What Happened to Vegitas?

As supported by examples ranging from the theory of phlogiston to the social institution of slavery, there are countless examples of societies simply having it wrong. Looking back at any point of time, and even examining our own state of affairs today, we can point to practices and beliefs that make us wonder what we were thinking.

At these times when society simply “has it wrong,” there are an occasional few who question the norms. Those who recognize the wrongs sometimes even gather and take action. On the Harvard campus, I am especially proud of the frequency and force with which we examine social norms. Our campus is characterized by passion, visibility, an incredible support system, and the open-mindedness needed to “give it a whirl”.

Our peers currently stand for their passions through movements ranging from the emBODYindia campaign, which aims to gain recognition for women’s rights, to “I, Too, Am Harvard”, which hopes to make the voices of black students heard. Students are also fortunate to have support hubs that make advances possible, such as the Office of BGLTQ Student Life.

As we continue to seek opportunities for improvement, I believe that we should now boldly and proactively consider vegetarianism, a more controversial and lesser-known practice that supports animal rights.

I can present arguments for vegetarianism that appeal to pathos (just Youtube or Google Images search “slaughterhouse” and feel your stomach churn—these offensive videos are the rule rather than the exception), and I can present arguments that appeal to logos (environmental reasons, health reasons, economic, and yet more animal rights reasons), but the most important step is to achieve agreement that this issue deserves discussion to begin with.

Unfortunately, awareness is a critical first step that has not been adequately achieved for the practice of vegetarianism.

I have not yet heard a peer offer an alternative to the treatment animals in slaughterhouses receive as their necks are broken, throats are slit, and families are taken away. I have not yet heard a campus environmental group hold a discussion about the livestock and meat industry as one of the biggest contributors to water pollution and one of the biggest stresses on our ecosystem. I have not yet seen a student health initiative debunk the “vegetarians lack protein” myth and instead discuss meat consumption as a proven contributor to cholesterol and heart disease, and cancers.

Just as importantly, I have not yet heard from those who maintain a pro-meat stance and are on the other side of the debate.

There has been no opportunity for intellectual engagement on this issue. The “Vegitas” club that once existed seems to have been digested by the malaise of indifference, and other clubs have rarely filled the gaps.  We need to begin allowing for the aforementioned discussions, and I am one of the many responsible for making sure this happens. Of course, I will maintain respect for anyone who disagrees after fair consideration.

The most wonderful aspect of a “thinking society” such as the one found on our campus is ultimately its ability to self-correct even when it has invested in a practice for centuries. I hope that we are ready–in a non-judgmental, understanding manner–to shed the practice of eating the flesh of animals. Before this can happen, however, the veggie lovers and animal right supporters must unite, spread awareness, and facilitate debate.

Kavi J. Patel is a student at the Harvard Extension School.