The Big Meat in that Burger….. or…. The Filling…….. in between the Bun Parts?

The idea of being touched by others, ‘Unfamiliar’ others, ‘Other’ others, in a close space AlWAYS makes me cringe. I hate the thought and abhor the action even more. Imagine my delight then, at the mandate of Social/Physical Distancing in this new era of Covid-19! It continues to be my best part of those restrictions which I hope remains in place.

The reality of a fat juicy burger whether well done, medium or rare, that meat part cuddled comfortably and invitingly tantalizing, among the relish, vegetables condiments et al, tempts many a taste bud and lets off eager juices for sure. That Chicken Breast or Fish Fillet, elegantly laced and tastily attired with the appropriate colour also evoke a similar response. For those anti-meat eaters, an attractively dressed Bean, Tofu, Lentil or Veggie Burger complete with frilly and colourful vegetables, certainly create the same effect. In the end both meat eater and vegetarian human will have their way in devouring their love.

What then could be the issue, or is there any, for the meat, chicken, fish, bean or tofu being laid down, sandwiched, enclosed, surrounded, covered, held in by the bun and smothered over from the condiments, vegetables, toppings? What would be any one’s reaction if their burger spoke back at them, crying out for release and demanding to be removed from their enclosure? Would you drop it, dump it and run away, demand that it ‘shuts up, ‘ or would you sink your teeth in even deeper? We perhaps never will know.

What I know is that thrice this past week, I felt like a Big Meat, not a tantalizing piece, but a carelessly thrown slab squashed and huddled uncomfortably close to ‘Unwanted touching.’ As I sat in three different buses at three different times on different routes, persons were just too close to me. I winced for a very brief moment and hoped to reach my destination pretty quickly or at least have the seat free as persons disembarked.

Amid my internal cringing, my thoughts raced down the halls of my mind and bounded up on images of other humans in varying situations in life. There they were, not on buses like I was, but in situations, interactions, spaces where they felt that they were that Big Meat casually tossed on the bun, hardly any dressing on simply naked and rarely done. Others were the less harshly placed Chicken or Fish, yet still barely clad and certainly unappetizing. A small number of them were the Bean and Tofu, unappealingly placed on dry bun who no one would care to even cast any eye on even in their deepest state of hunger.

I wondered how they had found themselves in that unwelcome state, those Big Meat individuals. They who had been dealt a cruel hand and had seriously believed that their size, structure and perceived favourite choice status would have given them the edge. After all everyone appreciates a hefty chunk of solid structure. Those persons sadly, were left out in the cold. Who they thought would have taken the time out to provide them with the necessary perks to accompany their potential had instead thrown them out. They were grabbed at at first, but indecently slabbed in naked form amid a sea of broken bits. How many of you have been a carelessly cast Big Meat? How did you cope with your situation? Who were all around you shoving and jamming into you with disregard?

I continued to think about the Chicken and Fish Fillet individuals who had really been looking forward to be served with the pride and respect they deserved, particularly because they knew they fine form and affableness was craved by many. Unfortunately for them, they were not given the dignity that was due them. So they avenues for their advancement were consistently blocked and their attire so unappealing and bland that they failed to stir the interest that could have made them a force to be reckoned with. Do you think you fit that profile? Have you been presented in an unappetizing light just to conceal your potential and ability? Who knew you could, but rejected you anyway?

My thoughts lingered on to dwell on those Bean and Tofu or Veggie individuals. Yes! the ones with creativity, zest, unconventional ideas and plans that are worth much, would bring an air and season of renewal and freshness but were hidden away because someone thought that shaking up the bottle, stirring the pot, or rocking the boat would not suit their plans. So rather than being placed forward in their different, yet exciting and novel wear, they remained in the box to become soggy, or at the back in the dark. Their voices were not heard or barely acknowledged and would-be tasters never knew what they missed. Where along the table have you yourself been that person? Did you feel as claustrophobic as I did in those buses, those different times on those different routes? Did you attempt to shout through the box or scream out in the darkness? What did you do?

My thoughts reminded me that in some instances some individuals were also existing as filling between the bun parts. They represented those who were simply brought on board when things were falling apart and they were able to enhance the appearance of a failing situation without being recognised for their efforts and vital input. Sometimes they played many roles pretty much like the different condiments and toppings added to those burgers. Their presence was pleasant aesthetically but never taken too deeply. When did You experience that position? What was your response? How did you tolerate it ? Did You?

I was grateful to have reached my destination on all three occasions in one piece and exhaled gratefully to have emerged in whole and not a hot mess. I still detest being huddled close anywhere, do not eat meat burgers at all, but will enjoy and devour a well prepared, chicken, fish, bean or tofu burger with the condiments and vegetables I prefer. Unlike a burger though we all have the ability to make our own waves, enact our changes and make strides to reach our goals despite real serious setbacks. the time may be a little longer but the possibility still exists that success will ensue. As opposed to toppings and fillings, we all are capable of determining where our efforts are best utilised without feeling used.

Whatever our status, Big Meat, Chicken, Fish, Tofu, Bean or Veggie. whatever the filling or topping, we can self-regulate and self-propel.