Thanksgiving Day 2008, and the family has gathered round a table laden with all tradition demands - cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin pie.
And there, in the center, the piece de resistance - a perfectly browned, steaming hot Tofurky log.
Well, you know - Cousin Tilly is a vegetarian, and Uncle Billy is concerned about the plight of all those factory farmed turkeys. So this year, instead cooking up the traditional Thanksgiving turkey, mom and dad provided one made of tofu.
Oh, but they forgot: Henry and Clarence are locavores, so they only eat foot grown within a 100-mile radius of Missoula, and Aunt Violet, of course, does not eat anything with artificial flavorings or colorings.
What are they going to serve now?
We say bring on the turkey, with all
the trimmings.
Turkey is a Thanksgiving Day tradition for most families in America, and we see no reason why that should change. Though there's no solid evidence the birds were part of the first pilgrims' harvest festival feasts, it's likely that turkeys were included in many a Thanksgiving meal going back at least to 1863, when Thanksgiving Day was officially declared a national annual day of thanksgiving. Even years earlier, Alexander Hamilton was proclaiming that “no Citizen of the United States should refrain from turkey on Thanksgiving Day.” Nowadays, some people even insist on referring to Thanksgiving as Turkey Day.
Anyone especially worried about the environment in which their turkey was raised can take care to buy one from a farm that meets their ethical standards. Those who prefer local or organic turkeys can do likewise, and in fact, several local organizations and groups do a brisk business in such turkeys during the holiday season each year. Some Montana families even manage to bag some wild ones.
While we're willing to concede there may be some folks out there with a taste for Tofurky, we ask them to kindly chew their turkey-flavored soybean product with their mouths closed while the rest of the family stuffs themselves with real turkey. Even die-hard vegetarian editorial writers - known for our unrelenting eagerness to share opinions - have to admit that the Thanksgiving dinner table is no place to criticize the main dish.
If you simply can't bring yourself to eat turkey, and if you are willing to put in the effort of cooking up something else and coordinating your efforts with the other cooks in the kitchen, we're willing to bet most people, being family, will accept that you would rather chew on a piece of fake meat than eat the real thing they've lovingly prepared for you. But you cannot berate the cook into preparing your Tofurky for you, and you cannot browbeat the rest of the family into eating it instead of their turkey. Just remember, as you're heaping your plate high with moral superiority, to hold the side of guilt.
Traditions are traditions for a reason. Some of our best memories are rooted in the traditions of years long past, even as our families change and our traditions evolve. We look forward, each year, to enjoying them in their newest incarnation. That enjoyment shouldn't be spoiled by anyone's righteous indignation.
In the end, what you put in your mouth is a personal choice. But what gets put on the Thanksgiving table is a family affair heavily influenced by tradition. Whatever food ultimately graces the table is a blessing - one for which everyone with the good fortune to share a seat at that table should be thankful.
And that's a tradition worth keeping.
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Ruth Vanita wrote on Nov 28, 2008 1:54 PM:
" Reference your editorial "Keep Tofurkey to yourself this Thanksgiving," is it a Thanksgiving tradition to bash inoffensive minorities like vegetarians? What makes you think that vegetarians force families to cook Tofurkey? Have you done a survey that suggests this conclusion? The "righteous indignation" seems to be all yours - apparently, you find it offensive that some people choose not to kill and eat non-human animals.
Most vegetarians I know, including myself, prefer not to eat simulated carcasses like Tofurkey, and we prepare our own dishes for Thanksgiving. And most hosts, being less mean-spirited than your editorial suggests, are willing to make a pasta dish for vegetarian guests.
As for traditions, has it occurred to you that vegetarianism has been a tradition for many Hindus and Jains (those are major world religions, in case you haven't heard of them) for over two thousand years, certainly much longer than the tradition of slaughtering turkeys en masse that you hold so dear? And, yes, surprise, surprise, there are many American Hindu and Jain families who celebrate Thanksgiving, even in Montana. "
Most vegetarians I know, including myself, prefer not to eat simulated carcasses like Tofurkey, and we prepare our own dishes for Thanksgiving. And most hosts, being less mean-spirited than your editorial suggests, are willing to make a pasta dish for vegetarian guests.
