“Vegan hot dog” isn’t an oxymoron, and it doesn’t attempt to replicate the taste of an all-beef frank. What it does, according to Wired staff writer Emily Dreyfuss, is offer a “comprehensible” product that can participate in protein-centered social events such as backyard barbeques. Dreyfuss explains her ideas in this July 2018 essay.
Dreyfuss, “In defense of the vegan hot dog”
- Dreyfuss is writing about meat, both real and fake. Unlike many articles about meat and vegetarianism, however, Dreyfuss focuses on neither nutrition nor ethics. What is Dreyfuss’s focus? Summarize her argument. Is her point well argued, with sufficient, reliable evidence? Why or why not?
- Dreyfuss wants vegetarians to have “a place at the proverbial grill.” The phrase is humorous, but it echoes an often-heard idiom about inclusivity that also refers to “a place at…” What is the idiom? What does it have to do with the 4th of July and “America’s birthday”?
- As part of her They Say, Dreyfuss relates a scene from the program Queer Eye and quotes Antoni, one of the show’s consultants; Dreyfuss vehemently expresses her disagreement with Antoni’s views. Is her description of Antoni and the treatment of his statements fair? appropriate? Why or why not? Consult Chapter 4 of your text for suggestions about disagreeing with a They Say, pointing to specific passages in Dreyfuss’s essay to support your conclusions.
- The 4th of July is Dreyfuss’s favorite holiday, largely because of the traditional food rituals associated with it and the variations on those rituals that she and her co-celebrants practice. Think about a holiday food tradition that you and your loved ones modify or expand on for whatever reason, and write an essay describing your way of celebrating the holiday. Take the customary practice as your They Say and explain the modifications that you and your co-celebrants make. (Feel free to include humorous touches as Dreyfuss does.)
They Say I Blog 
This article was very informative on the positive sides of eating Vegetarian meat. The article talks about fake meats that can be enjoyed by someone who likes meats and a vegetarian. I would say I agree with the statement and the message that it has. The point that was brought up and that I hear asked very frequent is “First, the lack of understanding of the protein needs of vegetarians, who in fact can’t “just eat vegetables,”” This is constantly something i hear and people never really know about sources of protein like these fake meats. I feel like to prove why the fake meat is better you should have gathered more facts about the fake meats affect versus real meat. I understand it was catered towards people who are celebrating the 4th of July but it would be nice to know what other fake meats there are besides hot dogs and burgers. Over all it was good and made me think a lot more about eating fake meat.
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While I support the idea of Emily Dreyfuss’ article on supporting the consumers of imitation meat, she does not backup her stance with much evidence at all. A lot of the details seem to be missing. Like why does she even care about this topic, since she expresses her avid love for meat? She affirms right in her introduction that one of the reasons the 4th of July is her favorite holiday is because “it’s built for eating meat.” And then goes on to state that hot dogs are her favorite food. There are many reasons why a vegetarian diet is beneficial, and she could’ve used some of the stronger reasons to persuade her audience to be more accepting of such individuals. I’m sure the vegetarian community appreciates the support of a meat-eater since they catch a ton of backlash for their dieting choices, but it has to leave them with some questions as well.
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In this article i found it to be very informative and educational on the topic of fake meats. It was very helpful in learning how to understand the normality of fake meat. It starts of first by saying how absurd it is not knowing or having full knowledge of the product, “No. No. Nope. There is so much wrong with that statement. First, the lack of understanding of the protein needs of vegetarians, who in fact can’t “just eat vegetables,” actually”(Dreyfuss). It continues to go on and explain why the protein benefits are the same as none meat. “But meat isn’t necessary for survival, and not everyone shares the love. With the advent of agriculture, meat-light and vegetable-based diets sprang up around the world”(Dreyfuss). I personally found this article to be great and informative and has changed my view on fake meats. I might even go out and try one this weekend.
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The article like many states the various aspects of hot dog meat specifically and how despite its inorganic and unreal ingredients Americans find it to be the most standardized and enjoyable meal on any occasion. However, when reading her article it does become quite confusing as to why she would put together this piece of work debating both for and against meat when she clearly states her love for it. Other aspects such as factual evidence should have been included in her copy demonstrating how fake meat is created, its health risks, and on one side of the debate, why it is not good for you. On the other point, it should also include facts about the case. Her being a former meat-lover it may come to both a surprise and help that she is sticking up for vegetarianism and will benefit the readers and the vegetarians reading.
