This is the episode when Lisa became a vegetarian (a few episodes later, on Lisa the Treehugger (2000), she went vegan). It portrays the reality that young vegetarians often face: taunts from classmates, monologues about the food chain, and manipulative commercials promoting the meat industry's products. These commercials are satirically represented here in the form of a propaganda film that Springfield kids are forced to watch at school, featuring a fallacious line: "If a cow ever got the chance, he'd eat you and everyone you care about." It's a satirical take on anti-vegetarianism.
The episode features Paul McCartney and his wife Linda, both long-time vegetarians and real-life animal rights activists, who lent their voices to their animated characters. This episode received the Environmental Media Award and the Genesis Award for addressing environmental and animal rights topics.
Interestingly, this is probably the only episode where we discover that Apu is a vegan. During his conversation with Lisa, we also learn why she rarely mentions her vegetarianism in other episodes: You don't eat cheese, Apu? -I don't eat any food that comes from an animal. -Then you must think I'm a monster. -Yes, indeed, I do think that. But I learned long ago, Lisa, to tolerate others rather than forcing my beliefs on them. You know, you can influence people without badgering them always.
The episode features Paul McCartney and his wife Linda, both long-time vegetarians and real-life animal rights activists, who lent their voices to their animated characters. This episode received the Environmental Media Award and the Genesis Award for addressing environmental and animal rights topics.
Interestingly, this is probably the only episode where we discover that Apu is a vegan. During his conversation with Lisa, we also learn why she rarely mentions her vegetarianism in other episodes: You don't eat cheese, Apu? -I don't eat any food that comes from an animal. -Then you must think I'm a monster. -Yes, indeed, I do think that. But I learned long ago, Lisa, to tolerate others rather than forcing my beliefs on them. You know, you can influence people without badgering them always.