“Vegetarianism isn’t about fanatical personal purity, it’s about having some perspective. Move at your own pace; no one’s keeping score. Vegetarianism isn’t about scarcity, it’s about abundance. It’s not about restriction, it’s about liberation. Not about what we’re against but what we’re for; not for some far-off time but for right now. For me going vegetarian is less about becoming something and more about being true to ourselves.” ~Michael Gregor MD
I have truly been heartened by the press coverage and discussion in social media lately about vegetarianism and veganism. Vegetarianism is slowly filtering out into the popular consciousness and this has given me great hope, that perhaps we will as a society, start to pull down the walls that see people discounting the facts behind industrial farming and the slaughterhouse industry.
Much of society does not see the consumption of meat as an act of animal cruelty. Many countries have strict laws forbidding cruelty to animals and most people condemn acts of animal cruelty yet, the mass slaughter of animals is abdicated and supported by a majority of the public.
There is no way to absolve the actions of slaughterhouses, they are cruel and inhumane. The fear, suffering and ultimate death experienced by these sentient creatures, who feel pain, who feel fear and who suffer is not something you or I or anyone should accept.
We need to work towards true education, understanding and compassion bring about discussion and provide opportunity and support for change. As Michael Gregor says Vegetarianism is not fanatical, it is for you and me and for everyone. It is not unrealistic, unhealthy, or unattainable.
We have been lead to believe that we need to eat meat, that it is ok and that the suffering and death inflicted on animals is acceptable if conducted behind closed slaughterhouse doors. Yet so much can be gained from learning more about the way these animals are kept and slaughtered and that a healthy and delicious diet can be achieved without the consumption of meat.
Perspective and understanding of the true consequences is so important in making any decision. I believe that many of us simply do not truly consider the facts, do not consider the alternatives simply because as a society eating meat is the norm and there is not enough education and support to inspire change.
Yet, there are great websites and books and information available for anyone who would like to learn a little more about becoming a vegetarian and why. I don’t believe sensationalism and graphic images are a real way to inspire people to change and hope that the following sites may be helpful to anyone looking for a little more solid information and support on the issue.
You can check out the small article here or any of the following sites and I hope to provide further information on Small Simple Life soon.
Vegetarian Society
Australian Vegetarian Society
Animals Australia
It seems I have been breaking out the soap box a little this week : ) but with an aim to inspire positive action and discussion and thought. There are so many things we as individuals can do to have a positive effect on our own lives and the lives of all others.
It can be hard to step back and look at things in a different light sometimes and we each have our own opinions and beliefs that need to be respected. Each of us has the power to make choices that reflect true understanding and compassion and these small actions are what make the difference in our own lives and the lives of others.
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” ~William James
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"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." ~Hellen Keller
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
What a wonderful post about vegetarianism! I’ve been a vegetarian for quite awhile now and it really is a great way to be. I love animals way too much to eat them!
I choose to eat only those animals that I know lived simple lives. Venison, Grass fed beef, my own chickens, etc. When you know a being is treated with the reverence and respect it deserves, it becomes a sacrament to Gaia when you eat it.