So I get asked every single day, "Alex, why are you vegan?". Normally, I wouldn't really care. And often times, just to avoid the typical arguments presented by meat-eaters, I just smile, nod, and change the subject. I liken it to the arguments I have concerning religion and the existence of god. I will explain my stance, but you will be so blinded by your views that you won't even "hear me out." Here, I will post a summary of all the reasons I am a vegan. That way, when we are out to lunch or dinner, I don't have to waste my precious time explaining myself.
To start, I have to get some things off my chest. Lay the groundwork if you will. First, nothing is more annoying than someone acting disgusted or revolted that I am vegan.
Example: "Alex,.... you are a vegan???! Why would you ever do that?"
OK.... there are more reasons than your small little brain can handle, but I will keep it simple. My standard response is- It is good for your health, it is good for the environment, and it is the ethical thing to do. Of course I get the typical "We NEED meat in our diets!"- Umm.... no we don't brain stem.
Or "humans are carnivores and we eat meat for food because we can and it is part of being human!"- Yeah,.... no again buddy. Humans are not carnivores by nature and part of being human is the ability to adapt, learn, and progress. We now have the ability to be a vegetarian society and utilize land to raise crop that would support FAR MORE people than using it to raise cattle. But again- you can't reason with stupid. Who cares if we use all of this land to raise cattle that feeds several thousand when we could use the same land to feed hundreds of thousands..... Americans are privileged. We don't give a shit about anyone else. As long as you have your fat steak on your plate, you could give a fuck less about starving people half a world away.
Then there is the environment argument. I often hear that it is all a scam, all bullshit. Well, global warming may not be the case, but there is certainly global climate change going on. That, my friend, you cannot deny. Polluted water from runoff, methane production, increased use of oil and gas to logistically move cattle from factory farm to slaughter. Its all an ENORMOUS contributor to climate change.
Second, questioning my manhood because of my lifestyle is just plain stupid. This one always gets me. I often hear, "REAL men eat meat." "only women are vegetarian." "you must have a lot of estrogen from eating vegetarian." So ridiculously funny to hear these things.
Lets take the 1st statement... It actually takes more of a REAL man to be compassionate; to end an addiction to flesh. It takes more of man to admit they love animals and that they do NOT want to participate in the cowardice involved in the meat industry. It takes a real man to go against the grain of society and stand up for something that they know in their heart is wrong. So you sir, are actually a coward, a phony. You legitimize your actions because its the "manly" thing to do! Here is another fact- Vegetarian men are more fertile and can sustain an erection longer than those who eat meat. Here is an excerpt. In an article titled "Eat Yourself impotent" Dr. John McDougall states "The same diet that closes the arteries to the heart (heart attacks) and brain (stroke) also closes the arteries to the penis--the result is erectile dysfunction (ED), which means a delay in time for maximal erection, reduced rigidity, and decreased ability to sustain an erection." Also- "Studies have shown that impotence is often a sign of blocked arteries, and artery blockages are commonly caused by the consumption of meat, eggs, and dairy products, which are high in cholesterol and saturated fat." Chew on that. So not only are you balding at thirty and making fun of a vegan, but you have a limp penis. Bravo.
The second statement is not even worthy of a rebuttal. I wonder if guys who say this get laid. Honestly, a chauvinistic statement that further prevents you from ever finding a modern woman.
Third, this one is funny! "hey Alex, i hear that soy products make you grow boobs and decrease sex drive/testosterone." No you idiot, they do not. My main source of protein is from seeds, nuts, and whole grain. I would invite you to step in to a ring, or to run a race, or to do anything athletic with me and see who is deficient in testosterone. In fact, more and more athletes are subscribing to a vegetarian diet for its benefits in sports(more energy, explosiveness, endurance). See NFL tight end Tony Gonzales, Milwaukee Brewers 1st baseman Prince Fielder, Olympian Carl Lewis, UFC champion Mac Danzig.
And finally, I was raised eating meat, did my research, and decided to be vegan- so you will never change my mind. I was in your shoes and made a conscious effort to improve my life. Often times, the people that question me or argue with me were raised to eat meat. Therefore, that is all they know. How can you argue your point if you haven't explored the other side. Again, referring to my stance on religion. I would not be able to make as compelling an argument had I not been raised catholic. Because I was raised that way and believed it until my early 20s, I have seen both sides. I made an educated and conscious effort to change my entire belief system. So it is the same with meat. I was a meat-addict for more than 13 years of my life until one day I decided to challenge the status quo! Questioning the status quo and making your own decisions is a hard thing to do. Especially with subjects as though provoking as this. And as a young, 13 year old teenager who played 3 different sports, vying for the alpha position in my clique and in my circle of influence was hard. Especially when you were the vegetarian kid.
It makes me smile to know that now, I have essentially zero cholesterol, low blood pressure, got rid of my asthma, fertile, no ED, a full head of hair, and endless energy. So you know what? I am quite alright with defending my position. I am proud of where I stand. And if you so choose to step into an argument, I will see you in the ring. If you are interested in knowing more because you are ready to make a move, I would love to impart my knowledge on you. I am 27 now and have been vegan since age 13..... I feel like I may be a bit of an expert.
Live well
OAC
Monday, February 8, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
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