RZA, the leader of the groundbreaking hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, is a producer, rapper, writer, director, film composer, and actor. He is also an advocate of a meat-free lifestyle.
The 54-year-old creator gave up red meat in the mid-1990s, followed by chicken, fish and eventually dairy and eggs. He has since collaborated with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, launched a vegan clothing line, and appeared in a series of surreal videos with other Wu-Tang members to promote White Castle's meatless Impossible Sliders.
In a recent interview, RZA, whose real name is Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, said: We talked about why he became a vegetarian, the cultural connection between masculinity and meat, and how going meat-free for just a few days a week would help the planet. Below are excerpts from our conversation, edited and condensed for clarity.
Nowadays, there is increasing awareness about the environmental harm and health problems of meat consumption, especially beef. Why did you stop eating?
To me it was a ritual. It was just an awareness of life itself. It has become almost illogical, almost unethical. Why do animals have to die so I can live? And we find that our digestive system actually has a hard time digesting red meat. As my consciousness deepened, my income started to dwindle and it didn't make sense to eat dead birds. Even to eat dead fish.
What about dairy products?
Eggs, milk and cheese were the last things missing from my diet. There were many reasons. And it was hard. Animals don't die. Animals are useful. See, I'm a New Yorker. There's nothing like a slice of New York pizza. But then I realized how much mucus was building up in my body. And the process of milk we consume is very chemically infused. Even with pasteurization, there are still other bacterial elements that enter our system. Eggs were another difficult food. But eggs are so porous that they hit chemicals. And then there is the abuse of those animals. Now you are consuming that trauma.
Some people say it's natural for humans to eat meat, and that meat makes our brains bigger.
We learned many myths. In the past, when I ate meat, I could eat 20 chicken wings. I could easily knock out three pieces of steak. In the end it definitely affected my personality. I was definitely more aggressive, more aimless. There is a country that had to raise soldiers and factory workers. We had to allow our population to grow and become stronger with what we had. I think meat is essential during war. But now in our world the need for hunting has disappeared and diminished. I feel I have evolved. And the proof is my growing children. One couple practiced fasting, not even eating red meat or chicken for most of their lives. They are healthy, very smart and talented young people.
Why do you think meat and masculinity are connected?
There was a generation that grew up doing bodybuilding. If you are a bodybuilder, you need a lot of protein. It was assumed that the most powerful source of protein would come from animals. It was spread through culture, and it was spread through movies. In the 80's we didn't know there was another way.
Do the effects of climate change affect the way you think about food?
Well, now it is. Data emerges showing that we are sabotaging our own mood simply for the pleasure of it, not necessity. Meat and beef and all these burgers are food for pleasure. We would rather destroy the environment for our pleasure. That's foolish of us. We must break away from the tendency to satisfy immediate pleasures and sacrifice long-term interests.
There is a higher proportion of black people compared to the rest of the population. Any thoughts on why this is?
For the Black community, health suffers from obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and a variety of other things that have plagued our community for years. As the generations continue to grow, I think you start to see us dropping some things.
What would you say to someone who is worried about the environment and thinking about eating less meat, but also worries about what life would be like without meat?
Start with at least one day a week. Control yourself. I didn't go cold. It took me years to reach veganism. I started by giving up red meat. Then chicken, fish, eggs and cheese. There is no need to be in such a hurry. Let your natural body speak for you. But if you want to help us all and help the world, please take at least two days a week to do it.