Letter: Vegan sentiments expressed from across the pond

Dear Editor,

Pardon for the delay is responding to your article [Senses go hog wild at Langley fundraiser, Aug. 7, Langley Advance] and Dr. Tallman’s letter in reply [Hog feast offends vegan, Aug. 12 Letters, Advance].

Obviously, I am somewhat distant from B.C., “across the pond,” and news travels slowly to Herefordshire, even in our 21st century media age.

Any outdoor festival in the summer accompanied by live music is the cause for celebration, of course. 

As the fundraiser usied local produce, you were right to report it, too, but I was concerned about your labelling of Dr. Tallman’s letter – perhaps conveniently marginalizing or pigeon-holing the feelings of those who choose not to consume the flesh of animals?

Vegetarians and vegans are now mainstream and significant in the 21st century, and we do not welcome being mocked any more than carnivores would.

It would be all too easy for us to poke fun at the slaughter and roasting of a sentient being by humans, labelling them as “uncultured,” “primitive,” “Neanderthal,” or even “recidivist.”

It is not clever or funny to exclude us in this way, any more than it would be to ridicule a person’s religious beliefs.

Vegans are proven to be healthier than carnivores, so how would you feel if we made fun of those hospitalized by obesity, cancer, or high blood pressure?

It is perfectly legal and culturally acceptable to eat meat, of course, likewise drinking alcohol and smoking. So let’s celebrate all human activities that damage our bodies.

Whilst we are about it, we can run follow-up articles about the known effects, too: graphic images of casualty units and hospital emergency wards. Or perhaps not? No more than you would publish images of the unfortunate pig being slaughtered and butchered.

It would not be palatable to your readers, of course, who want to exercise their choice to eat meat, but prefer to remain in denial about its production.

I accept that perhaps I am less tolerant of ridicule than other vegans, but for too long we have been the butt of worn out humour.

On behalf of the animals that do not have a voice in your otherwise excellent organ, I say, “Enough.”

I challenge you to take up Dr. Tallman’s offer to be a guest at one of Langley Herbivores’ Vegan Potlucks. Take her up on it, and please write a sensible article about that. I know you can.

Christopher Evans, Little Lammas, Lower Woodhouse, Near Byton Hand, Herefordshire, England.