[split] "Some people eat animals, some don't."

[Diana]

People do get hurt and offended though, and while it may be true that such reactions come from inside, I still think it is beneficial to approach such sensitive topics with delicacy and a light touch.  That way, everyone feels invited to participate and contribute, and the discussion produces more fruit.  

I am conflicted though, as I want to show compassion towards people on both sides of the argument, without however weakening my own convictions.  I disagree with the slaughter and consumption of animals, and I wish to see it end, but whenever I explain to others why I don't eat meat and their faces tense up at my response, I feel it necessary to not pursue any further unless questions are asked of me.

I think that folks do want to have a discussion about this topic, but fear of judgement holds them back from doing so.  Again, personal catalyst, but it can be worked through more effectively with the assistance of those offering it.  

I understand completely. I have been vegetarian since '93, and I could count on one hand the times I've talked about it (excluding posting here). I don't hide the fact, but I don't offer any explanations. If someone asks me, I say only that there are many reasons including that it's healthier. That is safe ground, as it is pretty widely accepted that plant-based diets are healthier. If someone wants to know more, and they ask, I tell them as I would talk to a child, saying only what is required until more is wanted. To talk to someone this way is not an insult. To make the leap from being societally conditioned and not awake to the facts of factory farming or sentience, to considering things that perhaps have not even been thought of, is too much in one lump.

[edit] I just wanted to clarify that I don't tell people about why I'm vegetarian because of their free will. I don't seek to convert anyone. That is not to say I don't wish for a kinder world.

Here, at B4, presumably, those participating are more awake and conscious of what is going on in the world both mundanely and energetically, than the average human out there anesthetized by popular media, etc. It is completely voluntary to be here. Given that the Ra Material is so advanced, I don't expect very asleep people to have any interest in this site. 

Participating in these discussions is voluntary. That doesn't mean it's okay to be insulting to anyone. There is the idea though of not wishing to coddle and taking the opportunity to be honest. I find that very challenging and I struggle constantly with it. Monica is correct when saying that being extra careful to not offend makes no difference here. The ironic thing is that if one were to go through and read from the beginning all the posts on this subject, one would find that insults and attacks were prolific against the vegetarian viewpoint, with mean and hurtful remarks, even to the point of endless postings of cruel photos of cooked animals and the like. So what about our feelings? There have been points when I threw my arms up and gave into my honest nature and just said what I thought because of being pushed so hard or seeing one of those photos. These were not my best moments and were not deriving from a mature or "heart" place. But I am not perfect, and can only tolerate so much attacking be it subtle or direct. The subtle attacks were perhaps the worst. I really prefer open honesty.

I understand from the meat-eater's perspective that within this conversation about animals it is easy to feel judged. This makes it difficult to discuss things honestly from the perspective of those who don't eat meat. But I can't, as a vegetarian, be responsible for someone feeling judged. I CAN be responsible for the way I express myself. I think this gets overlapped and muddied, and is at the core of misunderstandings.

The problem does remain: How to communicate effectively and with love about eating animals. Where I find myself getting tipped off my balance and sucked into being emotional is the idea that a person's feelings are more important than the life-long suffering and slaughter of an animal. If I am centered I can deal with this idea, as all is one and all is important. But when a member here posts a photo of a cooked animal with its mouth open on a platter, it pushes me too far.

So how about a little consideration for vegetarians here, please? It seems as though it's always about us being considerate to those who do eat meat. And that is valid. I would like the consideration to be reciprocal. It's not that it never is, though. Don't get me wrong. Some have been very considerate and mature in this conversation. But when the argument devolves into the feelings of meat-eaters, I would like to see the feelings of everyone be included.