Having been a vegetarian for the entirety of my 20 years, I am in support of Usman Gul’s attempt to recruit people to the cause. In “Vegetarian Hypocrisy,” however, he fails to open readers’ eyes to the overall benefits of this lifestyle. Instead, he sets up an “all or nothing” argument which in my opinion deters others from considering vegetarianism.
“Vegetarian Hypocrisy” states that we are faced with two options. We must either “embrace the eccentric lifestyle and refuse to consume any and all animal byproducts, or renounce vegetarianism altogether.” I believe that the choice to be vegetarian is not this cut and dry. One has many options and can accept as little or as much of the lifestyle as they please.
People have these options because being a vegetarian means more than just helping end the inhumane killing of animals. Usman suggests that this is the sole reason that he accepts the vegetarian lifestyle. As a general population, however, people choose to be vegetarian for a wide variety of reasons. Health, environmental concerns and personal preference usually accompany concern for humane animal treatment in one’s reasoning.
Because my family has not participated in eating meat for such a long time, we have had a significant effect on the environment. The average American consumes 2,714 land animals within their lifetime. Because we’ve adopted this lifestyle we’ve been able to avoid becoming a part of this statistic (www.veganoutreach.org). But I have several friends who have just decided to become vegetarian in the past year, and others who, although not completely vegetarian, make a conscious effort to avoid meat in their meals. And I know others who can’t pass up a hamburger but wouldn’t be caught dead in a leather jacket. Does this make them hypocritical? In my opinion, it doesn’t. These people are also making a significant contribution to a better world.
Choosing any part of one’s life path is a journey. It’s not all or nothing. Unlike some cultures, such as India, vegetarianism is often viewed as unusual in Western society. In fact, even though it is becoming a more acceptable lifestyle, it is not generally supported by society. Therefore, it takes more of an effort to be a vegetarian in the United States. Even by adopting parts of the lifestyle, people are supporting the cause.
“Vegetarian Hypocrisy” suggests that there are so many animal byproducts necessary in daily life that it is nearly impossible to live without the killing of animals. And he is correct. I don’t think there is going to be a day in the future when the entire world population is avoiding all animal byproducts. I bet many people don’t realize that the pain medication that they took for their Sunday morning headache is encased in a capsule that probably contains gelatin. Or that granulated white sugar is processed through animal bones. Or that the vegetable soup that they ordered for dinner is most likely made with beef broth.
But look at the progression that our popular culture has made towards a more humane goal. “Faux” is the new cool word to put in front of anything because of all the new synthetic materials that are being used in clothing and other products instead of animal byproducts. I choose to wear faux Uggs because they aren’t made of sheepskin. Many people own faux leather jackets, gloves and boots. Not only are these items less expensive then the real thing, but they do not weigh heavy on their conscience. And you can use fun contractions in sentences like, “I wish that I had sequined Fuggs to go with this outfit,” or “These pleather pants are itchy but very attractive.”
These alternatives help average people contribute to a healthier world and more humane treatment in an easy and more popularly acceptable way. But even as a life-long vegetarian I understand that nothing is black and white. Some synthetic alternatives to animal byproducts such as cellulose capsules are less healthy and worse for the environment. Someone who is considering these reasons in their choice to be a vegetarian may actually embrace some byproducts.
So, whether someone is giving up meat and all animal byproducts or simply choosing a veggie burger over their usual chicken nuggets at Burger King, their deliberate effort is not only making an actual difference, but drawing attention to the cause.
Hannah Diorio-Toth is a Viewpoints editor for the Voice. She can be reached for comment at Hdiorio-Toth11@wooster.edu
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