Devry Position Paper

Are Vegetarian Diets Feasible?

Jasmine Wilson

DeVry University

Are Vegetarian Diets Feasible?

Since the 1960’s the vegetarian diet has been on the rise and has been followed by an explosion of heated arguments. Often times the proponents of either side argue so vigorously that that the argument is shifted to the vague yet more dangerous realm of pure ideology. The subject has thus, regressed further and further from polite and thoughtful discourse. Frequently the topic of vegetarian diet is broached mockingly, sometimes due to inaccurate information or just a person’s own preconceived notions. Other times strongly held beliefs and biases on both sides make conversation impossible. I will argue, however that human eating habits are far less rigid. Like all aspects free of dogma, habits evolve over time. I will not claim that vegetarian habits, including the acts outside of diet, are superior to traditional ones. I will simply illustrate that vegetarian eating habits are equally viable and beneficial dietary option.

It is often said “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” This is often the position of many critics of vegetarian diets. Humans have arguably been consuming meat for hundreds of thousands of years. Presumably humanity would not have consumed meat this long unless it was necessary. Various religious arguments fall similarly into this category as well, the most common being a so called “dominion” over beasts which in most sects translates into a permission to hunt and eat animals. And lastly the emotionally charged assertion that proponents of vegetarian diets are somehow either elitists or have some ulterior mission to apply their habits forcibly upon society has been vitiated through certain circles viciously. These accusations are unfounded and aren’t based on any evidence. They aren’t constructed to challenge a position or argument. These accusations are meant to be derisive and inflammatory and succeed only in distracting from an actual...