Activists Have Identified A Number Of Phrases We Shouldn’t Say, Because They Could Offend Vegans
Dick’s Sporting Goods Is Considering Removing Hunting Gear From Stores
December 3, 2018
Environmentalist Author Upset After His Book About Reducing Plastic Is Wrapped In Plastic
December 3, 2018I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. If you want to be vegan, be vegan. I don’t care. I only care if you’re the type of vegan who constantly feels the need to judge me and lecture me for eating meat and wearing leather boots. If you’re in my face, I’ll dial the vegan jokes to 11. (Actually, I’m always in the mood for a good vegan joke. They’re funny!)
Actually, one of my friends is a vegan, so see? It’s actually possible for a meat eater and a vegan to be friends.
However, I will not tolerate nonsense like this.
Some people think we need to stop saying phrases like, “bringing home the bacon” and “putting all your eggs in one basket,” because it’s offensive to vegans.
I kid you not. This is an actual article in the UK Independent.
Writing for The Conversation, the researcher explains how meat-based metaphors are a popular staple of our everyday vernacular but that an increased awareness in the environmental and ethical issues surrounding meat production “will undoubtedly be reflected in our language and literature” and that this language may no longer be so widely accepted.
“In today’s reality, meat is repeatedly the subject of much socially and politically charged discussion, including about how the demand for meat is contributing to climate change and environmental degradation,” she continues.
“Given that fiction often reflects on real world events and societal issues, it may very well be that down the line powerful meat metaphors are eschewed.
“The increased awareness of vegan issues will filter through consciousness to produce new modes of expression.”
I doubt that. Normal people aren’t going to change commonly used phrases just because perpetually offended weirdos decided that meat-talk is offensive. That’s ridiculous.
Other “offensive” phrases include “killing two birds with one stone,” “take a bull by the horns,” “open a can of worms,” “let the cat out of the bag” and “flogging a dead horse.” But don’t worry! There are viable alternatives. We just need to shake things up. For example, instead of saying, “killing two birds with one stone,” we could simply say, “feeding two birds with one scone.” See? SAME THING!
“Bringing home the bacon?” No no! How about, “bringing home the bagels”?
Those are actual suggestions, FYI. I didn’t make them up.
PETA has an entire blog post on this, and it’s full of additional tips.
What a waste of time. Don’t we have bigger fish to fry? That’s all I’m saying. 😉
