BlogHer - Paltrow & PETA: How do vegetarians draw the line? - Comments

Doing the best we can

WillaMJ — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:24:57 -0600

I like that so many of the comments here have mentioned "doing the best we can". I think that's all we can ask of people, to do the best they can at any given time. I'm the only non-vegetarian in my family-of-birth. Instead, my husband and I do the best we can to make sure any meat milk or eggs we eat have been ethically and sustainably raised. We buy from local farmers, and I don't eat meat in restaurants. It's a compromise I can deal with.

Read more about animals and/or local eating at
http://bones-would-rain.blogspot.com
http://palocalvore.blogspot.com
http://yumminessnsues.blogspot.com

Hypocrite or Contradiction?

MsMiller — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 18:29:50 -0500

I think we are too easily labelled, whether we give them to ourselves or others place them on us. I don't recall Gwyneth ever being an advocate for macrobiotics or yoga. And just because a friend of hers is a member of PETA doesn't mean she is or should be. Perhaps there are some contradictions here, but I don't see her as a hypocrite.

There is a difference between being an animal advocate or eating a diet free of meat and/or animal products. I believe in animal protection, but do wear leather shoes. If this upsets some, I'm sorry. My contradictions don't stop there, though.

I don't eat dairy because it makes me snotty (it's not just an attitude). I haven't had red meat since Live Aid (yeah, that long ago). Last year, I went vegan -- diet, not lifestyle. Let me tell you, that's hard, even in LA. I knew there would be one exception to that diet: Cake. Look, birthdays happen, and I was not going to be the stick in the mud and skip the celebratory slice. Contradiction, I know. Outside of that, there were no eggs at breakfast (except in the pancakes, which, yes, have dairy, too), no chicken stock-based vegetable soups (which never made sense to me), or brie. Veganaise dressed my Tofurkey sandwiches, which I thought were actually hypocritical. What's the point of eating something animal-esque as a vegan?

Not always able to convince my friends to dine with my at A Votre Sante (my favorite, and sort of a middle ground for them since they could get chicken or fish there), I found myself existing on hummus and pita or chips and salsa (making sure they left the cheese off the salsa) when we went out. Sometimes I need more than a salad, and not everyone offers a vegetable platter. After six months of this, and staring at yet another limited menu, I threw in the towel and brought fish back into the mix. So, what does that make me? A failed vegan? A pescatarian? If I have to have a label (because it can help with dinner party planning), I would say I'm a ficakan: a vegan who occasionally eats fish or cake.

My diet was never political. I don't want to be aligned with any group because of what I do or don't eat. I chose a vegan diet for the health benefits, but was aware of the environmental benefits, too. If I had my druthers, I would be a full-on vegan, but it just doesn't work for me right now. I'm simply doing the best I can. I recycle, take my re-usable bags into stores, have given up bottled water and imbibe from my pink Camelbak container. I don't wear fur but, along with the leather, there is wool and silk and cashmere in my closet. I don't drive a hybrid, but feel that I'm recycling my 2000 Jetta each time I drive her (and she does have leather seats, so add that to the list of sins). I do the best I can, being as aware as I can, trying to make improvements as I go.

As far as Gwyneth goes, it's just an ad, not a manifesto. Yes, it's a "promotion", but it's not like she's taking to the streets and making speeches. The ad ran in Vogue; it's not in schoolbooks. We have a right to our opinion on her and it, but she has a right to her choice as well as her contradictions. Go see her movies or don't. Buy Tod's or Lauder or don't. I just think that there are more important things to focus on, and better ways to enlighten than to point fingers and malign (I'm speaking to PETA with that, not the people in this thread). We are human and prone to missteps. I'm just glad I get to make mine away from the public's eyes, aren't you?

Thanks for the great post, ClizBiz, and the fabulous dialogue it inspired!

