4.24.2003
-Being a veggie-
We went for veggie dim sum at the Conrad today. One of the girls asked me why I am vegetarian.
"Uh, I-dunno-just-am,"
is how I responded. The truth is, I really don't know why I am. It's not like I have deep rooted convictions about animal welfare or have religious beliefs prohibiting me from eating meat. I stopped eating meat while travelling in South East Asia, then just never got back onto the wagon.
"You're the first and only Korean I know who is vegetarian,"
said another girl.
"Well, that explains how culturally confused I am,"
I said, and everyone laughed.
There are people like me, and then there are people who have a genuine belief that being veggie is good in the angelic sense. But then, the International Vegetarian Union is highly unlikely to view themselves as anything but. I didn't know this, but apparently there is some debate as to whether our ancestors were omnivorous or not. I imagine the Singaporean vegetarians enthusiastically telling you about how this way of life can inspire you to do your bit as a decent human being, then shudder. I'd like to think that I can do some good on this planet without resorting to relying on my eating habits as a form of redemption for my sins - but if I feel at some point that this is not possible, I guess I may have to attend the 2004 World Vegetarian Congress. Apparently the one in 2002 was held in Edinburgh of all places - note the recipe for veggie haggis. Perhaps I could take notes and organise one in Seoul - that should please Brigitte Bardot, right?