Sep 10, 2004 21:47
To clear up something that I know has bothered at least 2 people.
No, I don't think every meat eater is a puppy-murdering serial killer but when I'm mad I tend to say things off-the-cuff (just like 99% of the population). However, if you've known me for longer than say, 2 weeks, chances are you know my feelings about meat eating. In case you've forgotten:
1) yes, I do find eating meat to be repugnant and I've never claimed otherwise
2) I find it immoral and unethical
3) I think if most people spent time in a slaughter house and saw the way these animals are horribly treated, saw their pain, looked into their eyes, and SAW the fear and eventual murder of these animales, they'd not eat them again
4) I believe in eating the food that grows from the earth. Cows don't grow on vines, though, admitedly, it'd be pretty fucking funny if they did.
5) Animals can and do feel pain, fear, excitement and apprehension and I'd wager to say that your dog/cat/whatever also can tell that you love it very much
6) For some reason, most people seem to draw a huge fucking distinction between cows and pigs and dogs and cats. One is a loving pet, the other is dinner and no one sees the hypocracy in their diet. Most Americans wouldn't eat a kitten-burger or pizza with puppy pepperoni and you can be a smartass all you want with "haha, I would! Mmm... puppies. Neenner" and you'd be a fucking liar and you know it. Save your moronic "comeback" for someone dumb enough to laugh at your lame attempt at humor
7) I'm very "Catholic vs Gays" on this. Catholics love the sinner and hate the sin. I think that's fine. To them being gay is a sin, that doesn't make them hate gay people. To me, eating meat is disgusting. It causes pain and suffering to a living being but eating them doesn't make me hate you, I hate that you feel the need to ignore the pain, horror and destruction you cause.
8) I've moved on from my militant shove-my-agenda-down-your-throat-days, but I am always more than happy to talk about vegetarian/veganism and will support anyone's desire to change thier diet for the better and help in any way I can.
9) Serial killers DO start out murdering and torturing animals and/or children because it's easy, the victims cannot fight back and no one really cares. I believe humans have a certain amount of responsibility to each other and the rest of the planet and it pains me to see people disregard it with abandon.
10) To quote Ghandi: "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."
There. A nice little disclaimer repeating things that everyone who reads this thing with any regularity should already know.
Meanwhile, back at the Ranch...
After class Kaz-sensee told us about Japan and how the people there, especially the younger people, are enamoured with Americans and how little kids are drawn to us. She said that they love to take pictures with Americans who "look cool." She talked about how they love blonde hair and she said they'd be fascinated with my piercings. She didn't know my tongue was done and when I showed her she said, "ITAI! I feel pain! I feel pain for you!" She asked me if it bothers me to eat or if, when I wear sweaters in the winter, if they get caught or anything. She's so adorable! She fed us rice and candy today and she saw Kyo-bunny (the little plush bunny that I take everywhere) and said, "Kawaii!" I told her that I collect rabbits and she said she has one at home that she's going to give to me. I want her to adopt me. She's the bestest ever! Her class is so fun. I've never had this much fun learning a language! And it makes me very happy to know that I'll be popular in Japan.
I came home and took a nap from about 4-7. I'm still very tired.
"Are you eating another one of those veggie hot dogs?" asked granny.
"Yes."
"Is that all you've been eating?"
"No."
"Well, that's all I ever smell and see you eat!"
"I eat other things!"
"You'd better be, I don't want you getting sick again. Are you still having dizzy spells?"
"No, I'm taking my vitamins."
"Well, KEEP taking them!"
She's watching me like a hawk. For no reason. I'm perfectly fine! I've been dizzy and lightheaded because I've been eating nothing but sugary snacks and caffeine and ignoring other, more appropriate foods for the past 3 or so weeks. College has a habit of making you forget proper nutrition. But I am eating better and so she has no reason to be so suspicious... I didn't time travel.