“If it were not so blindly accepted as a part of our customs and traditions, how could any sensitive person accept the thought that in order to feed ourselves we should kill such a huge number of animals, in spite of the fact that our earth gives us so many different treasures from plants” — unknown
a picture of my brother eating raw vegan pizza -- Raw Soul Restaurant, New York City
I’ve been a vegan since August 2004 and still going strong. Over the years, I’ve gotten into arguments, heated debates, fights, disputes, you name it, over my right to be a vegan. However, I have since calmed down the fighting and have chosen to respond very simply as to why I don’t eat animals:
“Because the same life force that I feel within me, I also feel in animals. The same energy of love and power that’s in me, I also acknowledge in animals. Animals are my friends and I love them. I don’t want to eat my friends.”
Sure, like in my past, I could go on and on and on… about the myriad health reasons that undeniably state why eating flesh is horrible for your health — and from time to time, given the appropriate situation — I still do. But over the years as my mind, body, and spirit has evolved and elevated by living this sort of Way, I’ve become more peaceful about speaking of my decision to become a vegan.
But detractors still abound and are on the hunt for a good argument or joke to refute or embarrass any vegan they spot. It’s something that we vegans will have to deal with for a lifetime. And you know what? That’s okay. It’s okay for people to wonder, question, and dig deep into the reasoning of why someone chooses not to eat animals. But it’s NOT okay for someone to tell someone else that they have no right to be a vegan, and that meat is the ONLY way to go.
These sort of attacks have scared would-be vegans into scarfing down hamburgers to “fit in” — people going against their inner voice. They have tricked people into thinking that if they don’t eat meat then they’ll become sick and die. They have made many a people feel embarrassed and uncertain of their choice to become a vegan.
But let me tell you something, my fellow vegans: You have all the right in the world not to eat animals. This is your Way of living and eating. You made this decision because your spirit spoke to you and let you know that it was the right course for you. You NEVER have to feel embarrassed about not eating animals no matter how much heat you get from your “friends,” family, teachers, preachers, etc.. Whoever. What you are doing is right for YOU and only YOU know what’s right for you — nobody else.
So be proud of your decision. Speak peacefully to those who truly want to learn about your decision. Remain in silence to those who attack you, make fun of you, and try to defeat your character. Those people are only reflecting their inadequacies within and their attack really has NOTHING to do with you at all. Remain steadfast and strong in your decision to preserve life and respect your body.
The time will come when we as a generation realize the wrong we have committed by taking life. In the meanwhile, those that need guidance will look to you. Teach, don’t preach. Tell them your story. Talk about your transformation. Speak of the power and energy and clarity you received when you started to live this Way.
The STORY — your story — is the greatest work of activism you can practice. The story of person who made the decision not to eat animals, live in harmony with all living creatures, and continues to spread love throughout the world.
What’s your story?
Wow. Amazing article David. I know exactly what you’re saying. We should be proud. We should not be silenced and told that we are wrong, or just following a fad.
What Vegans have to live through everyday; the reticule, the lectures about meat being ‘good for you’, or the only way to live healthy, the name calling, and the complete disembodiment from most society.. it’s hard. But we know we are doing the right thing.
I don’t lecture carnivores about their eating habits. If someone asks me about my lifestyle, I tell them. Proudly. And I will continue to do such, as should all vegans worldwide.
Good article.
Thanks so much, Samantha. We simply have to keep on doing what we do :) Thank YOU for being you.
Also, thats looks like an awesome pizza. Yummmm…
Yeah… it’s really yummy — ever make vegan pizza?
I think people can choose to eat whatever they want, and I’m pretty sure that most people on this earth would agree with me. As much as people might make fun of vegans, or try to dissuade them, I think it’s more because vegans are different, and people are just not comfortable with things that are different. However, vegans should also make a point not to do the reverse of what this article discusses- don’t try to tell people eating meat is wrong if you don’t want people to say that being vegan is wrong. A dietary decision is just that, and should never be part of judging another person. However, I will say this about veganism- if everyone were to become vegan, what would happen to the dairy cows who we have bred to constantly need milking? If we don’t eat meat, would there be an overpopulation of domestic animals? Would we need a cull to compensate for what we aren’t eating?
