No Meat November ? (Be Veg)
So this spontaneous urge began on the subway ride from school to home on wednesday. It was the middle of rush hour, and I was happy that I was able to sit. A woman came onto the train with a baby carriage, and I stood up to offer my seat. She smiled, thanked me and sat down. I positioned myself as I stood awkwardly crammed between people like a sandwich. I was never really good at balancing on subways or buses; I sometimes fall over. Because it was so crowded, I was forced to stare at a poster that was directly infront of me.
There was a poster that I had seen quite a lot on the TTC, but this time, since I had no where else to look at, I actually read the whole thing. I felt sick to my stomach. It was an advertisement for Be Veg, a campaign encouraging people to become vegetarians. The poster displayed a kitten, with the saying "Why love one..." and then a chick next to it, under "...but eat the other?"
Of course, I always felt some guilt whenever I had glanced at the ad. But reading the whole ad frightened me. The little box describing what happens to chickens in factory farms in Canada and the photos underneath to provide evidence. I shut my eyes and attempted to think of something else. But for the full 25 mins of the ride I couldn't look anywhere else unless I wanted to lock eyes with a stranger.
I've always considered going vegetarian. I tried once, but then I failed when I began to crave a hot dog. I think it's because I am use to meat. I was raised to eat meat. My parents had provided meat dishes, my family and friends eat meat all the time. I love steak, and ribs... and yes that occasional cheeseburger. I also love bacon! I always knew they were animals, and sometimes I did try to think that what I was eating was once alive and was a cute, innocent animal. But it never sank in.
Later that day I went on that website. I read through the articles and I felt even more sick. I couldn't believe it. There were disturbing information and videos about what goes on in those factory farms. The neglect. The carelessness. I know some people may read this and be like "so.. they're just animals. Who cares?" but I am one of those people who often think about the other living thing's position. You only have one life, and that goes for animals, too. I know it sounds silly, but imagine yourself as an animal. You are intelligent in your own way, but you would not have the same rights or mechanics as a human would. Animals are still living breathing creatures; they have emotions. They feel joy and happiness, like when my dogs wag their tails every time I come home and the jump on me. And they feel pain and fear... it's all real. I have made up my mind...
I vow to not eat meat this entire month. I like to call it No Meat November. (Is that creative? probably not) I can't promise to stay away from meat forever, because I grew up for the past 20 years loving and eating it... but I feel like if i do something like this often, it could benefit me personally. I'd become more healthy, and it would make me feel like a better person. I wish I had the guts to be like some of my idols like Lea Michele... who is a vegetarian and is active with PETA. But perhaps if I do something like this once in a while, it'd be better than not doing anything at all..
if you're interested in the website and ads here is the link: BeVeg.ca