I think the most important arguments against vegetarianism and veganism are the ones that counter their actual reason for becoming such in the first place. Namely, that vegetarianism (more correctly, veganism, in this case) is not, in fact, more healthy than an omnivorous diet and, in light of the fact that modern pesticides have a tendency to reduce the source of important vitamins like B12 (you can get that from bugs), it can actually lead to malnutrition. Also, the entire argument against killing/eating animals is absurd, considering the disastrous effects that agriculture itself has had on animals and ecosystems. Which would you guess has caused more animal extinctions? Hunters or farmers?FirstNameLastName said:Provided it tastes just as good, costs about the same, is just as nutritious and doesn't have some even worse drawback, then sure, why wouldn't I? It's not like many people live anything close to an all natural diet anyway. How many of you right now are eating some kind of processed junkfood or drinking something equally artificial?
Honestly, despite me unashamedly eating meat and having no regrets, nor any intentions of becoming vegetarian/vegan, whenever the topic of vegetarianism/veganism comes up I find myself embarrassed by the stupid arguments put forth by people who I'm ostensibly on the same side as.
"But what will become of all those animals that are yet to be slaughtered?"
"But if it weren't for meat we wouldn't be here today, therefore it is perfectly moral, just like all the other past actions of our society ..."
"But what about all the poor carrots? They're living things too, so isn't vegetarianism just as bad?"
Christ, get some new arguments, because these ones are cringe-worthy and seem to be brought out every time.
On a coincidental side note, I'm off to buy a meat-lovers' pizza.
Also, having a child that interacts with other children, I see the effects of vegetarian or vegan children regularly. They are significantly behind in development. At 2 1/2 years old my daughter was more than a 1 1/2 years more developed than a 2 year old vegan acquaintance. That child was no more developed physically or mentally than a 1 year old. Where she appeared to be between the ages of 10-14 months and could barely form intelligible words (and was fat). My daughter, on the other hand, was thin, visibly well muscled, stood 9 inches taller and was coherently fluent in English. I see similar developmental retardation (meaning slow, don't get offended by proper use of words) in vegetarian Indian children at her school.
I have no problem with people who chose to be vegetarian or vegan. There are some perfectly acceptable reasons for choosing that, however, it is a choice that should be made with a full understanding of the risks/rewards and should never be forced onto someone that can't make that decision for themselves, like a child.