I agree with you, Roy. Thanks for sharing :)
I know I’m late to the party… But I just have to comment anyway -
The reason I see that someone who eats meat can be criticized more than one who does not is very simple… There is no direct, intentional killing involved in the latter. What’s to admonish? The “slaughter” of plants?
And the other comment about what would happen to all the “livestock”? I think it’s reasonable to assume that as our culture adopts gradually to a plant based vegan diet, less and less animals will be bred. Until finally, there are just the “refugees” from the industry, that will be adopted out to sanctuaries and “forever homes”.
The thing is… If you really want a better world – Eat like you mean it! Go Vegan :)
Well said, Bea. It’s never too late…. hehehe
What you say makes a lot of sense. Here’s my take: eating animals isn’t the “problem”, it’s the symptom on a culture that is, for the most part, innocently unaware of how animals are treated. Some of the nicest and most loving people I know eat animals. Let’s help people see the “root” of the issue. Let’s help them understand how animals are treated in America. THEN.. maybe.. they, one their own, will decide to stop eating meat. I find this way much more potent that criticizing anyone for eating animals.
Blessings!!
I agree with Roy. I think for every person who has demeaned a person for their choice of being vegan, there’s probably a vegan who has spoken loftily of their eating choices and then denigrated someone for not being the same. That seems to give vegans a bad name more than anything.
For everyone, eating isn’t a personal, introspective decision, and to assume that everyone will be that way is foolish. Not everyone wants to or is able to spend time researching what they eat, reading labels, trying countless recipes to approximate a comfort food from their past, and proselytizing about their food decisions. I really think that proselytizing part is something that vegans do more than is necessary. Sure, there are some people who want that information but I daresay they will seek it out themselves if they do. There are also people who are coerced into watching “Meet your Meat” or something of the sort who simply don’t want that shoved in their face. That is their own right to be ignorant of how they eat their food (that’s one of the benefits/evils of modern culture), and really, people in the vegan and vegetarian community need to respect that as their own decision.
Yes, I agree David – the root of the problem is the overall treatment of “Others” who go unseen by the vast majority… And there also is the economic factor – untold billions are made by “using” nonhumans.
I just wonder though, about being patient or “nonjudgemental” with those who just haven’t cared to look at the “problem”… Would we be so tolerant if these beings that were being enslaved, tortured, killed – were of our species? Doubtful.
I think the underlying “problem” is rooted in speciesism… And permitting it to go unchallenged does a great disservice to our moral progress; Not to mention the billions and billions of sentient beings.
True indeed, Bea. But let us not think that Man could every destroy Nature. We aren’t powerful enough to EVER do such a thing. All the destruction we’re doing… all the harm to animals…all the chopping down of the forests… these are all steps towards killing OURSELVES. We’re going to be long gone before we even truly put a dent in our Mother — the source. Now is that to say turn a blind eye to the destruction and just “accept” what’s going to happen by using a fatalist philosophy? No, absolutely not. But, I would say, warrants an ever greater INVESTIGATION into why we, on an individual level, are taking part in this destruction. Which is to really ask “why are we killing ourselves.” Once this is solved, there will be no more mistreatment to animals. And no more blatant disregard for our Mother.
Hi David… I just don’t know about man not being able to destroy nature… We have at our fingertips weapons and chemical/biological opportunity to eradicate just about every living creature on the planet. Perhaps insects might survive – (?)
I agree that we must investigate and remedy the ills on an individual basis… But for me part of that must include advocating for rational thinking. It does not behoove us to exploit other species or the planet. When I hear that someone thinks *it’s not really that bad* I must encourage them to see the error in that POV. Everything DOES matter… And veganism does address so many levels of social, spiritual/physical health and planetary issues.
Finally in answer to “why are we killing ourselves”? I think Will Tuttle in The World Peace Diet summed it up like this… Because we are ingesting violence and suffering at every meal, the harm done manifests throughout – in our wars, unhappy lives, ill health, and lack of connectedness to the world. Peace really does begin on your plate.