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Vegetarianism: Fad, Health, or Evolution
By News Desk | September 2, 2008
“I would like a double quarter-pounder with everything, hold the meat.”
Even ten years ago this statement would have been met with the dazed look of a fast-food worker who didn’t quite know how to handle such an order. But in today’s society this is just another take on the traditional burger. It’s the vegetarian way.
As society makes new allowances, bending the norms to fit this generation of experimentalists, vegetarianism/veganism is becoming more and more common. Products have become both more accessible and more easily identified with labels such as ‘vegetarian friendly.’ Even fast-food chains have taken up this crazy, adding a veggie burger to their menu. But why has vegetarianism/veganism taken such a root in this generation?
People are becoming more conscious of the effects of diet on their bodies. So could the vegetarian lifestyle be a new diet? There is no doubt that meat takes a toll on the digestive track, often burdening your body as it tries to assimilate it. This low impact way of eating has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and even fend of some cancers. This healthy combination of foods gives the body the tools to defend itself against illness and disease. But as amazing as these benefits may be, if health is the motivation, why has vegetarianism shot up in the last decade?
Maybe evolution is the key. As humanity proceeds to increase its intelligence perhaps its compassion increases as well. We are a sophisticated society in many ways, not only in our innovations, but also in our move towards a peaceful countenance as a people. Though war is still prevalent, and our treatment of others is still not as kind as it should be, we have moved away from the deranged murder and grotesque displays of cruelty so common in our history. Vegetarianism/veganism may very well be a product of this new social conscious. As we come to understand the importance of life and our effect on it, we may wish to lessen our impact. Buddhist monks regard all living things as precious, refusing to not only eat animals but to kill even a pesky fly. Though we are not all at this stage of development we may be moving in that direction. But can humanity really care that much?
A fad. Could it be that simple? As a society we often display the most prevalent trends, in our clothes, our hair, our music and even our way of eating. Vegetarianism/veganism is very much a label to which one can identify. Building on this, you can create an entire persona, as is the way with youth. In the fight for animals, you have and identity, a style, and a community; something people in general crave. If it is but a trend, God help the animals when carnivore-ism becomes the latest fad.
Whatever the motivation, I feel this is a step forward. If not ultimately towards an animal free diet, but even to a more compassionate and conscious view on animals in the meat industry. I am a vegetarian by reasons of both health and compassion. I do not agree with the vicious manner in which animals are treated, but more than that I find this way of eating very beneficial. I am glad that this issue is becoming noticed and at least better understood, but we shall see if this increase in vegetarianism/veganism is more than just a fad.
Story By Landis Grenville
Topics: Discuss Amongst Yourselves |
September 13th, 2008 at 8:30 am
humans must eat meat!
September 16th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
I don’t think I believe that. People can get by fine without eating meat!
October 13th, 2008 at 2:23 am
if humans must eat meat, then why are some of the heathiest people vegan/vegetarian? We def. can get by without it.
Go vegetarian!