John Joseph, Rory Freedman, and Kim Barnouin use these in-your-face titles because they're fed-up with people being weak and full of excuses. I often feel the same when hearing why people don't take steps to becoming healthier or greener, and I have to fight off the urge to shake them and scream, "stop being a pussy!!!" Opening our eyes and making a change takes a lot of courage, which is why these books are so important. And they also make it clear that vegans are not stereotypical hippies and wimps.
The word "pussy" is often used between men in the phrases, "stop being a pussy" or "don't be a pussy" to encourage them not to be weak, and is usually quite successful because they don't want to be thought of that way. The word is in reference to feeble women, which is why some find it offensive. Because it is associated with being frail and feminine, the word is also commonly paired with the plant-based diet ("veganism is for pussies, meat is for men"). I think both these connotations are ridiculous - I'm a woman and a vegan and I'm definitely not weak. Meat has been marketed to men as necessary for building big muscles, but luckily people like Robert Cheeke and Mac Danzig have dispelled this myth; I'm sure this is touched upon in the book.
Yet, is it fair to imply people that eat meat are pussies? No matter how strongly I feel about the plant-based diet, I try not to judge people that choose another way of life. While I don't encourage meat eating, I don't feel comfortable telling those that eat it that they are doing the wrong thing - who am I to say what is right or wrong? Sure, I feel that killing and torturing animals for the pleasure of food is horrible. Sure, I believe that a whole foods plant-based diet is best for our health. Sure, I think that most people stick to their poor eating habits out of comfort, laziness, and ignorance. However, I don't point fingers and say that my way of life is the absolute right way. I hear the phrase, "I love meat" all the time and it's always an awkward moment for me - should I tell them how I feel, point them to this website, or wait for them to ask? I could hand them a copy of "Meat is For Pussies", but that may feel like judgement. It's a touchy subject, and I'm still learning how to deal with it. Am I a pussy for being so gentle and careful in these situations? Should I be strong in my opinions and stand up for the animals, despite any backlash?
I look forward to reading and learning more about this book, and will share with you my thoughts when I do.
What's your opinion on the title? Have you read the book yet?
What did it take for you to take control of your life and stop being a "pussy" (in any way)?
How do you handle conversations with people who do things you disagree with?
Meat Is For @#!$?#
As I write this post, there's a cool party happening in L.A. to celebrate the launch of the new book Meat Is For Pussies by Cro-mags vocalist John Joseph. Unfortunately I'm missing it because I'm out of town, but I've heard rave reviews.
Last night while dining at Candle Cafe in NYC, I saw a copy of the book with the word "pussy" covered up by a bunch of grawlixes. I thought that was pretty funny because I'm not offended by the title. Though I rarely use profanities, I'm usually not bothered when other people say them - it's just part of the language sometimes. In the case of this book, I'm glad the word "pussy" is used because it is attention grabbing. Much like "Skinny Bitch", people will pick up this book and want to read the description or first page. Or, if offended, they'll talk about their feelings to other people, which gives it more publicity; it really can't go wrong in my opinion.