Vegetarianism

Colin and Maya

“It is my view that the vegetarian manner of living by its purely physical effect on the human temperament would most beneficially influence the lot of mankind.” – Albert Einstein

There are many causes I support.  One that I am passionate about and espouse is vegetarianism.

My children are being raised as I was—a vegetarian.  Having been vegetarian since birth, it was very natural for me to continue that way, rather than having to make a dramatic lifestyle change.  Not potentially going through the pains of switching later is a gift to them. I could not imagine raising them any other way.

If it is important to me to live this way, why wouldn’t I consider it for the most important people in my life?  I am certain that they will be grateful I made this lifestyle decision for them from the outset.  However, I know that my son, being raised as a vegetarian, may have to endure names like “Grass Grazer” and the dreaded “Twig Boy.”

Over two decades ago, when I was in fourth grade, I recall being clobbered to the ground by a peer who was offended that I would not eat the chicken sandwich she offered. It really started bugging her that I normally ate peanut butter-and-jelly sandwiches.

Years later, as an adult, I was once confronted by a dogmatic roadside evangelist who tried to convince a co-worker and me that the proper religion was the one he was proselytizing. I calmly expressed my preference for privacy and moved on. He yelled something about worshipping blue gods and cows.  My co-worker leaned over to me and asked, “Is that why you’re a vegetarian?” I looked at her a little puzzled, when she continued, a little uneasy, “You know, because you worship cows.” I laughed at the oversimplification of my faith, but went on to explain that vegetarianism was more than just part of a culture I grew up with.

Fortunately, I have seen great strides in views towards vegetarians which, I hope, will benefit my kids’  journey through vegetarianism. An evidence of progress I have noticed is that I am less likely to be asked: “What do you eat—lettuce?” My kids will also be more likely to find a vegetarian meal on most U.S. airlines, rather than a “helpful” steward who offers to take the shrimp out of the shrimp salad, in an effort to make it “vegetarian.”

Check out my thoughts and recipes on raising vegetarian kids!