On Murdering Vegetables

When I became a vegetarian at thirteen, I received a lot of the same questions that many vegetarians and vegans get. Where do you get your protein? Can you be healthy that way? Etc.

At thirteen, I didn't have the answers. I just knew that I couldn't eat meat now that I'd really thought about where it came from. I never minded the well-intentioned questions, however repetitive, but I did mind the scornful "Oh, no! The vegetables are screaming in pain!" comments that I received from family, classmates, and strangers. Unfortunately, it's quite a common thing.

I recently saw this hilarious cutting board on Etsy that brought back all those awful moments, but it addresses the situation with humor and sassiness. At thirteen, I was still learning how to stand up for myself, especially to adults. At thirty-nine, I no longer put up with that type of behavior.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/488173318/vegan-gift-cutting-board-vegetarian-gift

Why did those comments bother me so much?

1) They literally mock someone's beliefs. If you don't see anything wrong with mocking someone's beliefs, I strongly suggest you take some time to reflect on when you've been mocked in your life, how you felt, and if that type of behavior is in line with your definition of a good person. If you still don't see anything wrong with it, I can't help you. 2) Plants don't have pain receptors.

Science has found that plants don't feel pain but animals do. This simple fact means that animals and plants should not be considered in the same way when deciding whether or not we should eat them.

3) They are self-serving and uninvited.

I have never told someone they should become vegetarian or vegan. Yet the derisive comments I receive feel like a defense mechanism, like what I choose to put in my body is somehow an affront to other people. I interpret this as subconscious guilt. Most people genuinely want to be good people, and, when faced with something that makes them question their own behaviors, they lash out. But, quite frankly, that is their problem. I should not be expected to change what I eat to make other people comfortable, which is why I don't expect them to change their choices for my comfort.

That is not to say that I don't wish people would eat less or no animal products. I do. I simply don't believe that mocking people or forcing people is kind or effective. That, however, is a topic for another post.