[48] in Vegetarian_Support_Group
Re: Food Fact Flyer
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (stephen g. wadlow)
Tue Mar 1 04:29:38 1994
Date: Tue, 1 Mar 94 04:26:36 EST
From: sgw@bronze.lcs.mit.edu (stephen g. wadlow)
To: espiekos@MIT.EDU, vsg@MIT.EDU
In-Reply-To: <9403010552.AA07583@milquetoast.MIT.EDU>
Richard J. Barbalace writes:
> You're doing the exact opposite with the flyer: you're throwing statistics
> (which people read as "lies, damn lies, and statistics") in their faces and
> giving them nothing substantial to think about. I would also disagree that
>"many people seem to expect all vegetarians to be vocal, pushy radicals" since
> virtually everyone who knows me respects my vegetarian habits.
>
> I don't understand the intention of this flyer.
I'm inclined to agree. unless people want to have their awareness
raised, a flyer won't do much good, in my opinion. I've found that
I've had significant number friends discover vegetarianism as a part
of their life, by seeing how I live as a vegetarian. I've never seen
anyone become a happy vegetarian out of fear or guilt.
Also, please bear in mind that many people are vegetarians for a wide
variety of reasons, including health, ethics, religion, and lifestyle.
>> I think we should have a
>> comment period, say until midnight Sunday, before anyone hangs any of these
>> because they have the vsg name on them and, therefore, reflect on all of us.
> Why put VSG's name on it at all, instead of, say, ARF or even SAVE? ARF
> is a political group; VSG is not. VSG was created simply to support and
> encourage people who already are vegetarian or considering vegetarianism
> (I think that was the original intention). VSG was not created to recruit
> or persuade others to consider vegetarianism.
I'm still inclined to agree with Richard. I'm happy to be involved
with VSG as a support and social group. I have no desire to interact
with it as a political group. I avoid much contact with the Boston
Vegetarian Society for similar reasons.
I very much believe that this is more in the realm of ARF or SAVE. If
we feel the need to be visibly active as VSG, I'd much rather see a
flyer with a comprehesive list of local, vegetarian-friendly eating
establishments, recommended cookbooks, or regular outings. I think it
is worthwhile to make other vegetarians, or potential vegetarians,
aware of this mailing list, and the resources we can provide as a
group. I don't think we (VSG) should try to influence people towards
a vegetarian lifestyle in any way, other than by example.
steve
