Over the past few weeks, I have remained steadfast to my commitment to pursuing a plant-based diet that continues to exclude all meat products. I am, however, unsure as to the effect it has on others. Last night, for example, I was taken out to dinner by my closest friend here at Lafayette along with his mother who was visiting him for the weekend. Chosen by him, we went to a steakhouse. Not to my surprise there was only ONE entree on the entire menu that I as able to eat. It seemed as though one did not attend that particular restaurant unless they wished to exclusively consume meat. This brought to my attention that there is a stark divide between restaurants that provide “meat-centric” food options and those that provide alternatives such as vegetable based entrees. My conclusion is that most Americans are either substantially interested in trying to incorporate non-meat items into their regular diet or they are completely disinterested in this vegetable loving shift from the status quo.
Here in the United States, due to our complex network of supermarkets and our industrial farming industry it is considered the norm for one to eat meat for at least two out of their three meals each day. This continues to surprise me as each year new studies are released that encourage Americans to attempt to diversify their diet- if not for the wellbeing of animals then for their own personal health and well being. Furthermore, vegetarian diets are much more affordable than those of our meat eating counterparts. Despite the nearly endless supply of a variety of meats offered at the supermarket, it is still a much more economical choice for one to adhere to a vegetarian diet as the cost of fruits and vegetables has always significantly lower than that of meat.
Overall, I am still committed to pursuing a vegetarian diet and I do not think that this will change any time in the near future. My only mental reservation is that we as vegetarians must to more to encourage a shift in diet for all Americans from that of almost entirely consisting of some sort of meat to perhaps only eating meat once per day. In the end, I do not expect these results to come quickly, however, I am interested as to how I can help to expedite the process of change in shifting the status quo surrounding meat consumption and vegetarianism in America and decreasing the polarization between the two groups.
Hi Luc! Upon reading your post I did realize the exaggeration of meat products in American culture. Also, I cannot help but find humor in your ironic predicament of being taken to a steakhouse for dinner. Regardless, it does raise questions as to the cultural sentiments toward a vegetarian diet. On a separate note, I am intrigued by your observation of Americans interested or disinterested in incorporating vegetables into their diet. To conclude, I salute you in your discipline and perseverance in your diet especially in the face of odds.