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Supertex protein is a kind of vegetable protein product with muscle fiber texture which is processed by mixing, organizing and drying with plant protein as the main raw material. The protein content is 50-90%. Because Supertex protein will be fluffy after rehydration, it is like semi-cooked lean pork, so some people call it “drawing protein”, “plant protein meat”, “simulated meat” and so on. Foods that completely or partially replace lean pork or beef with Supertex protein have almost no difference in taste compared with ordinary meat products and Supertex protein has the high protein content, low-fat content and no cholesterol. Supertex protein is more cost-effective than lean pork and beef, so Supertex protein is widely accepted by meat and vegetarian manufacturers.
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Although I may agree with Emily Dreyfuss and the decision of fake meat, it seems as though there is key information missing from the article. Dreyfuss discusses the hardship and the misunderstandings of the use of the Vegan hot dog,specifically on fourth of July, but does not include any statistics in support of her position. It has become common today to dismiss the idea of vegan hot dog or “fake meat” in general, because of the common idea that it is unnatural to eat “meat” that does not come from something that produces meat. On the other hand, people can easily obtain nutrients even if they are vegan or vegetarian. I feel as though my only main concern is with the use of “fake meat” is how much healthier it is compared to its counterpart?
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I agree that vegans are being misunderstood. I feel that the grill needs something vegetarian, and I feel that vegetarians are not getting the respect they deserved. However, like Emily Dreyfuss stated, that you can’t just eat vegetables, you have to eat protein also. People understand that vegetables lower your risk of types of cancer, but I argue that protein helps you build muscle. So taken into consideration, most vegans needs attention too if they’re going out for a BBQ cookout.
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The writer, Emily Dreyfuss makes a great point when she argues that vegans want a place at the barbeque too where they can enjoy their food. Humans don’t need meat, we need protein to survive and this article shows that there are alternatives to meat that people can enjoy with others. I think if you can find an alternative to eating meat that doesn’t cause suffering to an animal, why wouldn’t you do that?
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Dreyfuss’s did not go the traditional route when arguing the need for alternative meat products. She didn’t preach about nutrition or ethics. What she did was give us is an argument for inclusion, everyone needs protein and vegetarian meat products actually do taste good. My interest was sparked by the mention of the Fourth of July and all the foods that are normally served along with this holiday. More recently, vegetarian food consumption has been on the rise, however, there are plenty of people who do not give these people or products the deference they deserve. Emily suggests that it is natural for a vegetarian to want to eat easily identifiable foods that her friends and family eat; vegans should not have to feel ashamed for eating vegan hot dogs and veggie burgers. I agree with the Dreyfuss because of my twenty years of food service experience and now selling restaurants food, confirms it. Plant based proteins are on the rise as evidenced by the addition of vegetarian options on most menus, pizza crust and rice being made with cauliflower, and the American palates favorites: hot dogs and hamburgers being served with vegetarian ingredients.
As for Ms. Dreyfuss’s sources it’s difficult to say they are one-hundred percent reliable since the sources were not cited at the bottom of her article and Gary Beauchamp’s credentials had to be added after the article was written. Further, she mentions Catesby Holmes the writer being a vegetarian her whole life and briefly mentions how she was treated by her grandmother but I do not know who Catesby Holmes is. Likewise, she references Greg Sams as the creator of the vegetable burger and my experience tells me this is correct but without citations, I can see how someone may want to argue that point.
Overall this was a very thoughtful article and I do believe people should give other people’s preferences some reverence. If we are striving to work with emotional intelligence, why would we want to make fun of vegetarians eating items that look like meat? Wouldn’t it be better to try their products and a variety of them, so that we may learn to expand the world we are living in? You may even like some of their products, I know I do, and so do many people who identify as “flexitarians.” This may be a new term for some people but according to Merriam-Webster, flexitarians are vegetarians who sometimes eat meat or fish. Having a variety of plant based proteins is especially important to the millennial generation who dine out often. Therefore, the next time you invite your vegetarian friend to your barbeque and they show up with veggie burgers and dogs, give it shot, you may find a new food you enjoy.
