In Julia's 100 word challenge this week's prompt is a hamburger to be viewed from the perspective of vegetarians. Sorry Julia but I chose my own picture of the hamburger before the mincer (Google Images, respectforfood.com). Someone once asked me if I was vegetarian because I loved animals. 'No,' I replied, 'I'm vegetarian because I hate animals.' The truth is that I'm not vegetartian at all but my kitchen at home is totally meat free. And I don't hate animals as long as I can view them without touching. Read my 100 word vegetarians's perspective and then click on the link to read the others. The Rabbis decide the rules. They keep a tight rein to justify their jobs. They need to make money for their minions. So they charge annually for kosher certification, require businesses to hire inspectors, publish lists permitting only foods from paid-up companies. It's not divinity, it's politics.
I found a way, perfect in its simplicity, to opt out of that whole area of extortion and manipulation. My kitchen is vegetarian and thus above the law. Besides, when we enjoy a festival meal with family and friends, there must be a better way to celebrate than to eat God's dead animals.
Great post Rachel! It's always interesting to see how non-vegetarians try to make it their mission to "convert" veggies. I've always thought that it means that they know that they're in the wrong and think that by making enough noise, they will be able to clear their conscience. I would never venture to criticise anyone's dress sense, choice of perfume or life values, but hey, just mention that you won't eat creatures that have been slaughtered and everyone thinks that it's an open debate about your health (anemic?)or your dedication to animals in total (why do you wear shoes and not rags on your feet?). Thanks for allowing me to vent.
ReplyDeleteVent away Anonymous - we aim to please. :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting prompt, presented in a clear way. Not sure how I am going to tackle this one!
ReplyDeleteReally interesting way to tackle this prompt. I enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Anna, I love the ones that yield such varied responses.
ReplyDeleteSally-Jayne - As I sadi, this prompt is going to be interesting.
An excellent serious use of the prompt.
ReplyDeleteI don't know about the prompt but enjoyed your post - hadn't thought about the political aspect of kosher food...but sadly, it doesn't surprise me...money lies at the root of everything. I am vegetarian - it happens to suit my body, mind and soul...but I wouldn't dream of pushing it on anyone..we all find our own ways of living. xx
ReplyDeleteBill and Jane - thank you for commenting. I hate it that politics gets into everything and am happy to have opted out of this issue which, after all, should be between me and God.
ReplyDelete"It's not divinity, it's politics."
ReplyDeleteI thought of the opposite, similar misappropriation,
"It's not politics, it's divinity."
You wrote so succinctly on a complicated subject, Robin
Hmm Robin - yes it could have been written your way in that it's not supposed to be politics and it is a matter of divinity. Interesting, thank you.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly make a point with this post. G Sussex
ReplyDeleteYou go girl! xx
ReplyDeleteLOL, thanks Liska :)
ReplyDeleteMy reply to G Sussex got lost. I wanteed to say: I certainly meant to :). And thanks for commenting.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting perspective on the whole concept of Kosher meet.I really liked this.
ReplyDeleteLisa - Corruption anywhere is hard to see but corruption in organised religion is especially hard to take. Thanks for your comment.
ReplyDeleteA fantastic take on the theme, you make some great points x
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan - feels great to have a place to make these points where a few people read them.
ReplyDeleteA really interesting post, it is good to read something so different.
ReplyDeleteI love this! I was hoping for a really anti one but you have added a different dimension to it. :)Thank you so much for taking up this challenge. It must have raised your blood pressure somewhat!
ReplyDeleteI love the way that just one photo can produce such diversity. An interesting take on the subject.
ReplyDeleteJfb - Thank you. As always I anticipate your comment like the eager student I seldom was.
ReplyDeleteRonnie, I'd love yo know what your comment was but thanks for reading anyway.
Hurtling - Totally agree about the great diversity of entries, and thank you for your comment.
Aha mystery solved. I think Ronnie, that you and Hurtling are one and the same person. I did a little of internet detective work :). I love your photos.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this one. As well as a pleasure to read, it was an education.
ReplyDeleteThanks :-)
Thanks Dughall, that's one of the great things about blogging with people from all sorts of cultures and places.
ReplyDelete