PeaceBang

Overheard at GA

June 26, 2006 on 6:16 pm | In Uncategorized |

Philocrites, regarding his nice big glass of fresh o.j. at brunch:

“Eight oranges gave their lives for this.”

After being asked if he wanted a second glass:

“I guess not. I feel a little guilty getting into the second harvest.”

Is Philo’s lack of a ponytail due to your fashion coaching, or a neurotic need to conserve oranges?

Comment by fausto — June 26, 2006 #
I’m so glad someone is sticking up for vegetable life.

Comment by Kim — June 26, 2006 #
Philocrites, you have absorbed too much Whitehead. The enjoyment of oranges has got to be really tiny in the scheme of things…

Comment by CK — June 27, 2006 #
The orange tree that produced the oranges has not suffered or died. Orange trees have coevolved with humans – they produce oranges that we humans like, and we in turn cultivate and protect the trees. A second glass of orange juice would have strengthened this dynamic of interdependence.

I know that my observation probably seems stiff in the context of the remark that was clearly made in jest: “Eight oranges gave their life for this.” Don’t get me wrong – I like humor, and most of my friends would say I’m humorous (if I asked them directly). It’s just that I think we sometimes dismiss and disconnect from the agonies we cause the animals we eat with lighthearted comments about “plant suffering”, and I want to respond in a way that’s respectful to all.

Comment by powderblue — June 27, 2006 #