“Flexitarians.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flexitarians.
Bernadette Minni
September 30, 2018
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“In Defense of the Vegan Hot Dog” reads no more to me than a written rant by someone who was severely dissatisfied that veggie dogs were absent at last years barbeque. Dreyfuss’ biggest objection is not that people avoid eating these vegan hot dogs, but the overall lack of acceptance of fake meat as an option for consumption. Perhaps taking it a bit too personally, Dreyfuss’ reaction to the character on Queer Eye seems a bit over the top For one, it’s a television program, produced to stimulate thought, conversation, and, dare I say, some drama. People are always going to have their own preferences and fake meat just may not be among those preferences. Dreyfuss argues that meat-eaters should give fake meat a chance, but then continues on to describe how the fake meat neither looks nor tastes like the real thing. Perhaps people have tried the fake meat and just really did not enjoy it. To each his own, I say.
Dreyfuss goes on to discuss how eating meat can lead to “an increased risk of everything from high blood pressure to cancer”. Although I agree that eating certain red or significantly fatty meats over a long period of time can definitely contribute to developing these health problems, there are still other protein options available. Dreyfuss fails to remember chicken, eggs, or fish as alternatives to fatty, red meat. Fish, especially salmon, contains important vitamins and nutrients that we may be unable to obtain from any other proteins, especially vegetable based proteins. Although these vegetable based proteins are a useful option, they will still not provide certain nutrients that are needed by the human body. On the flipside to Dreyfuss’ argument, I wonder if a diet consisting of only vegetable based proteins can in itself be detrimental to a person’s nutrition.
Later in the article, Dreyfuss tries to defend her point on taste and preference by using three children as test subjects. Serving them three vegetarian dogs and two meat dogs, she believes that observing the preference of the children will give some indication that there is difficulty differentiating between the dogs, furthering her argument that all the hot dogs basically taste the same. On one hand, Dreyfuss does a good job by providing a variety of both hot dog options. However, where Dreyfuss fails is that she did not serve all the hot dogs in the same way to each child, even covering the one hot dog in “all the ketchup, all of it”. Despite this being a very informal experiment, how does Dreyfuss expect to achieve any consistency with her results if the test subjects were not given consistent variables to begin with? Oh, and then there is the fact that her test subject are children. Children I know, although stubborn at times, seem to eat just about anything if they are in the mood. Performing this experiment with adults would have given her much more accurate results, but also probably would not have supported her point.
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I found this article to be surprisingly informative and not really what I thought it would be about. I was expecting it to perhaps be about health or environmental benefits of vegetarianism and why so many like fake-meat products as a real meat alternative. It gave a different perspective on why vegetarians would want to eat meat substitutes, not because as commonly believed that it would taste like meat but because it takes the form of meat products so that at commonly meat-centered events such as the fourth of july, vegetarians can feel connected to the rest of the meat-eating group.
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As a vegetarian, I completely agree with Dreyfuss. Unless I specifically mention my dietary restrictions, after attending summer barbecues or even regular get togethers, I’m left hungry, and dissatisfied at the lack of vegetarian options. I think vegan and vegetarian “meats” should be more widely available, as Dreyfuss puts it, “on the grill”. Since becoming vegetarian, I’ve gotten friends and family members hooked on non meat alternatives, and I think almost everyone who eats meat would agree that having faux meat products more widely available doesn’t do any harm.
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I found the article to be quite informative. I had expected it to be a rant from an upset vegetarian who has a vendetta against people that eat meat. Instead the position of vegan based meat substitutes is brought to the forefront. Many people do have a bias against plant based meat substitutes and will never try it. They wouldn’t try it as it is perceived as an inferior food. I would try vegetarian meat after reading the article. However, I disagree with the authors choice on not feeding her child real meat. It seems like she doesn’t even humor the idea of letting him choose between and the idea is construed as experimenting on a child. Children should be able to consume real meat. Can we really say at this point that meat does not have nutritional benefits if eaten in certain amounts? Is there sufficient research to back this up?
