n In response to the article (“Animal rights group protests BU-sponsored event,” Jan. 30, p. 1), while it is important for groups to protest against things they disagree with, I find their beliefs hypocritical.
I’m confused with how animal life can take precedence over other life, including plants and microorganisms. How can anyone possibly judge the value of life?
As a Hindu, especially coming from a South Indian background, I believe that vegetarianism can bring out the best in a person, mentally and spiritually, but for practical reasons, it’s impossible to maintain a healthy diet without meat and almost unethical considering the vast amount of food that goes to waste each day.
It’s a stretch, but I definitely consider eating meat helping the economy. If everyone turned vegan one day, just imagine the number of people working at meat producing factories who would now be jobless.
Considering the objection by the Massachusetts Animal Rights Coalition to animal cruelty, would it be alright if animals are killed according to Kosher or Halal?
Though their idealism is inspiring, it’s unrealistic. Protesting the appreciation of culinary aesthetic will do nothing to save the animals.
However, I do agree with their efforts to stop animal cruelty. If only this could be extended to all forms of life.
Rajkiran Pattanam
ENG ’10