When Did “Moderate” Become a Bad Word? Part I

We’ve all heard something like, “everything is ok in moderation”. And there is an argument to make on both sides (per usual). But, what I find more disturbing is the current divisiveness and polarization – in everything!

I was sitting in a meeting with a naturopath who mentioned that people were unhealthy because of fast food restaurants. He seemed to assume that because of my profession I would naturally agree. When I commented that I could buy worse food at my local grocery store and heat it at home, he was stunned. And then I was shunned! If I didn’t agree with him, then I was “out”.

I am “out” frequently. For example, when I eat out, I commonly eat vegan – not because I am a vegan but because I don’t trust or support factory feed lots, plus eggs and dairy are high on my food sensitivity issues. So, vegan is a good option. If the waitperson is also a vegan, we are suddenly kindred souls. But, then add a grass-fed local bison patty and I am the scourge that is killing America (thank you China Study).

I mess with preconceived notions about my position because I have clients that are on the road three weeks out of every month. Guess what? They can’t make all their own meals. They have to eat out for business. They finish work at 11 p.m. and need to know how to make a good choice at what is open in small towns – fast food restaurants, convenience stores, and an occasional grocery store. They can still get healthy within the context of their life.

Sure, in my ideal utopia everyone would be purchasing fresh, organic foods from their local farms and cooking all their meals at home. But for some people that’s not realistic. Making them feel guilty for not reaching my personal ideals isn’t right, any more than people telling me I have to eat meat, or a plant-based diet, or give up dairy, etc. to be healthy because it worked for them! We are all different and just because it worked for you doesn’t guarantee it will work for me, so get off your high horse!

When did it become a bad word to be a moderate – in anything? Why do I have to fully undertake any particular view to be part of a group? Are we at the place where this type of division is the attempt by groups so utterly convinced of their correctness and righteousness that they will use all coercive forces available to stamp out any opposing views?