Animal exploitation begins with the desire to eat meat, then works backwards in order to search for reasons why it is OK.
Veganism isn't conjured up from a desire to not eat meat, which then motivates me to find reasons to support this urge. Veganism is a conclusion to draw from the facts.
The two paths don't usually meet because the driving force behind one, is the need to seek out and share the whole truth, whereas because the opposition is born out of the desire to fulfill self indulgent urges, the conclusion (that eating meat is fine) has been drawn before the 'argument' is even heard, and regardless of any evidence I might put forward to the contrary.
Have you read Vegan's Daily Companion by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau? It is full of recipes, stories, facts, and stuff. My favorite entries are the ones in which she gives advice on how to be a diplomatic vegan, how to talk to people when they say "but where do you get your protein?" or "if we aren't supposed to eat animals, why are they made out of meat?" She gives very good responses and explains about the types of people who ask them. Some people are curious, while others feel guilty and want to goad you or pick a fight. The truth is everyone knows that eating animals is bad, but they are so emotionally attached to taste and tradition. I just try to live by example, like the friend who inspired me to be vegan. She is the happiest, healthiest, most fun person to be around. She never brought up being vegan unless you asked and being so nice and friendly you just wanted to ask her. She was a shining example for me. I hope I can be the same to others.
ReplyDeleteThanks Chelsea will definitely stick that on my to read list!
ReplyDeleteI know what you're saying about living by example...I just can't seem to shake the feeling that I need to do more. Maybe it's because this is new to me and so all these things I'm feeling for the first time are so overwhelming. I feel like if I miss out on an opportunity to tell someone (and I don't mean in an aggressive way or anything) then I'm not doing enough. I don't know...I'm hoping I'll find my place soon enough and be confident that I'm acting in the best possible way. I think it's definitely important to be likable though, like you say, so I must make sure that I don't come across judgmental or forceful, so people don't get their backs up.
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You say you feel like you need to be doing more, have you thought about joining a vegan group in your area? If there isn't one, then start one! Potlucks are the way to go. I've been thinking of starting a food book club or something. Or maybe you could volunteer at an animal shelter, I bet people there would be happy to hear your views on kindness.
ReplyDeleteI like both of those ideas...I'm gonna go and do some planning...will keep you posted!
ReplyDeleteThank you xx
Yeah, I agree with the vegan group thing - my area is small so we started one ourselves. We had a live rooster in attendance of our 9-person potluck! :)
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to dealing with people who are super defensive, I just...don't. I saw Colleen speak a couple weekends ago, and she said to spend your time and energy on the people who are open and receptive, instead of banging your head against a wall over the people who aren't. She didn't use those exact words, but it's a wise (and easy to forget!) message!
Thank you two ladies, really, you've talked me down from my truth pushing ledge, and made me realise that trying to 'convert' people who are completely unreceptive is such a waste of my time and energy, which could be spend so much more productively!! Gah! It's so difficult!
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Win them over with food! I've gotten quite a few people to eat more vegan things just by showing them how easy & good it is. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult dealing with others and I agree about the living by example thing. I've found that people will come to me with questions, which is awesome and so much easier than me bringing it up. They're much more receptive then.
Yeah, the food thing is a biggie...I need to become a better cook and feed people my tasty treats, will get on it asap!
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