Censoring and all that

[Guest guest]

Further to the discussion that started out as

mock meat, I have been thinking and offer the

following for the consideration of John, who was

expressing distress, and others who might wonder.

 

John wrote:

 

> I am a Hindu Brahman. . . our diet is dictated

by scripture -

 

That's interesting - people on this list have

many reasons for being vegetarian, some

religious, some because of personal ethics or

philosophy, some for health reasons, some for

ecological reasons, etc.

 

> as for not discussing the past of meat eating,

seems to me to be

> saying Oh you were raped as a child, don't talk

about it here.

 

With respect, John, that is a total non sequitur

- and extremely provocative. Since it was my

comment you were objecting to, I must say that

you have severely misrepresented me in saying

that.

 

What I suggested, albeit lightly, and still

suggest is that evoking memories of mama's

wonderful 'veal pockets' etc. might be tempting

fate, as it were, or undermining the resolve of

some newbie vegetarians, especially those for

whom doing without meat is a daily if not hourly

struggle. (It can also sometimes be offensive to

some longtime vegetarians.) We exist as a list,

set apart from meat-eaters' food lists, so that

we can not only exchange vegetarian recipes and

food tips but also support each other in our

vegetarian resolve.

 

> vegetarians today once eat meat.

 

Some, yes.

 

>Family dining is a ritual of unity

> that has faded away turning the coffe table

into the dining table.

> The unity has been replaced by the boob tube.

 

For some, yes. For others, no. This is an

international list and not everyone watches TV

while slurping up fast food. Certainly we don't

in our household!

 

>Americans on the whole are pretty screwed up.

 

As someone else has suggested, that's a pretty

broad statement.

 

>Some of us have stated I will not be a part

> of the killing and eating of helpless animals.

 

Those of us, that is the vast majority of us on

the list, who are vegetarians have indeed done

so. This is a vegetarian list, ya know - you're

preaching to the choir, as they say LOL Others

have done so because they are concerned for their

health, another excellent reason to eschew me*t.

 

>If this is not a place where we can openly talk

to our

> fellow man without censoring our feelings. I am

not so sure I want

> to stay here.

 

The list is not censoring you. I am not censoring

you. We simply ask that you follow the guidelines

of the list.

 

>If I offend you - just say so - you decide if I

should

> go.

 

No one is asking you to leave, John. We value

your input, and I was enjoying chatting with you

on the list. I have explained before why I think

it's not a good idea to get into the realms of

talking about sentimental reasons for eating me*t

- and your distress at my response rather proves

my point. You seem to be hurt because you want to

talk about your mother's wonderful me*t meals,

but they don't belong here. You seem to be hurt

because you want to talk about such meals shared

with your late friend, but that doesn't belong

here either. So now, rather than simply

understanding that, on a recipe list which is

committed to vegetarian support, your post was

off topic, you seem to believe that I am out to

censor your expressed feelings about your mother

and your friend. Not so.

 

Sooo, let's move past this, shall we, John?

Everything's fine with me - and I hope with you

too. I look forward to your continued

participation on this list.

 

Best,

 

Pat

 

 

Dr Patricia M. Sant

veggiehound

Homepage: http://www.angelfire.com/art/pendragon/

" The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its

animals are treated. " - Gandhi