Yes, I Know, Protein Blah Blah Blah…but Perhaps
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I overheard a conversation the other day between three people. They were having a discussion about what they were going to eat, some kind of Italian sandwich shop was mentioned, and for some reason (I couldn’t hear why the conversation was re-directed) one of the individuals mentioned that his daughter was a vegetarian (or going vegetarian). Sure enough, the counter-insights were on, followed by some dietary advice.
The situation was as follows: The father of the vegetarian or soon-to-be vegetarian stood fast defending his daughter’s choice (he seemed to imply that he was also considering giving up flesh), while the other two individuals expressed their sincere concern for his daughter’s health stemming from her (and his I suppose?) “poor” choice.
A: “Well, you know, vegetarians have to be very concerned about their health.”
B: “Like protein?”
A: “Yes, protein, but not only protein; they generally lack nutrients essential for energy and muscle health. There also seems to be a problem with vitamin absorption…But yes mainly protein.”
B: “She seems to be doing well. But thanks.”
A: “Blah, bliggity blah, blah, blah, blah.”
I sat there wondering to myself, here they were discussing what food they were going to eat later (e.g., Italian meats and cheese) without a single mention about what foods may lead to hypertension, obesity, heart disease, diabetes and all those other health issues that plague nations of omnivores.
Neither of these two individuals now overly concerned about health and diet suggested that whatever they eat, they should reduce the overall amount of meat being consumed (to, essentially, three pieces of meat that are about the size of your palm per week) because evidence has been compiled recently which suggests that over-consumption of meat leads to various forms of cancer; or dairy and its correlated cancer risks.
These now enlightened individuals didn’t argue that they must make sure to eat their vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes (you know, those foods that compose the bulk of the “food pyramid”), while avoiding large amounts of meat and dairy (you know, those boxes up there with candy). Indeed, I didn’t hear either of them mention to this man whose daughters’ choice now interested them so greatly, that they had most likely allready consumed their allotment of meat for the week – by Tuesday – and they, therefore, ought to avoid eating anymore flesh.
It seems to me that there are unstated assumptions in these conversations we vegans and vegetarians constantly have with omnivores.
One, omnivores such as these two individuals seem to be implying that not being a vegan or vegetarian is all that one must do to avoid having health problems. Hence the lack of concern for their own diets and food choices, and their over-concern for the vegetarian. The assumption is obvious: being a vegetarian brings with it health issues whereas being an omnivore seems to not warrant any concern. Therefore, why have a little inner reflection – it’s not necessary to turn all that anxiety and unease over food options upon the choices being made daily by themselves and the greater majority in our society.
This assumption is sound insofar as people are not dying from colon cancer and cholesterol related illnesses that seem to directly result from the consumption of flesh. This is plausible (?) or maybe it’s an embarrassingly stupid assumption.
Another assumption is being suggested by the paternalistic tone of the advice. There seems to be a presumption that those going vegetarian don’t consider the alleged health issues that confront them; therefore, individuals such as those two at the table are there to fill in the parental gap and offer their service. This type of gall is frustrating for any somewhat autonomous individual and we shouldn’t be worried about letting those stand-in mothers and fathers know how we feel.
I think, however, what underlies it all is defensiveness disguised as care. We vegans and vegetarians are made aware everyday that our very presence causes irrational defensiveness on the part of omnivores because, well, I don’t know. We make them feel uncomfortable, which, in keeping with our status as a minority group, is easily countered by challenges to our choices on various fronts: ethics, freedom, health. On each of these fronts, fortunately, not for us but for the billions of nonhumans we unnecessarily torture and kill annually, we have readily available (and correct) responses. Let’s respond indeed; the time must pass when we allow these assumptions and false concerns to go unchallenged.
Vegans make non-vegans feel uncomfortable. There it is, isn’t it? Omnivores feel this inside therefore out comes the same tired old arguments (excuses?) for the benefits of being an omnivore – or more accurately, not being a vegan. You omnivores may not even know that your sympathy is false, a disguise, a not-so-clever front. But it is.
