Often I am asked by carnists to respect their decision to eat meat and other animal products.
You see, I have no problems respecting people’s decisions, such as religion, dress style, sexuality, gender identity, etc. But the minute a person’s decision involves disrespecting others, how can they ask me to respect that?
Would people respect me if I caused pain in other humans? Like if I beat up my wife or children. Would they respect me if I killed another human being, even if I did it quick and painlessly? Then why am I asked to respect their decision to be a part of a violent ideology that disrespects beings equally capable of suffering as us? Beings that I respect as much as you respect your own species.
So no, I can’t ever respect your decision. I can be your friend, because I’d have very few friends otherwise, I can force myself to remain quiet and hold my tears whilst you eat the hacked parts of a previously tortured sentient animal (something you likely would never do if I were eating a dog, cat or human baby). But respect your decision? Sorry, that’s asking way too much.
