In regards to eating meat

[Monica]

Monica, I replied to another member. You chose to respond to that.

?? You can see from the above set of quote notations, that you replied directly to me, and I then replied directly to you.

But, as you wish. I will then direct my comments to whoever might be interested in continuing discussing the points you raised.

The dynamics of this thread is, among others, separation between non-meat-eaters vs. meat-eaters.

This has been stated several times, but I strongly disagree. If that were true, then how is it that Austin and I have been able to converse so respectfully? And yossarian and I? In both cases, they eat meat and I don't; yet we haven't had any friction. How is it that I jumped in to defend Carla's diet from being put on display? and I know that the other vegetarians would have done the same.

I don't think the separation is between meat-eaters and non-meat-eaters. I think it's between those who wish to actually discuss the topic, and those who prefer to feel, as Tenet would say, butthurt, and blame those who are actually discussing the topic for their feelings.

Separation does not bring acceptance, love and encouragement with it.

That's true.

What, then, causes separation?

Does a difference of opinion cause separation?

No. If that were true, then I wouldn't consider Austin as working on the same side of the issue as I am. But I do. He is part of the solution. He and I are on the same team. I see that. I'm pretty sure he sees that. But apparently, a lot of others can't see that. They have fabricated in their minds some sort of "us vs them" division, like football teams, and have chosen their side.

I contend that it's lack of acceptance that causes separation.

Who isn't accepting whom?

(Again: The following isn't directed specifically to you, Ankh, but to all those who have been complaining about 'separation' and 'judgment' on this thread.)

I contend that the vegetarians have done a damn fine job of accepting the meat-eaters. After all, we all interact with meat-eaters on a daily basis. I even shared how my own husband occasionally ate meat, for many years. So please don't tell us we don't "accept" meat-eaters! It's simply not true. If we didn't accept meat-eaters, we wouldn't be able to function in society, because we are the minority.

On the contrary, it seems to be the meat-eaters who are unable to accept the vegetarians. Some of them have labeled us fanatics and zealots. Why? Just because we make a different choice of diet? Just because we happen to think that animals deserve our compassion?

Several of the vegetarians have shared how this thread has helped us develop more sensitivity and compassion towards spiritual seekers who eat meat. But did any of the meat-eaters reciprocate? I asked, not once but twice, whether any meat-eater had found it in their heart to feel more love, acceptance, and compassion for the vegetarians. NO ONE responded publicly, though 2 people did respond to me privately. (You know who you are, and you know how much I appreciate you! )

But to the rest of the meat-eaters - those who couldn't find it in their hearts to reach out to us - What do you make of that? WHY are you not able to accept us and actually feel compassion for US?

So please: Do not tell us we are the ones judging. Please do not tell us we are "causing separation" because of our convictions.

It is the lack of acceptance for others' convictions, that is causing the separation, NOT the convictions themselves.