In regards to eating meat

[yossarian]

You keep characterizing me as a fanatic.

Actually no, I have not once characterized you- yossarian- as a fanatic. At the most I insinuated that *your post* sounded fanatical to me. Just as when you called my view "bigoted" I didn't think you were characterizing me, as a whole person, a bigot.

In response to my post, you said:

From my own perspective my behaviour then appears fanatical and extremist. But I basically express myself in a sensationalist, extremist way most of the time.

Then, you later said:

I'm still a fanatic just not about food.

Looks like you called yourself a fanatic and are now accusing me of doing so for replying:

Yes, I want to understand more of what it is like to be a fanatic. It appears that you have had success balancing this issue within yourself, and I would like you to share your wisdom with me about it. I feel it is my honor/responsibility to offer balance to the energy of fanaticism in the world, and I wish to be more empowered to do that through understanding the process by which a fanatic arrives at balance.

Is this what you are talking about? Otherwise I am at a loss.

Almost everyone would consider that an attack.

No, I don't think so. Firstly- how about your own self?

Only extremists and sensationalists are listened to.

So, I'm a little confused... you call yourself a fanatic, then claim that only extremists are listened to. Now you feel "attacked"? Sounds like you should feel "honored" to me. Isn't that what you are going for as a genuine expression of yourself?

When I describe myself as a fanatic, it's not with glowing adoration. It's like describing myself as fat, stupid, or ugly. It may be true but that doesn't mean I like that part of myself. I also described fanatics as lonely and lost children.

When you say "the person who said the 25g comment" is a fanatic I know you're referring to me. You keep repeating/mentioning that over and over. You don't use my name you just say what I said and then link it to fanaticism and elitism. I guess you're also referring to Monica and some others.

My opinion was that his advice could be potentially dangerous due to the recommendation of 25 grams of protein a day. My further opinion was on the concept of zealotry- where it came from and how it feeds into the issue of food.

The body of knowledge I hold does not make me "superior" it makes me responsible. That includes speaking up when I see 25 grams of protein a day being made as general recommendations to be "more spiritual".

The communication isn't about how so-and-so is an elitist, prejudiced, or a fanatic. It is about how each of us gives a "free pass" to these when it just so happens to support our personal agenda. It is a dynamic, not a specific word or action or person.

The communication is also about- if one is an activist- (and aren't we all in our own way?) why not look within to one's own "ranks" and see where elitism, prejudice, and fanaticism are given a "free pass" by those in the community.

So basically describing me as an irresponsible elitist prejudiced fanatic.

Maybe it's true. But it's still an attack bro.

Secondly- I wouldn't say "almost everybody" would perceive it as an attack. In my opinion, most people give fanaticism the silent nod, so long as it suits their own personal agenda, as I stated above. Besides that, I can think of several people who would be proud to call themselves a fanatic.

No one wants to be described as an irresponsible elitist prejudiced fanatic If you actually think people don't see this as an attack...

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Okay, Diana. That's where I emphatically disagree with the spiritual tone of this thread. There is no harm in joy of the moment. Absolutely none. If joy of the moment is seen as a compromise of with evil three persons removed, then joy is never accessible, and we might as well lock ourselves in a tomb of purity.

Wow! First time I can remember you saying something I understood!