beliefs, I would also have to give it up. This is a fair point; my counterclaim is, one, too point out that alcohol consumption, more or less, concerns only the one consuming (that is, no being had to die for it) and, two, that there are secondary benefits (e.g. feeling “happy”) that also need to be factored in that eating meat or drinking milk cannot offer.
My point is simple and twofold: First, I find that, for a variety of reasons, vegetarianism works for me and that while I think others should (at least) give it a shot, I understand that there are some good reasons not too. Second, that the arguments presented above are not conclusive, but that when presented together, they provide a compelling argument.
This is prompted, in part, by a brochure a gentleman was handing out on campus. I had read it before—you can get it online [pdf]. It’s produced by Vegan Outreach and titled “Why Vegetarian?” with a subtitle of “Boycott Cruelty!” As mentioned or implied above, I think this is a bad way to go: partly because I don’t think it’s the strongest argument, and partly because telling people that their immoral is generally not the best way to convince them you’re right.
II. How to increase vegetarianism
Do we want people to be vegetarian? I sure do, and there are a few reasons for it. The evidence supports vegetarianism as a healthy lifestyle: presumably, if more people become vegetarian, we would see a decline in heart-disease, certain types of cancer, maybe even some diabetes, among other medical problems. This would decrease the burden of public health assistance—a good thing in and of itself, but could also increase support for a national (dare I say, socialized?!) medical plan…which, to my mind, would be a very good thing. There are other arguments that, again, I don’t feel the need to develop fully, like, that if everyone ate vegetarian, then there’s be more food and (hopefully) therefore fewer hungry people in the world.
Additionally, from a purely selfish standpoint: being vegetarian/vegan is difficult, especially when eating out or eating for convenience. It’s not difficult cooking that way, so it makes sense that if the market demanded it, there would be more convenient and good-tasting vegetarian/vegan options. This would make my life easier.
So, let’s assume that we think it’s a good thing for people to be vegetarian. Then, how do we go about convincing people? Here are my four suggestions, in order from most important to least important:
First, people need to know that vegan/vegetarian food tastes good. This should be the duty of vegans/vegetarians out there. I love the vegan food, so I think it’s definitely possible. How many people hate tofu? How many of those people have had tofu cooked well? How many of those people realize that tofu really doesn’t have a taste? These are misconceptions easily fixed.
Second, we need more convenient vegan food. If someone, right now, wants to become vegan, then the best suggestion I can give is to learn to cook. This, in and of itself, will put many people off. I can go to the local sandwich place and have my choice of 25 meaty sandwiches or 2 vegetarian. I cannot get one vegan. Of course, I think most people should learn to cook anyway. Barring this, though, there needs to be more vegan options. And—this is very, very important—they need to be affordable. Food marketed as vegan (in particular) is very overpriced. I’ve made no secret of my love for seitan, so take this example: it costs me a bit over $1 to make 2 pounds. If I bought it, not only would it not taste as good, but it’s about $6/pound.
The first two reasons are intended to get people considering the possibility of being vegetarian. The third reason is to help on the path. There are a few mindset changes that, at very least, would facilitate the transition. The biggest one, in my mind, is changing what we think of as “a meal.” It seems that many people believe that “a meal” is defined as “meat plus sides.” Why this would need changing is obvious. The more insidious aspect, though, is that it may lead new vegetarians to defining “a meal” as “meat-substitute plus sides.” I was one of these people, sure. And while this new definition is better than the former the big danger is that “meat-substitute plus sides” is limiting and feeds into the idea that being a vegan/vegetarian means eating the same thing over and over. This is most definitely not true! My range as a cook has dramatically—and perhaps paradoxically—increased as I removed meat and almost all dairy.
As a corollary to number three, possible vegetarians would need to stop comparing meat-products to their vegan/vegetarian counterparts. Tofurky Italian sausage doesn’t taste like meaty Italian suasage. The latter is good, the former isn’t. Or: this week I made a vegan mac n cheese (which I will be posting about soon). It tasted nothing like mac n cheese—especially Kraft’s, which is one of the few truly horribly unhealthy things I still love and sometimes crave—but it was good nonetheless. I think this is true for most people regardless of their eating orientation: we need to approach our food on it’s own terms, without our expectations controlling the experience.