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This article was quite interesting and gave a deep insight into the ideas and motives behind consuming fake meat. Before delving into this article I assumed it was just going to enter a discussion about its ethics and health benefits. However, I was pleasantly surprised and interested to see that it talked about a much more important and overlooked part of vegetarianism, inclusion. I never understood why people look down on vegetarians, because of how some are forced to become one due to health concerns or for other important and personal reasons. Including vegetarians is quite important as including anybody else. They should be able to eat whatever they want and not be shamed for it. Sometimes vegetarians just want to enjoy a protein-rich snack and it should be understandable that they would select an alternative that suits their diet. Unfortunately the stigma surrounding vegetarian meat persists but articles like these help educate people on a different perspective that they aren’t used to seeing.
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In this article, Emily Dreyfuss discusses her view on vegan based meat substitute that those who want or do consume it should be treated with respect while being a carnivore herself. I actually do agree with Dreyfuss because there are alot of people who are vegetarians or vegans who just want to consume this imitation of meat for their own personal reasons. Dreyfuss states “…the lack of understanding of the protein needs of vegetarians, who in fact can’t “just eat vegetables,” actually.” This statement she made really does make sense since you can’t simply live without protein in your diet. So, for those who don’t eat meat can really find their protein intake from fake meat which is why I would like it to be available for those people. Just like Dreyfuss discussed, there are some people who have to cut out meat from their diet for medical reasons and if they want to consume fake meat since its similar to real meat, they shouldn’t be judged. Overall, I found this article to be very informative and I hope it spreads awareness to others about vegan meat, so that people who consume it don’t have to be bashed for it, instead be respected for their decision.
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As a vegetarian, I must insist that we stop calling it meat. It is subsistence, if you don’t like it being soybeans, that is. I personally am extremely embarrassed to order a “burger” at a restaurant as their vegetable option. It seems to me that it would be better to have a nonedescript cube of vegetable protein than to pretend that I’m eating “meat” or a “burger.” It goes against my conviction not to eat meat in the first place. It’s almost as if I was representing jealousy of people who eat meat, when it fact I see what they’re doing as morally wrong or at least societally inefficient, not as a privilege I want to pretend I have.
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Emily Dreyfuss discusses her take on imitation meat for vegans and vegetarians. I agree with her view on this because food for vegans/vegetarians have not had a lot of options for food. I also feel it also gives an option for people who wouldn’t want to eat meat as often for their own personal reasons. Although, I disagree with Dreyfuss’ decision to feed her children the imitation meat for an experiment because I feel it was ethically wrong from personal experience and I also feel that there could’ve been a hidden allergy to soy. Overall I felt the article was informative for people who are interested in being vegetarian/vegan or people who just want to eat healthier.
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Emily Dreyfuss discusses her take on imitation meat for vegans and vegetarians. I agree with her view on this because food for vegans/vegetarians have not had a lot of options for food. I also feel it also gives an option for people who wouldn’t want to eat meat as often for their own personal reasons. I also agree with her choice to give her children the imitation meat because it keeps their mind open to enjoy other foods. Overall I felt the article was informative for people who are interested in being vegetarian/vegan or people who just want to eat healthier.
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In the article “In Defense of the Vegan Hot Dog” by Emily Dreyfuss, she discusses the topic of imitation meats, and its vital role for those who consume it for health reasons, or as a choice. Dreyfuss elaborates her argument by providing example of those that attack imitation meats, and continues by refuting them. Drey argues that imitation meat are just as equally nutritious, and act as a filler for those who do not consume meat. I absolutely agree with Dreyfuss’s view of imitation meat. Many people choose not to eat meat for personal reasons, which is completely respectable. Some may not eat meat due to health reasons, and personal views such as cruelty against animals. Whatever the reasons are, attacking those who choose to eat imitation meat is unfair. Imitation meat is simply an alternative that respect their views. Moreover, people that suffer from health issues are offered with a more healthy option that suits their needs. Especially for those that suffer from health issues such as high blood pressure. In addition, many people argue that if people choose not eat meat, imitation meat is counter intuitive. Meat is highly favored by most, but imitation meat is just as equally delicious to consume. Most people have a reason as why they choose not to eat meat, but that does not mean they do not enjoy the taste. The reason meat is also consumed is because it contains a great source of protein. Similar to what Dreyfuss states in the article that people who do not consume meat still need a source of protein. Food is something humans rely on to feed their bodies, and replenish their energy. Everyone has the right to consume what they desire, and enjoy food to the fullest extent. Hence, imitations meats are a strong option that acts as a great substitution.
