I remember once when I was younger, one of the males in the family cut his hair. That's taboo in the Sikh faith, because uncut hair is supposed to be the physical manifestation of our inner convictions. I never quite understood the particularly dramatic reactions, such as the one displayed by my grandfather. I still don't - especially considering how the decision to wear an article of faith or subscribe to a particular religion is such a positively personal decision. Still, I sensed the disappointment; I can understand how it might have made my grandpa feel dispirited and saddened at the thought of someone close to him rejecting the tenets of a culture which has always been remarkably revolutionary and beautiful. A culture that has always stood up for the oppressed by defending women and those with lesser means. A culture which I find truly remarkable for so many reasons. However, wearing a turban/keeping one's hair is undeniably a personal decision.
Eating animals, however, is not a personal decision. A personal decision is divorced of the sort of ramifications and prerequisites that eating animals in this country currently necessitates. When you eat meat, we're not only considering that an animal had to die - we are considering how that animal had to suffer, physically and emotionally.
When my vegetarian friend - a close friend - abandoned his vegetarian diet, I felt a sorrow I hadn't felt before. I think I know how my grandpa felt.
Please reconsider.