As for traditions, has it occurred to you that vegetarianism has been a tradition for many Hindus and Jains (those are major world religions, in case you haven't heard of them) for over two thousand years, certainly much longer than the tradition of slaughtering turkeys en masse that you hold so dear? And, yes, surprise, surprise, there are many American Hindu and Jain families who celebrate Thanksgiving, even in Montana. "
Tracy Martin wrote on Nov 29, 2008 7:47 AM:
" I wonder what inspired you to write such an offensive article against vegetarians? Are you threatened by a people who live by a moral code to reduce suffering in the world the only way we can?
I suggest that you research for yourself the inhumane treatment of animals in factory farms and than question yourself why you are so hostile to people who choose to not eat animals for ethical reasons. After all, Thanksgiving is supposed to be about giving thanks for all we have and the freedoms we enjoy in this country and one of our freedoms is that we can choose not to eat a dead bird, and instead enjoy a healthy, ethical, and tasty alternative I am thankful for that. "
I suggest that you research for yourself the inhumane treatment of animals in factory farms and than question yourself why you are so hostile to people who choose to not eat animals for ethical reasons. After all, Thanksgiving is supposed to be about giving thanks for all we have and the freedoms we enjoy in this country and one of our freedoms is that we can choose not to eat a dead bird, and instead enjoy a healthy, ethical, and tasty alternative I am thankful for that. "
stephen wrote on Nov 29, 2008 10:41 AM:
" I noticed the PETA "girls" advocating for thousands to choose tofu turkey on Thanksgiving, which I totally respect vegetarian lifestyle and choice. I love veggies too! What I dont understand is how these women can dress in sexually suggestive clothing and demoralize women to save a turkey?? Rememember the definition of irony? "
Kathleen Jagoda wrote on Nov 29, 2008 11:10 AM:
" Uncle Billy is the smartest one in your story. He has a conscience and a brain.
As for the PETA girls, they got your attention, didn't they Stephen. "
As for the PETA girls, they got your attention, didn't they Stephen. "
Colleen Patrick-Goudreau wrote on Nov 29, 2008 11:15 AM:
" I'm always amazed when non-vegetarians accuse vegetarians of having "righteous indignation" simply because they don't want to create harm or contribute to cruelty. The bottom line is that "what you put in your mouth" is NOT a personal choice - not when someone else is harmed. "Personal choice" is the color I decide to paint my bathroom or the way I want to wear my hair, but we don't get to have the personal choice to HURT someone or BEAT someone or KILL someone. Sorry - that doesn't wash. And "tradition" isn't above criticism either. I'm always amused when people accuse non-vegetarians of breaking tradition at Thanksgiving. WE'RE ALL breaking tradition if use that "First Thanksgiving" as our model (they DIDN'T have potatoes, they DIDN'T have sweet cranberries, they DIDN'T have pumpkin pie, they DIDN'T have biscuits. Let's keep things in perspective. Traditions are created based on our values. The call for "turkeys" at Thanksgiving came from a woman who wrote for a popular magazine in the 1800s - it wasn't because it's some sacred dish. We can all choose to create new traditions or abolish old ones based on our own values. After all, that's what's been done for hundreds of years. Creating new traditions is as traditional as honoring old ones. "
mary beebe wrote on Nov 29, 2008 11:32 AM:
" I was invited to a vegan feast for Thanksgiving and noone browbeat me into it. Why is it that people who prefer to eat in a way that diminishes suffering are characterized as somehow rude and insensitive. I didn't yell at anyone who enjoyed the traditional feast and I have taken a low-key and basically non-partisan journey to vegetarianism and more lately, almost vegan. It's not a crusade; it's a choice that I have made in light of information and a personal philsophy based in a desire to do least harm to others and the planet.
