While I enjoyed teaching each of my four classes this quarter, the one that affected me the most on a personal basis was Persuasive Writing. In the final persuasive research papers, the graduate students — all writers of promise — encouraged me to stop watching “Hoarders,” camp in national parks, support art funding in schools, lobby for a three-point harness on airplanes, write my representatives in support of the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act of 2009, join the bone marrow registry, and go vegan.
One affected me so much that I’m doing research today. Can you guess which one?
Here’s a hint: Think about my blog.
Yes, I’m considering veganism. Or at least a more cruelty-free lifestyle.
All of the papers were persuasive, but only one made me consider each bite of food, every meal I prepare, and all my grocery-shopping trips. I don’t really object to eating meat in general, but I have always objected to the American meat industry and the horrible way animals “live” and die on factory farms. I don’t eat beef in America, in fact, for this reason.
This morning, I eyed the Thanksgiving turkey in the freezer and felt sad and guilty. I fed Trish and thought of the cellophaned breasts in the refrigerator. I threaded Dominic’s belt through the loops on his pants and thought of milking Rosebud in the second grade.
And now I’m wondering if this Web site is on the up and up.
Thanks, Austin Floyd.
Observe and report 
You should watch Food Inc. As much as I love meats (the Greek and Puerto Rican influences) it’s disturbing to see how the US manufactures a “product”. Every vegan I’ve ever met hasn’t kept with it simply because of lack of variety, frustration of integrating the lifestyle, or increased costs. Plus- most major meat manufacturers are rushing to buy up the organic market. So, how long will organic really be organic? Will we have to create a new word to define a whole food in say 5 years? They are now finding ways to feed fish corn. I’d say just eat more veggies, less meat, and ask for forgiveness. Oh, and don’t stop watching Hoarders.
LikeLike
I suggest “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” and “In Defense of Food,” both by Michael Pollan.
LikeLike
I knew you’d never be persuaded to stop watching “Hoarders”.
LikeLike
ha ha ha! That’s funny, Kelly!
LikeLike
Interesting. “Earthlings” would be a great documentary to watch on this. (http://freedocumentaries.org/index.php?ct=28 )
LikeLike