Roast Dog Anyone?
Posted: Monday, August 06, 2007 11:59 AM by Noah Oppenheim
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Noah Oppenheim
Much of the controversy surrounding Skinny Bitch is connected to its promotion of a vegan lifestyle. Vegans are not only vegetarians, they also avoid all animal byproducts like milk, cheese, and eggs. It’s not easy, it may sound a bit extreme, and I’m not sure if it’ll help you lose weight, but it’s a choice for which I do have enormous respect.
It’s my understanding that we can get all the nutrients we need from a meat-free diet. And, there are plenty of vitamin supplements around if you want to be especially sure. So, the only reason to eat meat is because it tastes good. The only reason to eat a burger, as opposed to a veggie burger, is that we prefer the taste.
But, would you eat a roasted dog? What if I told you it had the most delicious flavor you can imagine? Most people find the thought repulsive, regardless of whatever culinary pleasure it might bring. Why? Because dogs are sweet, sentient creatures, and the thought of killing one simply for our enjoyment is abhorrent. Of course, we only know dogs are sweet, sentient creatures because so many of us keep them as pets. But, if you had the same regular exposure to cows, calves, lambs, and even chickens, you might feel the same way about them.
This all said, I eat meat. In fact, I eat lots of it -- chicken, beef, lamb, even veal on occasion. I have no plans to stop, but when pressed, I have to acknowledge there is no ethical excuse for the practice. If you've got one, I'd love to hear it...
