Vegetarian Agita

Okay, I've tried and tried to write a post about a recent opposing opinions piece in Brain, Child, and I can't coherently or logically say what I want to say, mainly to enumerate why the piece made me crazy. The question was, "Should vegetarians raise their children as vegetarians?"

The pro-omnivorous children article seemed wishy-washy in its support of personal choice, which is, I think, the linchpin in the decision. I was disappointed because in no way did this piece stand up against the other piece (though of course, neither author would have seen the other opinion)--it gave no real answer to the question, nothing that clarifies the position.

But the pro-vegetarian children article was outrageous. It equated letting children eat meat with letting children eat lead (I should note that the author explains that his father died young of a heart attack). My goodness, that is hyberbolic. Were I a non-veg, I would be turned off from the whole idea of vegetarianism for myself much less my kids just by his unyielding, adamant tone. His accusatory tone reminds me of why I don't particularly like rabid vegetarians. I think he needs to read up on risk management, on probability and impact. The probability that an omnivore diet will be the main cause of death is impossible to determine independently--sure, heart disease is a killer, but there are mitigating factors such as exercise and genetics and even the kinds and frequency of meat (broiled fish vs. fried, grilled chicken vs. fried, prime rib . . you get it) consumed. Of course, the impact of dying of an omnivore-diet is high. But in comparison the probability of lead-ingestion leading to illness or death is high and, of course, the impact is high. While vegetarian diets can be healthy, they can also be unhealthy--with a focus on fats, carbs, refined sugars, to the exclusion of actual vegetables and fruits. Similarly, an omnivore diet can be either healthy or unhealthy. Everything in moderation. Especially attitude and judgment. Mercy, I can't imagine being one of his children, vegetarian or goddess-forbid omnivore, with his rigid, intolerant, judgemental attitude. Good grief.

See, not logical, coherent, or calm. Plus, very judgmental.