Over the past few years, it has been ferociously observed that the food habit which are seen as sacred and normal in one religion or society has always offended the other religion or community. And now, there is one more angle to it, which is of sustainability and animal cruelty on a particular food habit. These 2 doctrines are seems to politicize our food habits in today's world (referring to the beef politics in India, dog meat festival and topics raised in the Leonardo DiCaprio's documentary). It is a point of discussion therefore, that what should/shouldn't be followed in the case like this which is also related to our basic survival or it should be just left to the most basic dogma i.e. "survival of the fittest".
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Well Rachna, I really do like to know about the conflicts you face with the beef even while living in America. As an Indian resident and especially coming from the province from where all this arose, I would say that this issue has been exaggerated in the international media. But yes, why a food habit (being a personal choice) has even been 'registered' as a political issue in the name of religion. And it was not the first time. Hitler was also said to be furious about the ashkenazi jews' habit of not eating pork and certain mammals as prescribed in 'Kashrut' and relying heavily on grains, thus emptying Germany's grain resources. As said, understanding and respecting one's culture is important and also difficult. But, Politicizing food habits in the name of religion should be confronted and avoided as there are numerous other important issue to look after.
Good to listen your thoughts Michael! perhaps, what your grandmother said is greatly applicable to this discussion. I just wish everyone of us should think like that.
As an Indian, despite living in America, I have often faced conflicts with the beef politics. Many Indian religions worship animals (and some, all living beings), thus supporting or encouraging meat industries is considered against one's religion. Understanding other cultures and religions and their practices is quite important, but as Michael said, it is really easier said than done.
Interesting read: http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2017/04/india-politics-meat-170426104902909.html [These days in BJP-ruled India, what you eat is who you have voted for.]
You make some good points there. I grew up with a super religious grandmother. Although, along with being Christian, we are Puerto Rican. We eat just about anything that can be fried... I never really thought much about religoius food restrictions because of it. The one time I asked my grandmother about her diet, she reminded me that Jesus said "Don't worry about what you put into your mouth, worry more about what comes out of it." Perhaps that was her tailoring Jesus' words to her lifestyle, but I thought that she was making some good points.
We must find ways to understand and respect other traditions and cultures instead of judging and arguing... I guess easier said than done.