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fuck you larry
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In this article about “Defense of vegan hot dogs” they say the vegan hot dogs are linked to increase high blood pressure and cancer. I say that vegan hot dogs should not have all those chemical in it. They say the hot dogs are strange colored meat resembling things that would would throw on the grill. I say the vegan hot dogs should look, taste and smell like a hot dog.
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In this article, https://www.wired.com/story/in-defense-of-the-vegan-hot-dog/ Emily Dreyfuss writes about the choice of consuming imitation meat as well as real meat. Dreyfuss focuses on the health risks associated with eating real meat. She also focuses on the benefits of imitation meat. She takes both sides of the argument. She talks about feeding her child imitation meat and a behavioral biologist though that it was like she was tricking her son into eating healthy and not because he enjoyed the imitation meat. When she talks about the experiment she did with younger children, she gave them a few options and they chose on their own which one they liked more. I think that the behavioral biologist shouldn’t have inserted his opinion and minded his own business. It shouldn’t concern anyone else how a parent parents their child.
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I like that this article brings in both sides of the argument, those who who don’t eat meat and those who do. I personally disagree with the idea of naming many vegetarian/vegan meal after meals that have meat in them like the vegan burger and vegan hot dog that was mentioned in the article. Not everyone has the same taste and not everyone will enjoy the “fake meat”. Some may like it, some may completely dislike it, and some may be indecisive of the vegetarian/vegan versions of meat filled meals. These new “fake meat” food on the other hand does provide a someone who does not eat meat an option to eat like everyone else who does eat meat and to not feel like an outcast at the dining table, but giving these foods the same names as meat filled foods with vegetarian or vegan in front of it just makes it seem more like an outcasted food option.
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In this article, Emily Dreyfuss makes the point that “Vegetarians just want to be understood. They also want to be able to eat snack foods and fried foods once in a while like everyone else.” Dreyfuss favorite food to eat is a hot dog but she has discovered that imitation meat can satisfy the taste buds just like a real piece of pork. I have personally tried different kinds of imitation meats and I find this statement to be true. Things like veggie burgers, etc. are a great way for vegetarians to still enjoy a “meaty” dinner but reap all the health benefits.
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I am transported to a hot summer day around the grill cooking lots of good meats as I started to read Emily Dreyfuss’s essay she is a credible person in this argument as I believe she loves meat just as much as I do, and I really love meat! I really got the feel of how isolating it must be for someone at a big cookout, which is the whole reason for everyone coming together, and not to have anything to throw on the grill. I love her use of statistics and her small experiment using real and fake meats in a blind taste test to see which one her children would like more. Hey, “from the mouths of babes” right? I personally am convinced that there should be a way to get hot stuff off the grill even if you’re a vegetarian. I love it and I can’t wait to eat a tofu Burger.
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In the article, “In Defense of the Vegan Hot Dog,” Emily Dreyfuss states that “the Fourth of July is a holiday consecrated in meat smoke.” While I agree that American tradition has become hosting or attending picnics on the Fourth of July that include barbecued food choices, I disagree with the idea that the holiday is about consuming meat products. This holiday is about celebrating America’s independence which can be done without “sliding an oblong tube of protein between two buns on a hot day in good company.”
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In the article, “In Defense of the Vegan Hot Dog,” Emily Dreyfuss describes the Fourth of July as “…a holiday consecrated in meat smoke” and reiterates her point by saying “…it’s built for eating meat” (pars. 1-2). Although I agree that barbecues are a big part of the Independence Day tradition, I cannot accept her generalization that this holiday is about consuming meat products. This holiday is about celebrating America’s independence which can be done with or without “sliding an oblong tube of protein between two buns….”(par. 21).
