Diet Discrepancies: A Response to Paxton George

A publication by Animal Agriculture Alliance recently addressed the supposed myth that " a vegetarian diet is healthier than a diet that includes meat, milk and eggs" but whether or not this is a myth or not is not a topic for this blog and we leave it at that. Nonetheless, this dispute of vegetarian diets over diets of animal produce and vice versa has plagued animal ethicist over the years especially when they propose a meat free diet of any source as a universal concept to be adopted by everyone irrespective of age, sex, race or creed.
Kathryn Paxton George addresses one of the major criticisms of the proposed universal vegetarian diet in her book " A feminist Critique of Ethical Vegetarianism" as she addresses the difficulties women face maintaining a vegetarian diet amongst other health issues it may pose. Kathryn points out how the proposed norm of vegetarianism is a "male physiological norm that discriminates against females, children and the elderly". She points out that women have to face the pressures of eating alone, eating with others and preparing food for families which could be coupled with the extra burden put on women to diet on a regular basis as well as expecting mothers who have to account for the nutrition of the growing fetus within her.
She also points out that a vegetarian diet might not be realistic for growing kids who require the nutrients from animal produce for proper growth and physical development. The same argument is made for the elderly who calcium and other essential animal derived nutrients for their health.
To this dilemma, Paxton George suggests a semi vegetarian diet which in her words; " [calls] for a reduction in animal cruelty, improve the conditions under which animals are raised, to encourage gratitude for their association with us, and to recognize their membership in a community with us. We should not eat them wastefully but only in a portion that balances the needs of family members....".
I think this idea of semi vegetarianism is definitely realistic and it atones for the nutritional needs of all people irrespective of their gender and or age and although it isn't necessarily the best solution to the treatment of animals, it is definitely a step in the right direction; consideration of animals vital parts of our community.