We vegans have the upper hand because I think it’s only appropriate that individuals such as the two paternalists mentioned above turn their consideration inward and figure out why Americans are increasingly the fattest and most unhealthy nation on this planet. All while meat industries continue their reign as one of the most prolific lobbying groups in Washington, D.C. and McDonalds convinces parents that cheeseburgers, french fries cooked in saturated flesh fat, apple pie, and a large coke is actually a well-balanced meal.
Please, hold your concern and, since you omnivores are apparently so concerned about health, consider your own choices and save the stereotypes and misinformed advice.
Crossposted @ That Vegan Girl
>>>I think, however, what underlies it all is defensiveness disguised as care.<<>>Another assumption is being suggested by the paternalistic tone of the advice. There seems to be a presumption that those going vegetarian don’t consider the alleged health issues that confront them; therefore, individuals such as those two at the table are there to fill in the parental gap and offer their service.<<<
I know what you mean. I suppose pretending to be knowledgeable is a superficial and/or maybe reflexive type of defense mechanism.
All these defenses indicate guilt to me. Guilt and fear – of confronting one’s sins and shortcomings. I try, though not always successfully, to leverage that in ways that won’t simply cause those deeply vested in meat-eating to raise their shields.
I certainly don’t have any sure-fire methods; I just improvise. It helps to have an array of knowledge tidbits at the ready, but OTOH there’s nothing wrong with saying “That’s a good point; I don’t know the answer.” I’ll let them know I used to like meat, had the same concerns, did the research…and that might segue into talking about studies that show the health dangers of animal protein and saturated fat and CAFOs…and I try to end with a couple of practical suggestions, e.g., “try the veggie bacon and sausage since processed meats are especially deadly.”
And often, the meat-eaters gradually morph into a child-like role, as I explain how cow’s milk is really made, and why the US has such high rates of heart disease and cancer, and how cheese has opiate-like substances, and how tastes can change, and how deep inside all of want to be decent people and not harm others for pleasure or out of habit. If all goes well, these people who were paternalistic and even condescending might say to me two weeks later, “Hey, you’d be proud of me, I ordered a bean burrito with no meat,” and seek my approval, praise, and encouragement.
I know this has happened to many vegans. It’s an interesting dynamic. The non-vegan, espcially if s/he makes baby steps to divest from meat, recognizes that we (vegans) have resisted the societal and familial pressure to eat animals and, in a major way, lived according to our morals. They also recognize, at least subconsciously, that it can be scary to leave a comfort zone and to challenge one’s self-image. (I believe that for many people, their carnivorism and/or adoption of a mainstream diet is part of their self-image.) These realizations may be the basis for the child-like wonder and need for hand-holding when they try to break those bonds and give up animal products. I do try to let non-vegans know that the spiritual rewards are magnificent. It’s so great to be free from having to engage in denial, unconvincing rationalizations, or defense mechanisms about your diet; it’s wonderful to have a more honest and communal relationship with animals and the world.
(Sorry, super-long comment. It started off short and meandered out of control.)
Quote:
“And often, the meat-eaters gradually morph into a child-like role, as I explain how cow’s milk is really made, and why the US has such high rates of heart disease and cancer, and how cheese has opiate-like substances, and how tastes can change, and how deep inside all of want to be decent people and not harm others for pleasure or out of habit. If all goes well, these people who were paternalistic and even condescending might say to me two weeks later, “Hey, you’d be proud of me, I ordered a bean burrito with no meat,” and seek my approval, praise, and encouragement.”
You know Gary, I never interpreted this common occurrence in the way you just have; however, I do believe that you may be correct. I often hear similar things: the one-time paternalist speaks of her vegetarian dinner the next time we speak. Perhaps this suggests some truth to my argument (i.e., discomfort disguised as care), but even further, as you argue, it’s evidence of their internal discomfort with their own actions and (as I say) unfolding the logic of our strongly held premise against unnecessary suffering.
~ Recent blog post: Non-lethal police techniques needed, desperately. at http://www.not-quiteright.net/tvg ~
It’s amazing how much omnivores care about others health and so much they know about nutrition.
~ Recent blog post: This is our day. at http://lazyvegan.wordpress.com ~