I’m curious, as more plant-based protein options become available, will this make a vegetarian or vegan feel more included when it’s grilling time on the fourth of July? Or, will unprocessed food options be preferred over processed foods that imitate meat?
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In this article, Emily Dreyfuss argues that not only is vegan/imitation meat delicious, but just as much so as the real deal. While I myself have not sampled much in the way of imitation meat, the vehemence with which she defends it has gotten me interested in trying more. I personally agree with her insistence in its necessity, as there are many possible reasons someone would be averse to real meat, such as, as she mentions, the increase of health problems such as high blood pressure and cancer.
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In the article, Emily Dreyfuss makes a point about the choices of consuming imitation meat as well as real meat. Dreyfuss focuses on the health risks associated with eating real meat. She also focuses on the benefits of imitation meat. Imitation meat is simply an alternative that respect their views. Moreover, people that suffer from health issues are offered with a more healthy option that suits their needs. Especially for those that suffer from health issues such as high blood pressure. In addition, many people argue that if people choose not eat meat, imitation meat is counter intuitive. Meat is highly favored by most, but imitation meat is just as equally delicious to consume. Most people have a reason as why they choose not to eat meat, but that does not mean they do not enjoy the taste. The reason meat is also consumed is because it contains a great source of protein. Similar to what Dreyfuss states in the article that people who do not consume meat still need a source of protein. Food is something humans rely on to feed their bodies, and replenish their energy. Everyone has the right to consume what they desire, and enjoy food to the fullest extent. Hence, imitations meats are a strong option that acts as a great substitution.
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This argument is controversial for me. Some people are deciding to become vegetarian because of the health benefits that compare directly with the eating of less meat and the consumption of alternatives. substitutions for protein for vegetarians should be natural forms of protein such as nuts and beans. Continuing to eat meat substitutes continues to put processed and fake foods into your body. Some of the positive health effects of being vegetarian comes from less processed food, and having these meat alternatives lowers the benefits of being vegetarian.
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When Reading this article, I was surprised that there were so many individuals that were in favor of food products that were labeled vegetarian meat. This was considered shocking because the common misconception among the majority of the American population believes that fake meat is no good in a person’s diet and vegetarians who eat these products still have the “desire to eat meat.” In Emily Dreyfuss’s essay, “In Defense of the Vegan Hot Dog”, she makes the argument that people who prefer fake meat are no less normal than those who choose real meat. Dreyfuss begins to receive opposing reasons on why people are vastly different based on their food choices, so she proposes as experiment which would give strength to here claim and ultimately prove her point. The experiment is put that “When I tell Beachump how much my son loves fake meat, he’s skeptical…Beachump advises me to do the proper scientific test, putting real meat against fake meat on a plate to see which my son prefers” (“In Defense of the Vegan Hot Dog”). The experiment’s result is in favor of the argument Dreyfuss initially made; her son preferred the fake meat over the real meat. It is unfortunate that most people in society believe that to be a vegetarian, one must only eat fruits and vegetables. Fortunately, the option is always available for those seeking other food choices.
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Emily Dreyfuss is a mastermind in disguise. Unlike other political issues, she takes a stance on one I believe everybody would chime in on. In her article called ‘In defense of the Vegan Hot Dog’ She goes on to help introduce inclusivity and belief that most people love meat of some sort. The way she introduces her points is to point out common misconceptions that have been assumed over the years. Towards the end of the book, Dreyfuss states “The point is to let everyone—even people who don’t or can’t eat meat—slide an oblong tube of protein between two buns on a hot day in good company,” which can only help show the inclusivity the world should display towards others considering different cultures cater to different types of meat. She introduces statistics, and refers to other cultures that make her statement seem all the more plausible.
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As a vegetarian myself, I think Dreyfuss’s comment about Antoni from Queer Eye was needed, but I think it paints him as rude. If you have never watched the show you would think of him as inconsiderate. I have watched that episode she is talking about and I believe the line she quotes was added in to hopefully get some comedic affect.