Cheers,

Sandra

Read more at http://ruawake.com/ or follow me at http://twitter.com/msmiller

greenergirl

madeintaiwan — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:24:55 -0500

To greenergirl, I think you misunderstood what I was saying because I too think that militant attitudes don't foster growth, especially when accompanied by personal attacks and judgements. It's easy to be in our own groups (whether they be religious, ethical, political, etc.) and talk about being works in progress, but there's no real growth or peace until we learn to do that with other groups of people. I'm sorry if you misunderstood me. Like I said, I'm talking about personal relations.

of course

madeintaiwan — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:11:57 -0500

Look, of course, everyone is a hypocrite to some extent and everyone is a work in progress. What I'm saying is that if you are in my face making rude gestures and comments about something, I will absolutely call you on it and think you are a judgmental hypocrite because if you don't say things with the context that ALL are works in progress and you are arrogant, you will be judged in return. I was speaking in regards to Paltrow - people assume she is an animal rights activist because she is a vegetarian. I don't think wearing fur is right either but I don't think people should assume B equals A. As Erica stated, this is not always the case.

I am not calling all vegetarians hypocrites, I am talking about people who act without humility and self-awareness, look at yourself first, we are all works in progress.

http://watermelonmama.wordpress.com/

I think we all have to draw

emcgillivray — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:56:57 -0500

I think we all have to draw our own lines. And of course, high-profile celebrities are going to get taken to task far before the rest of us. But at least we're getting some food for thought out of this one.

I've been a vegetarian now for 8 years. I grew up on a ranch where I learned from an early age that my pet cow Dandelion was turned into Dandelion Burgers. And my main reason for my vegetarism is that I'm much more comfortable eating Dandelion Burgers than Cow #145 Burgers from my local supermarket. At least, I knew and helped Dandelion have a better life. I think a lot of people assume that all vegetarians/vegans are that way because they think eating animals is super wrong and perhaps that assumption is where we get such staunch criticisms like that of Paltrow's ad.

Erica

http://design.sliverofice.com

Total Hypocrite Here

ClizBiz — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 22:48:29 -0500

Agreed. I think we should squirrel up some t-shirts: "Work in Progress" for everyone who is working on this self-issue.

~ClizBiz

BlogHer Contributing Editor, Photography & Animal Concerns, Proprietor, ClizBiz

Busted

ClizBiz — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 22:45:09 -0500

Oooooh, I forgot about the Estee Lauder gig. Thanks for remindine me. Interesting choices she is making here.

Agree about the celebrities being role models. Not healthy and not good but, I'm afraid, this is a reality that is here to stay.

~ClizBiz

BlogHer Contributing Editor, Photography & Animal Concerns, Proprietor, ClizBiz

A Happy Medium

ClizBiz — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 22:43:01 -0500

Yes, the responses to this post have really driven home the idea of folks really striving to make personal changes v. the idea of being a hypocrite, which we all are, in some area of our lives. I love this:

"I don't pat myself on the back but I sure don't myself up." Bingo!

~ClizBiz

BlogHer Contributing Editor, Photography & Animal Concerns, Proprietor, ClizBiz

Totally Whack

ClizBiz — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 22:40:20 -0500

Yeah, I don't think Pam was aware and she must have been PISSED when she found out about the KFC sponsorship. As for Paltrow, I have no idea. She looks impeccably regret-free in those ads so ..... dunno.

You said the two magic words here: "thought" and "consideration" and I think that's a great start to making changes on this front.

Agreed: Animal products have touched nearly every product in our lives. This only proves how much we have come to rely on them as a natural resource. Weird to think about it this way but so true.

~ClizBiz

BlogHer Contributing Editor, Photography & Animal Concerns, Proprietor, ClizBiz

I'm here to help

ClizBiz — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 22:36:13 -0500

Glad to be of service. I'm a big fan of clever quotes. One can never memorize too many.

~ClizBiz

BlogHer Contributing Editor, Photography & Animal Concerns, Proprietor, ClizBiz

I feel I should clarify...

Elisa Camahort — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 11:00:34 -0500

My decision to call myself "hypocritical" above.

I don't actually think hypocrisy only comes when one judges others by different standards than oneself. I do think it's also when one behaves differently than one would have oneself behave.

