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photo: Bloomsbury USA publishing
Dear Mr. Bourdain,
Why do you hate us vegetarians with such zeal? Many of us herbivores do not judge your choice to eat the colon of pigs nor the wings of bat or any other body part to satisfy your constituents of the natives. Honestly, I am blushing with pride that one American overseas might not be perceived as ‘ugly.’ Your drunken presence overseas serves as a great ambassador to us all here in America. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t clarify the following point: the ability to eat the flesh of another is not what marks us as good citizens of the world. Global tolerance and carnivorous behavior are not mutually exclusive.
I will concede that sharing food is an extremely rich, complex act of value that no one should underestimate. What I ask of you, Anthony Bourdain, is to respect the values of many vegans that extend centuries beyond the advent of California’s latest macrobiotic diet. How, I wonder, can you respect the Indian culture’s belief that the cow is sacred while scoffing at many Americans who believe that all life is sacred? Why must vegans sit passively on the cultural sidelines while we laud chefs like you who embrace all culinary and lifestyle ways, except for our own? A vegan diet entrenched in religious and ancient tradition is perfectly acceptable, while a vegan diet entrenched in sustainability and current health values are not? Where is your bright line here, Mr. Bourdain?
I assure you not to worry in regards to our lack of culinary options: au contraire—with hundreds of different kinds of fruits available, I do not foresee a shortage of new things to try. Even you have professed that one of your most pleasant surprises was discovering the taste of durian. Next time, instead of your usual Vietnamese staple of pho for dinner, branch out and try some cherimoya. You won’t be disappointed.
The crux of your complaint lies in the hypothetical scenarios that comprise your entire occupation, but for many is not reality. How great that you can travel to different countries and get paid to experience their cuisine… but other than food celebs like you, many people (let alone vegans) are not randomly invited to share a meal with the natives. Hence, the insulting rejection of meat, which you unfairly correlate as the rejection of their culture and lifestyle, seldom (if ever) happens. Given that Americans are supposed to embrace the lifestyle of those who live differently than we, it is my hope that natives within these countries will hope to learn more about the different sects within America, too. Should this mutual respect between both cultures never come to fruition, I still can’t help but prefer the outcome of saving the lives of hundreds of animals ever year over the hurt feelings of a handful of people. I might be an ugly American to you, but I certainly will feel better as a member of this planet.
In conclusion, the irony of your argument against vegetarians does not elude me: you assume vegetarians are the rude and judgmental ones, when in actuality, the arrogant snobbery lies in you, Mr. Bourdain. And so I plead with you, the meat eater, the very message that you plead with others every time you go overseas: can’t we all just get along?
Sincerely,
Catherine Capozzi
Comments
I've asked this (rhetorical) question frequently. Why do kosher-keeping Jews, for instance, generally get public respect for their dietary choices, but ethical veg*ns do not?
It's hard not to be considered "rude" sometimes when I feel the need to stand up for my beloved friends who are being murdered! I try and stand up for my friends who are precious to me, and I'M the one labelled as "rude"? What about the ones who are taking the lives of innocent animals...surely killing someone is far more "rude" than trying to protect someone from being killed.
because there is absolutely nothing to respect about people who puts exceeding restrictions to their diets. Simple. Food is food, and seriously, as Andrew Zimmern puts it, if it looks goods, just freakin' eat it! Or try it! Its also a surefire gateway to blend in and do what the romans do.
Likewise, there is nothing to respect about people who show such blatant disrespect for the ethics of others. (Catherine, why do your posts attract people who obviously have no interest in or understanding of your subject matter?)
Hey Su, I totally wish I knew the answer to that question. The vitriol from both sides sometimes is shocking. If I had to guess, I think Google automatically files my articles in the same category as others (in this case Bourdain) which attracts his fans that have attitudes as... colorful, shall we say? as his!
food is food. And that's what I respect.
and yes you shall. with a badge of honor.
if any of you have read anthony's book you'll learn why he does not like vegetarians or vegans. should vegans be attacked? no. but their rationality is not substantial...vegans say it is for health reasons--i think that is crap! i think it is just a way that people can feel better about themselves. if you'll notice, most vegans have MONEY and most countries dont have the luxuries of us Americans-where we get the choice or option as to whats on the table. its just different cultures. mr. bourdain understands that, and he realizes that most civilizations/cultures cherish what they can have. its a way of remembering our past. besides, most of the animals we "carnivores" eat are more that likely going to be chased down and killed by a creature higher on the food chain than them. dont make it seem like the only reason youre a vegan is to get respect for being "humane"-humans are in the food chain too. so get over yourselves...besides, have you ever had good pork? oh my god... :) delicious!
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