Meat may not be on the menu for vegetarians but ethics are
A person who does not eat meat is called a vegetarian. Sometimes people are vegetarian for religious reasons. Buddhists for example do not believe in eating meat. Other people do not eat meat for health reasons.
There is a lot of medical evidence that regular eating of large quantities of meat can be bad for the heart. But there are other reasons that people do not like to eat meat. Some feel sorry for the animals that have to be killed to provide the meat.
In the current Songbirds radio programme, one of the characters, Rosa, speaks out about her belief in vegetarianism. In the extract below you can see how passionate she is about not eating meat.
Bax: The barbecue is smelling really good.
Melody: Yes, I'm starving.
Bax: I think these pork chops are ready. Want one, Melody?
Melody: Yes, please. Thank you. It's delicious!
Bax: Rosa, pork chop?
Rosa: Bax, did you know that pigs are the most intelligent animals in the animal kingdom?
Bax: Really? Rosa, here is a really juicy chop for you.
Rosa: Have you ever heard a pig squealing in terror in the abattoir just before it is murdered to make pork chops like this.
Bax: No, I haven't. Rosa eat your pork chop before it gets cold.
May: Bax, I think Rosa is trying to tell you that she doesn't want a pork chop.
Bax: But why? These pork chops are delicious. They look really pink and tender.
Do you think that Bax is being a bit insensitive? It is clear that Rosa does not believe in killing animals for meat. Rosa is very outspoken in her belief about vegetarianism - do you think that she is too outspoken?
To listen to the Songbirds drama Beach Barbecue , tune into RTHK Radio 4 on Sunday at noon. If you miss the Sunday Songbirds , you can always tune in on Thursday night at seven to catch the repeat.
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