That being said...I don't feel it is contradictory, nor particularly negative, to believe BOTH that I am a work in progress who is doing what I can do until I can do better, and that it's a little hypocritical for me to feel strongly about what is the right path without being 100% on it myself.

I prefer to think of it as both realistic (aren't we all a little bit hypocritical, at least about something in our lives?) and, more importantly, motivating.

Elisa Camahort Page
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Balance and Harmony

GreenGoddess-VidaVerde — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 23:19:25 -0500

When it comes to Celebrity I have no problem with hypocrisy.. that is the nature of the business. I think the real issue is when you look to them to espouse and advocate any lifestyle choice that you embrace with the same passion and consistency. Role models are not celebrities nor should they be expected to be... and I wonder about her Estee Lauder job as well.. are they free of animal testing, etc? I can't expect a celebrity to make decisions that will affect my decisions nor do I want them to.

Excellent post

greenergirl — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 19:04:40 -0500

There are some great insights here, particulary around the positive view of being a work in progress vs. the negative view of being a hypocrite. Militant attitudes don't foster growth. I'm vegetarian and wouldn't allow leather seats in my car, because, really, does one really need leather seats? I still eat cheese though I buy from local organic dairies, I wear leather shoes because, hey, I have a lot of them. I blog about natural beauty products, but still have a bit of a Bobbi Brown "problem".

There are a lot of things that appear to be contradictions in my life, but I'm infinitely more aware than I was even a couple of years ago. I'm doing what I can and trying to evolve all the time. I don't pat myself on the back but sure don't beat myself up.

That said, Gwyneth didn't need the money and having been so vocal about her choices, she surely should have known better. And yah - I have leather shoes but fur really sucks. : )

peace,

greenergirl

greenergirl.typepad.com

First let me say that it is

m38967 — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 14:20:21 -0500

First let me say that it is whack about Pam finding out KFC is a major supporter of her TV show. Yikes, she like totally hates KFC. Not good news to hear.

As for Paltrow and FUR, i was truly surprised to read about the ad. She doesn/ didnt appear as that type. I hope she renegs and changes her mind. Because it isnt just the fact that she is wearing fur, but the fact that she is PROMOTING FUR. Not good.

I wonder if she got a boatload of money she just couldnt refuse, or what was it that made her become their spokesmodel?

Im not a vegan, but a vegetarian. But i do live my life as animal cruelty free as possible. At the very least i give it thought and my consideration. It is a heated topic, and a volatile issue. Those who have been eating meat since birth, are very scared of the mere thought of vegetarianism. I was born and raised on meat, so if i can do it, anyone can. It is very doable and very possible.

Let me finish by saying that it is nearly impossible to be 100% animal free, as unfortunately manufacturers use animal parts on just about everything. But it is my hope that in time, this practice will lessen.

Forgot to mention...

Elisa Camahort — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 10:46:29 -0500

I use that A. Whitney Brown line, ""I'm not a vegetarian because I love animals; I'm a vegetarian because I hate plants.", all the time, but had by now forgotten where I got it.

Thanks for reminding me!

Elisa Camahort Page
BlogHer
elisa@blogher.com

My BlogHer profile truly shows you everything I do online...Check it out!!

Paltrow & PETA: How do vegetarians draw the line?

ClizBiz — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:46:07 -0500

In the ‘She-didn't-see-this-coming?' category, Gwyneth Paltrow was recently slammed by PETA for modeling fur in ads for Tod's, an Italian maker of fashion accessories. Paltrow, a proclaimed vegetarian, is known for her green, holistic lifestyle and close friendship with staunch animal-rights designer, Stella McCartney, yet she is fronting the autumn collection of fur-lined boots and bags for Tod's. Tricky, no? As an aspiring vegetarian, I'm befuddled. Can V-Folks have it both ways?

"People are more violently opposed to fur than leather because it's safer to harass rich women than motorcyle gangs."

--Alexei Sayle, British comedian, actor, author

PETA, in their usual snarky tone, issued the following statement:

"Gwyneth Paltrow won't be the apple of her daughter's eye if she flaunts the skins of once-beautiful animals. Promoting an industry that electrocutes animals, snaps their necks, and skins them alive is a shocking example to set for a young child ... Apparently, Paltrow's beauty really is only skin deep."