Finally, on a social scale, we need to talk about these things. Far too many vegans/vegetarians are evangelists about their choice. Far too many carnivores won’t even listen. Our national guidelines are too infected with bullshit for companies and politicians with a stake in the meat and/or dairy industry. In short, we need good data and for people to objectively look at the data.
III. Vegan vs. Vegetarian vs. Social Vegetarian
Above, I’ve used “vegan” and “vegetarian” mostly interchangeably. Obviously, there is a difference. Vegetarians don’t eat meat. (Some “vegetarians” eat fish, but I don’t consider them vegetarians. Eggs are complicated.) Vegans don’t eat animal products or, generally, use products made from or tested on animals. My jacket, shoes, and belt are leather—I’m not going to stop wearing them until they wear out, but (if other factors allow) when I replace them they will not be animal. However, I’m only going to discuss the eating aspect, since that’s what I’ve been doing until now.
Assuming one is vegetarian, should one become vegan? Vegan Freak—a pretty decent and very quick read—argues yes. The reason is simple: most of the reasons why most vegetarians are vegetarians also apply to being vegan. Vegetarian because of the animal cruelty? Well, there’s still a bunch of animal cruelty in milking cows and collecting eggs. Vegetarian because of the health benefits? Well, milk and eggs are still animal protein and have much the same problems.
I find this argument somewhat compelling but ultimately I reject it for two reasons. First, there’s a moral difference between killing an animal and using an animal. I’m not sure how much practical difference it makes, but it’s something that needs to be considered. Second, if I’m vegetarian because I don’t like the taste of meat, but I like the taste of cheese, it obviously doesn’t follow that my reason is valid for both.
Ultimately, though, I’m not arguing against being vegan. I think it’s a worthy goal as long as the evangelism isn’t to high. I’m just saying it doesn’t necessarily follow from being vegetarian.
“Social vegetarian” isn’t my idea—I’m stealing it from a friend. Ultimately, this is what I am (though it’s more like “social vegan”). The reason for this is also simple: I don’t want to be a person who requires a host to make a separate dish, I want to be able to go to dinner with friends, etc. In Vegan Freak, the authors argue that “meek vegans suffer”–that you need to tell people you’re vegan or else you’ll always be put in a bad situation. I completely agree; at the same time, though, I care more about not putting people out than my own moral baggage. This probably says much about how dedicated I am to being a vegan—but so be it. (Hell, I did just write over 2000 words on why we should and how to get more people involved…)
I would argue that, until everyone becomes vegan or vegetarian, that this is a good way to be. At home, I cook about 95% vegan—the only non-vegan things I use are butter and ghee. (I have an absurdly large container of butter, but once it’s gone, I’m switching.) When I eat out alone, I pick places that have vegetarian fare I like. When I eat out with others, I try to get vegetarian, but if I can’t, who cares. (I also try to suggest places with good vegetarian food.) If I go over to someone else’s place, I eat what they make, because that’s what you should do. I’ve only been strictly following this plan for a month now and have eaten meat once—chili, at the superbowl party I attended.
There is one big drawback to this. The best way to get others to consider being vegetarian, as implied in section 2 above, is to make it known that you are vegetarian. If you never say anything, then others won’t know. I am sensitive to this argument. I’ve made no secret of my choices—most of my friends know that I’d prefer not to eat meat or dairy, but that if I didn’t have a choice, I would. Your own mileage may vary.
IV. Conclusion
So, I’ve sketched out a few ideas here, basically arguing that we should all consider being vegetarians, if not vegan, but that it shouldn’t necessarily override social obligations or harmony. These arguments should be fleshed out and given more support, I realize.
For the time being, though, I wonder if any of you readers have thoughts on this—even if just to point out areas where I completely missed the boat. Comments, as always, are welcome.