I was thinking about changing the title of this blog from ‘Why Vegetarian?’ to ‘Why Vegetarians Are So Smug.’ But the fact is I have no idea why vegetarians are so smug, therefore I’d have to rely on the self-important ramblings of selected guest herbivores for content.
I’m not referring to the excellent recent posts by my hand-picked contributors Gazzaisvegan and Miss Poundcake, but rather to a strand of veggie blog that runs along the lines of ‘I’m a vegetarian and I’m saving the planet.’ Well I for one am delighted that you are here saving the planet for us, I really don’t know where we’d be without you.
Here’s a question. Did you have an inflated idea of your own self-worth before you became a vegetarian or is there something in the vegetarian diet that triggered this chemical imbalance? If “being a vegetarian is one of those little things you do that helps the planet,” were you born high and mighty or has the elimination of meat from your diet elevated you to a position several heads above the rest of us? Maybe you could help out the planet by being less sanctimonious? Alternatively you could exist purely on your own hot air. That would help the planet even more.
I’m a reasonable man. I know the argument. If collectively, human beings reduced meat consumption and the ludicrous over-farming of livestock there would be less in the way of greenhouse gas production. But turning this into a pious crusade which you have personally fought and won is hijacking the debate for the sake of your own self-satisfaction.
Just because you gave up meat doesn’t make you a saint. Or Superman.
- George
Tags: saving the planet, self-satisfied, smug
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And just in case it’s not clear, I AM a vegetarian.
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I could leave a post here that would leave your mouse wheel finger aching, lol. But I won’t.
I could write an extensive list, a roll-call of all the people I know of affected by Auto-immune diseases, Cancers, Arthritis, Colonic disorders, Strokes, Diabetes, those suffering and friends, acquaintances barely in their 30′s that have passed….but I won’t.
Or you could visit a large hospital in the UK to see that each one runs like a small city within a city….the number of patients is astounding.All I can say is, that Veganism has improved my life no end and I have no need to rely on the Pharmacutical industry to undermine my health.
“The Health Conspiracy” Joe Collier (Dr Collier was a consultant to the World Health Organization and advisor on Drugs Policy to the Shadow Secretary for Health)
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Thanks Gary, good response. It doesn’t quite address the original issue about smugness, that is, you’re not one of the ones saying that you’re saving the planet. But I certainly have no problem with all the points you make.
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Hi George,
I never for one moment thought you had considered me as Smug
What I was alluding to, is that whether or not you come out and say “I am saving the planet” (smugness), or not. By advocating and practicing a healthier lifestyle of the type you mentioned, or any other improved lifestyle choice devoid of animal flesh/fats, considering all known facts. Not only are you benefiting the fragile planetary ecology [as you mentioned], but you are actually being compassionately humanitarian, in giving insight to others, that there is a better way of life without sickness, long term ill health and reliance on pharmaceutics.
Obviously there is always going to be a better, more pure, more ethical lifestyle diet, (100% RAW Vegan Organic eco-warrior..), as long as the seeds of change are being sown, that has to be a step in the right direction for everyone.
I also agree with you that there are some blogs out there which may be a little polarized and egotistical, but I believe that if they convey the right message and content at the same time, possibly those particular blog posts could be forgiven?.
G
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I don’t think most vegetarians are “smug” actually .. If I go to lunch with someone I don’t pick on them about what they are eating but If I am out somewhere and someone is complaining about their weight and that they need to lose weight then yes I will suggest that they try being vegetarian . if u are going to complain about your weight then yes I honestly see nothing wrong with making a suggestion to go vegetarian … Maybe u never asked for my advice ..but I never asked for your complaints …lol
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