It is refreshing to see an avid meat eater bring up the conversation for vegetarians. I’m glad she notices the struggle of a barbecue. If I don’t bring my own food, I am left hungry with nothing to eat all day. I think she really did a good job on making a short article that can get meat eaters to understand why people like myself choose not to eat meat and the struggle that can come with that.
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Dreyfuss’s argument focuses on vegetarians and people who need to cut out meat for health reasons being left out when it comes to occasions where meat is they star, like the 4th of July. She argues that replacement meat is as delicious as real meat and gives needed protein to vegetarians, so they shouldn’t be left out. Dreyfuss’s argument is not well argued. She leaves out important information and uses the opinions of her and her kids to support her argument. In the article there is no mass group data and reliable evidence to support her claim.
The idiom is “a place at the table.” This correlates with the 4th of July because Americans fought for freedom to do what they please and so are vegetarians when it comes to including replacement meats during holidays and other occasions.
Dreyfuss’s description of Antoni and his statements are fair because it shows his ignorance towards the subject of replacement meats and the need for them when adding proteins to a vegetarians diet. Many people just like Antoni believe that vegetarians should just eat vegetables, but they need protein also.
For Christmas schnitzel is traditionally made with veil. As a picky eater I do not eat veil so my mom makes the dish with chicken also. This allows me to “have a place at the table” and not be left out.
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Within her article “In Defense of the Vegan Hot Dog” by Emily Dreyfuss, she provides a patriotic view of the significance of meat in American culture while also providing an understanding for those who would rather eat non-meat ‘meats’ instead, for various reasons. She puts a focus on the fact that people can enjoy both that and normal meat alike without there needing to be a controversy over it. She believes that people should be able to indulge in whichever they find pleasing rather that be for health or personal reasons, or without a reason at all! She does a great job at supporting her view by proving evidence such as a test she conducted by giving children, who have not yet developed a preference, both imitation and real meat and observing their reaction. It was noted in every case that each seemed to have a taste that left the children wanting more. This was used to prove that both taste fine and that they are just food, not something that needs to be debated.
2) This phrase refers to having “a place at the table”. This coincides with her 4th of July theme as America was built off of people from many different backgrounds who just wanted “a place at the table”. Using this phrase signifies wanting to be accepted and included in “the table” which in this case, would be referring to a literal table. However, it connects with the 4th of July as the very colonization of America that began the journey to the 4th was done by people who wanted their religion to “have a place at the table” (to be accepted) and the finalization of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th was when America truly gained a “place at the table” by becoming a country in its own (although there seems to continue to be many people and minorities still trying to gain “a place at the table” in present America, I do not believe that was accounted for in this reference).
3) Dreyfuss’s reaction to the show “Queer Eye”, where it is stated that vegetarians should ‘just eat veggies’, seems to be a bit dramatized as she portrays the statement to be insensitive to vegetarians but, when viewed on the show, the statement appears as more comical than rude. Although, I do agree that the importance of ‘fake’ meat in many peoples diets should be recognized as it provides a source of protein and can also taste good!
4) One example of holiday food tradition that has been modified for me by loved ones was done for me by my boyfriends family. Every Christmas Eve they have the whole family over with plenty of desserts and foods for a holiday celebration. However, almost everything besides the desserts includes meat, which I cannot eat because I am vegetarian. One of the foods they always have is ‘pigs in a blanket’ which is essentially a small sausage wrapped in bacon or a dough. They modified this for me by putting a twist to make ‘veggies in a blanket’. To make it, they put a variation of vegetables in a dough and even got a dipping sauce to go with it. Although to some this may appear as a small act, it personally means a lot knowing that they continue to go out of their way to look out for me by making sure I have enough to eat, even on such a busy holiday with so many people over at their house. Typically, I don’t feel discluded from things due to me not eating meat (unless a restaurant has a very limited menu) because they and many others always make sure there is something for me to have but, that was definitely a time that made me feel a little extra special and reminded me that I do have ‘a seat at the table’.
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I love everything about this essay. Being a vegetarian doesn’t mean you have to eat grass and leaves. Plant-based options have given protein packed delicious meat-free alternatives to our “cook -out” staples. In this essay, Dreyfuss stressed that vegetarians “just want to be understood’. A vegetarian diet doesn’t have to be restrictive.
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