I just got through reading an article linked to on Facebook - I won't link to it in this post because that's not the gist of this rant - but it was how we (people) should have a more plant-based diet. I wouldn't disagree with that, but articles like that always start off some vicious arguments and there were plenty under the piece. I've found that often the comments are more entertaining than the article.
That's something I've noticed since I've been online for these last 17+ years; of course, politics and religion have always sparked some contentious debate, a long time before there were forums and message boards, but I'd say the next most hotly discussed topic is food. (and movies, TV shows and music would be close behind)
In fact, one of the first times I was ever savaged online was in a chat room and someone mentioned they were making a pineapple upside-down cake. I mentioned that I don't care for pineapple and I was attacked before they let me explain that I have an allergy to pineapple, that it makes my throat itch. (as do several other tropical fruits, such as kiwi fruit, papaya, and sometimes oranges)
The next time I saw a "food fight" break out was over whether to put chili in beans. The recipe said "real Texans" would never dream of it. Personally, I don't care for beans in my chili, but I'm also a "real Texan" and enough of one to not stick my nose into someone's business - if they want to put beans in their chili, then that's fine with me. If they invited me to dinner and their chili had beans in it, I am also enough of a Texan to not criticize my host. No, I'd eat it and probably would ask for seconds.
(funny - I don't really like beans in my chili, but I put a can of chili - Texas Wolf Brand - when I make beans)
I recently saw a dispute over goulash, of all things. The recipe wasn't even titled "Hungarian" but the comments got heated over just what was "authentic". Call it what you like, call me ignorant for calling it that, but just don't call me late for supper!
I can semi-understand arguing about politics and religion, esp. if someone insults your candidate/party or your faith, but to argue about food? Ridiculous. I wish I could draw - I'd make a graphic of God wearing an Obama t-shirt while eating a cheeseburger as He was kicking Barney Frank and Nancy Pelosi down to Hell along with the Muslims.
That way I could piss off the Republicans, the vegans, the gays, the Democrats, and the radical Islamists in one fell swoop.
I might even draw Him with a pistol stuck in His belt, just to piss off the gun-grabbers.
