I am so curious as to why we (as so-called logical, reasoning human beings) so quickly jump to conclusions and judge so harshly our fellow human beings. My particular thoughts are about the student being suspended from Bingham High recently for wearing a T-shirt with the word "vegan" on it. The suspension seems to be as a result of the word having a link to a "gang" and not because it was, as district spokeswoman Melinda Rock states, "so conspicuous, extreme, or odd that it may draw undo attention, disrupt or interfere with the learning atmosphere at the school."
I've seen a lot more "conspicuous" clothing on the students than this item of clothing. How absurd to think that all vegans participate in "gang" activities.I am a vegetarian. It's been stated that at one time Adolf Hitler was a vegetarian. Does this automatically make me a Nazi? Absolutely not. That's just too far a chasm to leap to make the connection. It makes you want to laugh that such a ridiculous conclusion could be made. But this is not a laughing matter.
At this time, when violence seems to be far too prevalent in our society, we should encourage a lifestyle of nonviolence and respect for life that most vegans adhere to. Let's not judge each other so quickly.
Joanne Sorensen
Murray