How's this for subtlety? The folks at PETA are once again trying to convince us to go vegetarian this holiday season. While I admire their goals, their methods leave something to be desired. I've been a supporter of PETA's general aims for years, but I find myself questioning their militant campaigns. When I first moved to Texas five years ago, I was a complete vegetarian, which in my book means I ate no meat. I have since returned to the Dark Side, though I limit my consumption of dead animal flesh to seafood and poultry. Regardless of where I've stood on the issue of eating meat, I would never dream of trying to enforce my point of view on someone who may think differently.
My decision to refrain from eating red meat is a personal one, made for my own reasons. I do not expect anyone to follow my lead, nor do I expect anyone to understand my decision. If you don't agree with me, fine. Just don't expect me to eat that hamburger.
For PETA, however, meat is murder, which makes it a political issue. That is what I find so disturbing. This may seem a bit of a stretch, but PETA's tactics are the moral equivalent of those used by anti-abortion protesters. It is impossible to have a reasoned discussion with someone who is screaming at you.
My only response to PETA is this: if you choose not to eat meat, good on you. That is your decision. I would appreciate being left to make my own decision, thank you very much. Remember; it's called a food chain for a reason.
Perhaps PETA will realize someday that it's tactics will likely produce the exact opposite from the intended results. No one likes to be bullied, insulted, or screamed at- especially when it comes to matters of personal choice. Give me reasons, provide me with evidence, try to persuade me- but get out of my face.
(Thanks to Michele Catalano for the link)
Update: OK, OK...it was supposed to be "eat meat", NOT "eat me". Now I'm officially embarrassed.....