Most of my friends ate turkey, most of these raised in factory farms; a few ate turkeys locally raised under more humane conditions. At least one ate turkeys she raised and butchered herself. I ate beautiful meal that was a rainbow of colors and tastes made up of vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains and yes, some faux meat called Celebration Roast which was quite exquisite. When I told my friends about it, they were curious--not offended. At least one joined the original group for leftover dinner the next day. Nobody felt the urge to berate, just to reflect and share. "
Most of my friends ate turkey, most of these raised in factory farms; a few ate turkeys locally raised under more humane conditions. At least one ate turkeys she raised and butchered herself. I ate beautiful meal that was a rainbow of colors and tastes made up of vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains and yes, some faux meat called Celebration Roast which was quite exquisite. When I told my friends about it, they were curious--not offended. At least one joined the original group for leftover dinner the next day. Nobody felt the urge to berate, just to reflect and share. "
Pete wrote on Nov 29, 2008 2:06 PM:
" Tradition of eating turkey at Thanksgiving seems to be driven my the commercial poultry industry. Traditional commercialism. Now that's worth questioning. "
KC wrote on Nov 29, 2008 3:13 PM:
" This article is a silly, ineffective attack, and the author seems very immature. I am disappointed that it was published. "
Bonnie Goodman wrote on Nov 29, 2008 5:12 PM:
" The vegan in the dining room doesn't have to say a single word to make some people angry.
The vegan, simply by existing, is a mirror that those unwilling to truly think about their actions do not want to look in to.
95% of land animals killed for food are poultry. Nine BILLION chickens and turkeys are killed in America each year. Many people are surprised to learn that birds are NOT covered by the federal Humane Slaughter Act, so they are the victims of unimaginable cruelty and abuse.
Most people are kind. Most people love animals. Unfortunately, most people would rather categorize vegans as "righteous" extremists than take responsibility for their part in perpetuating the suffering of turkeys on a such a scale of immense proportions.
Celebrating the abundance of the harvest, giving thanks, and spending time with loved ones is the tradition of Thanksgiving – honoring values of love and compassion make it an even more special Holiday.
The mutilated corpse on the table is just a habit. If the author of this closed-minded article ever tried one bite of Tofurky, (or the equally delicious Celebration Field Roast!) they would surely eat their words.
The real question this article provokes is why the Missoulian would bother to print it at all. "
The vegan, simply by existing, is a mirror that those unwilling to truly think about their actions do not want to look in to.
95% of land animals killed for food are poultry. Nine BILLION chickens and turkeys are killed in America each year. Many people are surprised to learn that birds are NOT covered by the federal Humane Slaughter Act, so they are the victims of unimaginable cruelty and abuse.
Most people are kind. Most people love animals. Unfortunately, most people would rather categorize vegans as "righteous" extremists than take responsibility for their part in perpetuating the suffering of turkeys on a such a scale of immense proportions.
Celebrating the abundance of the harvest, giving thanks, and spending time with loved ones is the tradition of Thanksgiving – honoring values of love and compassion make it an even more special Holiday.
The mutilated corpse on the table is just a habit. If the author of this closed-minded article ever tried one bite of Tofurky, (or the equally delicious Celebration Field Roast!) they would surely eat their words.
The real question this article provokes is why the Missoulian would bother to print it at all. "
Rayrayray wrote on Nov 29, 2008 7:33 PM:
" This article makes no sense. "Traditions are traditions for a reason." We should keep all traditions, eh? So if beating your wife is a tradition in my family, I should continue that? No logic there. Where is all the bitterness towards vegetarians coming from, anyway? Did one shoot you when you asked them to prom or something? Move on! "
jeremiah wrote on Nov 30, 2008 2:10 AM:
" "In the end, what you put in your mouth is a personal choice. But what gets put on the Thanksgiving table is a family affair heavily influenced by tradition."
you're right. so, as a personal choice, some people wish to change tradition. you can do that. don't worry. it isn't against the law. narrow minded people like you make me sad and i get scared of the future of our planet. if i were your editor, i probably would have fired you already. "
you're right. so, as a personal choice, some people wish to change tradition. you can do that. don't worry. it isn't against the law. narrow minded people like you make me sad and i get scared of the future of our planet. if i were your editor, i probably would have fired you already. "
Ellen King-Rodgers wrote on Nov 30, 2008 3:27 PM:
" Why in the world would a journalist in a position of responsibility allow him or herself to spread bitter negativity and small-mindedness. Why would any newspaper condone that writer's feelings by printing it. In a time when we need to come together, it is irresponsible to drive a wedge between people let alone waste precious newspaper space for a piece such as this. "
Mary Costello wrote on Nov 28, 2008 8:19 AM: