On Thanksgiving 30 years ago, I gave up turkey and haven't looked back
The Turkey-Free Thanksgiving Transformation #
Three decades ago, a Thanksgiving gathering marked the beginning of a personal commitment to vegetarianism. Initially sparked by a college course on nonviolence, the decision was announced with enthusiasm and a quote: “Animals are my friends, and I don’t eat my friends.” This declaration, met with quiet reactions from family and friends, set the stage for an evolving journey in ethical eating.
In the early years, the approach was confrontational. Posing challenging questions about animal treatment, no hearts or minds were convincingly swayed. “Except for the mass slaughter of millions of helpless birds, it’s a very nice holiday,” summed up the initial attitude. However, this strategy proved ineffective, leading to a shift toward a less obtrusive approach to discussing food choices.
The realization soon dawned that ethical lines around eating are largely subjective. While vegetarianism was proudly embraced, questions from vegans about dairy and egg consumption arose. Even within this community, further ethical considerations were presented by fruitarians. Additionally, the privilege of affording a diet free from meat and dairy was acknowledged, recognizing the diversity of reasons behind individual dietary choices.
Practically, going meatless wasn’t a significant sacrifice. The initial dietary habits primarily revolved around pizza, fries, and beer. Over time, the availability of vegetarian options expanded, as did the culinary palette, even while traveling the world. Modern food science has introduced appealing fake meat and nondairy alternatives, satisfying cravings without animal harm.
The societal shift toward vegetarianism is evident. Once perceived as unconventional by in-laws, this dietary choice has gained mainstream acceptance. Many now mention eating “very little meat,” indicative of a broader trend supported by research. The increase in awareness and availability of delicious alternatives has encouraged more people to transition, benefiting health, the planet, and animals.
Reflecting on three decades of vegetarianism, the story concludes with an invitation to others: “Welcome to the right side of history, everyone, no matter where you choose to draw your line.” The journey has been transformative, highlighting that even partial changes contribute positively.
" The turkeys thank you, too."