Back in November, I answered some questions that meat-eaters tend to ask vegans (or any vegetarian) a lot. I got a lot of positive feedback (and not just the two comments on the bottom, believe it or not), so I decided it's high time to write part 2! As always, if you have a question not answered in this blog, feel free to open a discussion. I will answer to the best of my knowledge, and if I don't know, I will point you to somewhere that does.
5) "Don't plants have feelings too?"
Ahhh.. Seventh grade life science. I remember doing a lot of fun stuff in that class. I used to flirt with the cute boy who was my lab partner, pick scabs and put the pickings under the miscroscope when we did labs... Those were some good days. One thing we learned is that certain life forms have these wonderful things called a nervous systems. These so-called nervous systems are what allow these life forms to feel. Now, you may be wondering, are plants in that group? I'm afraid not. Plants have no central nervous system, nor do they have a brain, so they can't feel.
So where did people get this idea that plants have feelings? Well, some time ago, a study was done which concluded that plants respond to stimuli. Over the years, people started equating this with feelings. Other people say that plants scream when they are plucked from the Earth, we just can't hear them. Unfortunately, there is absolutely no scientific data to back any of this up. The best part of the "plants have feelings too" bit is "too." One is basically acknowledging that animals have feelings and are capable of suffering. Animals suffer when they are killed for food; plants do not. This is yet another way that some meat-eaters try to shift the blame.
4.) "Weren't humans meant to eat meat? We're at the top of the food chain for a reason."
Here's a little challenge for you.
You're not allowed any weapons, just your bare hands and teeth. I want you to find a cow, chicken, or pig. Now, I want you to use your teeth and hands to rip apart this animal and eat it. RAW. You're not allowed to cook it or anything. Doesn't sound very appetising does it? Without all the lovely spices and hot cooking temperatures to kill the nasty bacteria that can otherwise kill you, meat is actually rather disgusting. Humans cannot eat raw meat; we would get sick, possibly die. Our mouths are full of flat, grinding teeth meant for plants, not meat. (Don't bother mentioning our wimpy canines, which wouldn't do much to take down a cow).
So how did humans get to the top of the food chain? By cheating. We lack the necessary tools to eat meat naturally (sharp claws, sharp teeth, proper digestive system) so we invented all kinds of machines to do the killing for us. We cook meat to make it palatable. There are animals like tigers and sharks which would actually be our natural predators if we didn't have all our lovely technology.
3.) "Doesn't being a vegan make you gay/girly/wimpy?"
Tell that too all the vegan bodybuilders and athletes out there! (And check out the website www.thediscerningbrute.com. Those guys look anything but girly to me.) Some MMA (mixed-martial arts) fighters are choosing vegan diets because of the strength it gives them. I have always wondered where the ghastly pale, gaunt vegan stereotype comes from. Men are conditioned to believe that steak is manly but salad is wimpy. Because of this, more men suffer from heart disease, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), strokes, Alzheimer's disease, certain cancers, impotence... and they die younger too. Pretty manly, no?
Also, to answer "Does being vegan make you gay?"... Well, no one quite knows what causes people to be gay. But I can assure you that it's not because of veganism.
2.) "Don't we need dairy to be healthy?"
Let me lay this down for you, quite simply. Dairy products are some of the most unhealthy things you can put into your body. It is laden with saturated fat and cholesterol, the over-consumption of which can cause heart disease. Americans consume more dairy than any country on the planet and yet, we have the most cases of osteoporosis. Also, many people's bodies naturally reject dairy. I'm certain you've heard of a condition called lactose intolerance. Simply put, this means that your body does not produce the proper enzymes to break down lactose. Cow's milk was meant for baby cows, not humans. A lot of us grew up believing that we needed calcium for strong bones, and while this is definitely true, cow's milk simply doesn't cut it. Animal proteins actually usher calcium out of the body, and make the blood more acidic, which can cause numerous health complications.
Also, think about this: Humans are the ONLY species which continues to drink milk after weaning, and not just any milk, milk from a completely different species.
1.) "Isn't everything in moderation okay?"
Most people eat way too much salt, sugar, fat, or protein. (Yes, there is such a thing as too much protein.) Some things are fine in moderation, like alcohol. (Moderate meaning a drink a day for women, and two for men, due to the differences in the way we process alcohol.) Few people eat meat in moderation though. Think about how many times a day you eat meat. You probably eat it with every meal. That isn't moderation.
Eating in moderation requires a ton of self-control and planning, something most people hate to do when it comes to food. It is much easier to just AVOID foods that are bad for you, and fill up on good foods. Over time you will start craving better food and ditch the junk. One thing that turns people off about veganism is how "restrictive" they think it is. I can assure you I am not restricted in any way! I still eat all my favourite food, I just vegan-ise it. My meals are varied and interesting; I rarely get bored. I'm not a moderate eater, but I am a happy one.
Have more questions? Comments? Post them below!
M.
