Natalia and I just had a discussion about the pros and cons of vegetarianism. I was in the kitchen looking for food and she suggested I have a rib sandwich and I reminded her that I'm a vegetarian now. She explained why she thinks that it's a bad idea: "At school we're learning about the food chain. You know how the sun gives energy to the grass, and then the grass gets eaten by an insect or something, and then the insect gets eaten by a snake, and then humans eat the snake to get energy? If you don't eat meat then you don't get the energy." I replied, "Well, why not skip the snake and the insect and go straight to — well not the grass, but things like vegetables? That way you still get the energy and the snake doesn't have to die." She said, "Oh yeah! So I guess I do want to be a vegetarian when I grow up" (my mom won't let her become one at this age since she is still growing and good nutrition is crucial). "But," she countered, "some animals do die from like predators and stuff." I agreed, "Yeah, eating other creatures is the natural way. And the Bible says that animals are placed on the Earth for our use. So I don't hold it against anyone who does choose to eat meat. I just personally don't want any animals to die for my sake, since I can survive just fine without their death." I wanted to be sure she knows that I won't think any less of her if she ends up choosing not to become one (especially since she can't right now anyway).
I like that I can have reasoned discussions with her, and that she seems to give things careful thought. When I made the switch a week or two ago, she announced that she wanted to be a vegetarian too, which was when my mom told her she couldn't yet. Her comment today showed that she's been considering the subject in the meantime, and incorporating the things she learns at school while making her decision. I know it's a stereotype for someone to claim that their children/siblings are smart, but I really think that's true in her case. It's been a while since I hung out with eight-year-olds (Meg notwithstanding), but I don't imagine many of them spend much time carefully pondering a decision like that.
Posted by jenn 13 minutes later
Yes, your sister does sound incredibly smart. My siblings are all very smart, but I don't remember them ever having conversations like that at her age.
Also, I am curious about your reference to the Bible. Were you confirming it for her sake, or is this something you give credence to now? :)
Posted by Dan 10 minutes later
Just providing an additional datum to take into consideration. The Bible thing is an argument that I've often heard used against Andrés by others arguing against vegetarianism, which, when wielded by strongly Christian relatives, kind of has the implication that God put animals on Earth for us to eat, and that should be reason enough. It's kind of like they're saying, "Well, the Bible says it's OK to eat them. Are you saying you don't accept that the Bible is an infallible source of authority?" So I was basically offering my counterargument in advance; explaining why I choose what I choose in spite of what it says in the Bible.
Posted by jenn 5 minutes later
I assumed as much (I've heard my father use the "arguement" before), but I just wanted to make sure. :)