Talking About Veganism with Family And Friends
learnervegan
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Your go-to app for all things vegan
Responses
OMG this is what we need so much thanks! It would've been helpful if I had articles like these when I first went vegetarian 10.5 years ago (now vegan)
REPLYSame! That would be amazing. My journey started when I was 11 and Sometimes it can be hard to be vegan, so it’s great to read articles like this one!
REPLYI've seen that too, and I don't really think it helps vegans to 'break the ice' with those around them.
REPLYI really feel for that statement. It's hard for me to wrap my head around people loving some animals but eating others, but that's the way it is. Many people aren't able to make the connection yet. And making that statement would put people off. I try to avoid making potentially upsetting statements around people.
REPLYVegans frequently say, "You cant call yourself an animal lover if you eat them." Please stop. This vain sentiment is simply wrong for many, many people. It's also counterproductive, unquestionably. Your accomplishment here is feeding the obnoxious, self-righteous vegan stereotype, as well as vilifying those who, with the approach of friendly educator as opposed to judge & jury, may have had promising potential to be converted. Let them come to that thought on their own. Your jab for Team Vegan is effectively working against the movement. Back when I ate meat and dairy, I wasnt yet educated on the norms of those nightmare industries. Wasnt trying to contribute to harm. Didnt realize what my spending money was supporting. Didnt know how to ethically shop. But I was certainly an animal lover. I volunteer at a wildlife rehab & education center where the large majority of staff and volunteers are not vegan, most not even vegetarian. Every week for low or no pay, some for 50+ hours per, they strenuously intake and care for hundreds of sick, injured, and abandoned animals to be released back into nature. They go the extra mile via multiple platforms to educate about proper coexistence. Come observe the place for a day; I want to hear you say to their faces they aren't animal lovers.
REPLYSuch statements make us aware of the blind spots we might have due to societal indoctrination. Would you agree that, if such statement weren't ever made, the 'animal lovers' you mentioned would never have thought that their food choices were not truly in line with being an animal lover? The same goes for David Attenborough and Jane Goodall (I think they know about it but are just reluctant to change due to the 'usual excuses' ).
REPLYI would not agree. I don’t agree with that even for myself. It’s an opinion. Unless directly asked for your opinion, I believe it’s best to stick to objectivity when promoting veganism. I likely would not have become vegan if just approached with opinions. What motivated me to adopt this lifestyle was learning of the objective truths, the realities and facts via documentaries, as I shuffled out all the fluff. Seeing the raw footage inside factory farms, labs, circuses and zoos, the stats, comparison of cultural norms, hearing from doctors keeping it real, the fact that healthcare executives sit on the boards of fast food parent companies, etc really ignited my critical thought. Becoming aware of brainwashed blind spots is more potent and more likely to be followed by adjustment when self-realized. Those are primarily the people we’re trying to recruit – open-minded, rational people. There’s no chance with the irrational. Regardless, adopting this lifestyle is a highly difficult, complex thing, especially socially with meat- and dairy-eating friends and family, whether us relatively easily living it want to admit it or not.
REPLYWow what an uplifting article. I struggled with a partner & a bunch of friends for years that mocked or disregarded my food choice. I had to eat on my own before coming or having to contend with no food at gatherings. Respecting one's food choice or belief is ultimately respecting a person. If the respect is not there, it is not an honoring relationship. I only realized how liberating it is to finally walk away. Now I have a loving vegetarian partner and a few friends who try to find places where we can both enjoy our meals together. If you are also facing this challenge, be brave and choose to surround yourself with friends who really care for you, just as we choose to care for the animals. 💖🌸🌈
REPLYThat is so true! Plus, you never know who you are influencing by just being you, enjoying your vegan meals, sharing them etc. My husband went vegan 6 years after I did!
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