Just as there is a growing tide of vegans, so there is a rising movement of anti-vegans – so many that there is a term for it, Vegaphobia. The term encompasses those who are so fiercely averse to veganism, they’ll shout at you in the street. The hatred seems to stem from proselytism – the desire of vegans to convert people to a more compassionate lifestyle with an almost religious fervor. It even extends to dating, with some online profiles suggesting ‘No Vegans’ in the preferred partner section.
WILL RANKIN: Vegans and plant-based people have boldly embraced change. They have taken the time to understand some big issues, consider the consequences of certain actions, and actively chosen to take a more compassionate approach to life… Veganism isn’t a sacrifice, rather a leap into a brighter, healthier, happier world. And isn’t is great to share how good you feel? To share some of your knowledge about how eating a glorious, abundant rainbow of foods every day not only tastes amazing but will help you live a longer, healthier life, save hundreds of animal’s lives and help the environment too?
Just as there is a growing tide of vegans, so there is a rising movement of anti-vegans – so many that there is a term for it, Vegaphobia. The term encompasses those who are so fiercely averse to veganism, they’ll shout at you in the street. Or more likely, write ‘but bacon’ on your latest pro-vegan social media thread. But… why?
Author Jonathan Safran Foer, in his (incredible) book ‘Eating Animals’ describes how the long traditions of meat eating are tied up with culture, tradition, religion and celebration. He notes the irony that a lot of festivals which revolve around being thankful are centred around the slaughter of animals.
For some people, breaking cultural or religious traditions might seem taboo. But in certain parts of the world, female genital mutilation is still a traditional non-medical procedure, but definitely not an ethical one. The concept of religion stands atop a hill of respect and love – so why doesn’t this idea extend to non-human animals? I loved the basic concept of the recent film Christspiracy – which boils down to one simple question – “How would Jesus kill an animal?”
Over and above the weak, flawed argument of culture and tradition (let’s not forget slavery was once culturally acceptable for a large part of the world), the hatred seems to stem from proselytism – the desire of vegans to convert people to a more compassionate lifestyle with an almost religious fervour. It even extends to dating, with some online profiles suggesting ‘No Vegans’ in the preferred partner section…
Yogi Anjaan, perhaps put it best when he said: “People are not against vegans, they are simply protecting what they believe to be the truth; what they feel is the right way to be. Their mentality causes conflict and tension. When they react aggressively, ignore them! You cannot change someone, you can simply set the example – shine your light.
“You should be a lighthouse – the boats that see the light safely reach the shore. The ones which ignore it, crash. You cannot control or steer the boat. As a person sensitive to the pain animals feel, I can only live by example. Veganism goes beyond non-violence to animals, it also includes non-violence to yourself.
“The first animal you really need to love is yourself. The minute you take offence, or let someone destroy your equilibrium, you are not being loving to yourself.”
History shows us that many new, even mildly radical ideas were rejected and fought against. Veganism may have been around for as long as humans, but the fact we live in an era where it’s catching on suggests we are moving towards a more compassionate existence – and surely, we can all agree, that’s a good place to be. SOURCE…
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