PETA has helpfully sent the offending actress gobs of photos, videos and gruesome details about what is done to animals to make fur fashion products but have not received a response.

Putting all the Blonde Rage (Jessica Simpson v. Pamela Anderson, Paltrow v. McCartney, Hayden Panetierre v. dolphin hunters, Jenna Jameson v. horny pets) aside for a minute , my question is this: Are vegetarians and vegans universally expected to abstain from all uses of animals, whether for food, medical or scientific research, clothing or companionship? And is this even possible? My guess is this issue is not so black and white but more ... er, calico.

Frequent animal rights activist and bad-husband-chooser Pam Anderson accidentally discovered some grey areas when she went to Australia to film an episode of 'Big Brother'. She stopped by the local KFC to stage a protest totally unaware that KFC is a major sponsor of the very show that hired her. Buk-buk-buk-BUKAH!

"There's never been a better time to be a half-assed vegetarian."

--Daniel Engber, Slate

It was a couple of decades ago but I remember getting harangued by a vegetarian who took me to task for wearing a rabbit fur coat, a 16th birthday gift from my mother. I felt horribly guilty until I pointed out his leather jacket and shoes. V-Folks today are much sharper about aligning their shopping choices with their principles but my own guilt remains. The coat has remained in the closet where it will not be taken out again unless I move to Aspen or Vail, where fur coats are like Birkenstocks in Berkeley.

"Everyone's a pacifist between wars. It's like being a vegetarian between meals."

--Colman McCarthy, American journalist, teacher and peace activist

When pondering our beneficial relationship with animals, looks like we humanoids draw personal lines in different places. I know some who don't eat meat but have leather interior in the car, vegans who put honey on their oatmeal, while others eat pepperoni pizza but faithfully buy cage-free eggs. (Okay, that last one is me, actually.)

"I'm not a vegetarian because I love animals; I'm a vegetarian because I hate plants."

--A. Whitney Brown, American comedian, writer

Perhaps that is why so many V-Folks come off as militant; the way our society and marketplace is structured, it requires a certain amount of vigilance to keep the issue front-of-mind. Though I am getting better about making more conscious choices, it requires some pretty severe mind tricks on my part.

I actually have to put one of my personal animal friends (Simone the cat, Millie the bird or Bob the horse) in place of the nameless, faceless animal listed on the menu and ask myself some hard questions: Would I order a bowl of Simone Soup? Or a Bob Burger? A side of Millie Wings?

I often end up holding up the line while my stomach and heart duke it out. Usually I end up with a soft serve cone so no one gets hurt .... but I'm usually still hungry. It all begs that famous question, 'If vegetarians eat vegetables, what do humanitarians eat?'

I don't have the answers but I welcome advise, insight and flaming condemnation on this issue. In the process of my ongoing quest, I have found some interesting blogs and posts that offer perspective:

The Vegetarian Protein Site features thought-provoking posts such as, "What kind of car should a vegetarian own?" and "Why would you be a vegan and not ever participate in a protest?"

Enjoy a youthful perspective from TeenSaladShooter - Plain Talk on the Veggie Lifestyle in her post, "Emergency leads to debate":

"It's really weird. The very word 'vegetarian' makes adults, mostly moms, act like Cujo."

--Teen Salad Shooter

Meanwhile, the It's Not Easy Being Green blog offers some hilarious hosting-a-vegtarian tips under the post, "Who invited the Vegetarian!?":

"After all, there are over 19 million of us (vegetarians) in the United States. But, a vegetarian at your BBQ doesn't have to ruin the fun. In fact, it won't. Vegetarians are people too, you may be surprised to know. And like all people, we come in all types - fat, skinny, rude, friendly, democrat, republican (or so I've heard, I've never actually met one), bossy, shy, etc. We aren't all hippies.... The main rule of thumb is just don't worry about it - vegetarians have been going to parties for generations, we're used to it."

--It's Not Easy Being Green

Urp!