Slate V

Re: leading by example re: diets

Ellie Maldonado — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:04:42 GMT

< "...I agree whole-heartedly w/Prudie on this one. I was a vegetarian for a while and still restrict my diet to avoid meats that were raised unethically. When I started restricting my diet, I told myself I would never become one of those annoying, proselytizers who gross everyone out at dinner...." >

I wouldn't discuss this at a dinner gathering either, but since this is a blog, I have wonder why you would describe any meat as ethical. Because it's labeled "Certified Humane and Handled"? Or "free-range"?

These labels are marketing tools. If you're interested in knowing more about it, check http://www.humanemyth.org

Re: leading by example re: diets

jonthom11702 — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:27:21 GMT

FWIW, I've observed vegetarians on the receiving end of everything from snide comments to dirty looks to having meat snuck into their food from overzealous carnivores. My sister-in-law has been a vegetarian for years, and she has yet to lecture anyone on the virtues of going meatless. I don't think there's anything wrong with asking questions, but both sides are prone to going overboard. This time the LW's friend was wrong.

Re: leading by example re: diets

hudsonga — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:57:42 GMT

I am a vegetarian and find it much more likely to get questioned and lectured by others, including doctors, that the diet is too restricted. After 40 years, 3 healthy children and running many miles per week, I think that point of view is very much off the mark. I volunteer my reasons for eating this way only if asked. I find it rude for people to question my motives.

Re: leading by example re: diets

SAFriend — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:38:18 GMT

Ditto with zbird.

If she really would like to endorse the "no meat" issue with her friends in a non-confrontational manner, then the vegetarian-friend should insist on places that don't serve meat. This way it would allow her to share her vegetarianism with friends and avoid the need to lecture.

I haven't found that imposing your beliefs on anyone has worked - whether it be foor ... or anything else.

leading by example re: diets

zbird — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:37:33 GMT

I agree whole-heartedly w/ Prudie on this one. I was a vegetarian for a while and still restrict my diet to avoid meats that were raised unethically. When I started restricting my diet, I told myself I would never become one of those annoying, proselytizers who gross everyone out at dinner.

But just by choosing to restrict my diet, I inevitably attracted attention. People would ask why, and I would tell them, with apologies in advance for grossing them out. I found the light touch and leading by example worked much better than any lecture.