There's tons of these out there ... it's just craziness. :)
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Why Vegans are Vegans.
Here is the list I have compiled as reasons for someone to become a vegetarian:
- Healthier eating
- Animal welfare
- Destruction of the environment
- Getting skinny
- Food shortage prevention
- Disease prevention
There are many reasons people decide to become a vegetarian or vegan. Whatever the reason, I think that if someone believes in something strong enough to change their lifestyle to support it than they deserve some serious respect. Especially when the goal of their sacrifices are benificial to our environment.
“For modern animal agriculture, the less the consumer knows about what’s happening before the meat hits the plate, the better." -Peter Cheeke, PhD, Oregon State U. Professor of Animal AgricultureContemporary Issues in Animal Agriculture, 2004 textbook
- Healthier eating
- Animal welfare
- Destruction of the environment
- Getting skinny
- Food shortage prevention
- Disease prevention
There are many reasons people decide to become a vegetarian or vegan. Whatever the reason, I think that if someone believes in something strong enough to change their lifestyle to support it than they deserve some serious respect. Especially when the goal of their sacrifices are benificial to our environment.
“For modern animal agriculture, the less the consumer knows about what’s happening before the meat hits the plate, the better." -Peter Cheeke, PhD, Oregon State U. Professor of Animal AgricultureContemporary Issues in Animal Agriculture, 2004 textbook
Saturday, April 25, 2009
The trickiest part for me
Besides shopping and the will power of maintaining a vegan diet, the hardest part for me is the social aspect we have surrounding food. When it comes to dinner with friends and family I always feel like such an inconvenience. They either feel obligated to cater to my vegan diet, or they are dissapointed that I don't partake of their lovingly prepared food. And when it comes to restaurants, my selection is always so limited so friends feel guilty when they want to pick a steak house or fast food restaurant that never had vegans in mind when creating the menus. My support of animal welfare doesn't come without a price I guess.
I sometimes wonder if it's worth the trouble ... then I think back onto the videos I've seen of animals being raised and slaughtered in such terrible ways, and I realize ... it's more than worth it.
I sometimes wonder if it's worth the trouble ... then I think back onto the videos I've seen of animals being raised and slaughtered in such terrible ways, and I realize ... it's more than worth it.
Vegan Outreach
Thursday, April 23, 2009
The guts and gore
There are many videos out there to be watched that stun you into realization about animal cruelty. But the Mercy for Animals group has produced a few that I'd like to share. I sometimes wondered whether there was a best of two evils, but after watching these videos and reading on each of the meat types. I'm not sure there is a best of any of these evils.
Undercover Turkey Slaughterhouse
AGAIN - keep in mind these are worst case scenarios and do no represent ALL farming situations. Take away from this that these things ARE happening, and they are going on widely unregulated.Monday, April 20, 2009
Uh-Oh, here's a snag.
I ran across this little tid-bit as I was surfing. Thought I'd share. Seems that young adults who are, or were, vegetarians are at a higher risk of eating disorders. Definitely something to keep in mind if incorporating a vegetarian diet into your family lifestyle.
Raising children on a vegetarian diet, is something that is definitely critized in the American Society. Many people will say that the growing childs body needs more fats, calories, vitamins, and nutrients than a vegetarian diet would ever be able to support. They would even claim that it is unethical to raise a child souly upon a vegetarian diet. One nutritionist gave just such an objection in this article, but was generally over ruled by other specialists who agree that a vegetarian diet, if well maintained, will be just as healthy (if not more) than a regular omnivore's diet. However they do stress the need for added calcium, protein, and vitamin B12, and one suggests that a vegetarian diet with dairy would be best.
Raising children on a vegetarian diet, is something that is definitely critized in the American Society. Many people will say that the growing childs body needs more fats, calories, vitamins, and nutrients than a vegetarian diet would ever be able to support. They would even claim that it is unethical to raise a child souly upon a vegetarian diet. One nutritionist gave just such an objection in this article, but was generally over ruled by other specialists who agree that a vegetarian diet, if well maintained, will be just as healthy (if not more) than a regular omnivore's diet. However they do stress the need for added calcium, protein, and vitamin B12, and one suggests that a vegetarian diet with dairy would be best.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Books I've read
You know how they say you can't believe everything you read? Well, I'd like to edit that a bit and just disclaim that you can't take to heart everything you read. I've read two books now related to vegetarians, and between them and the postings on websites, the most common thing used to convince the reader is the shock factor. It may be true that horrible things happen to animals during the slaughtering process, or that there are animals living their entire lives inside of small cages without any sun light or room to roam, but keep in mind that these examples are being used as worst case scenarios. It does not mean that ALL animals that we consume are raised and treated cruelly. I am continually amazed at the content that I have come across when watching the videos online and reading the stories in the books and on the websites, but being raised around farms and having two sets of uncles who own cattle ranches, I personally know that it does not portray an accurate picture of all farming. So while I recommend the following books, please keep in mind that most of the extreme things they use as examples are from factory farming. Which is what most vegetarians are adopting their lifestyle to try and reduce consumer need for.
Skinny Bitch: I mentioned before that I have a friend who decided to go vegan and most recently switched to raw-foodism, and it was she that prompted my decision to read Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin. It was actually the first thing I did when I decided to take on this project. Mostly because my friend literally went from a normal omnivore diet straight to veganism after reading this book. It was not her only source of information but it was what kickstarted her transformation. I remember while she was reading it what a dramatic affect it had on her and I made her swear then and there not to tell me any piece of it. I loved my meat and dairy and I didn't want anything parting me from it. But when I looked into starting this project I immediately contacted her to find out the name of this book. I figured if it had such a drastic affect on her that it was worth reading now that I was getting myself into a territory I tried so whole heartedly to avoid in the past. And while the book was interesting, and definitely impactful, I can't say I got a lot out of it as far as resource for informational purposes. It's a great read and I'd suggest it to anyone who is thinking about becoming a vegetarian. But truly it's more of a kick in the pants, tough love introduction to veganism. The authors are playing on societies desire to be skinny and beautiful, but if you look past all their jokes and attempts to convince you that you'll get skinny by being a vegetarian, you can tell the two ladies really do have a passion for animal welfare and while this approach is a "seller" it is also ultimately going to accomplish their mutual ideals for animal rights. I don't begrudge them their technique, it's obviously making them a lot of money and getting the word out in a faster way than most have done, but the book itself should not be used as your only resource when making the decision to be a vegetarian or not. It is however a fun introduction.
The Omnivores Dilemma: A VERY interesting book by Michael Pollan that covers a wide range of topics from what to eat, where food comes from, self sustaining farming, and the impact individuals have on the welfare of the environment and the animals within it. This book was suggested to me by an employee at Barnes and Nobles. I had asked whether there was a section on vegetarians and he directed me to a spot with many cookbooks and a few vegetarian intro books. But about 30 seconds later showed up again from a different section with this book in hand. He said that he and his wife had been vegetarians for 10 years now and that this book was one of the best he had come across. Well after that intro, I couldn't help but purchase it. The author uncovers the details of what we eat by following 4 meals from their origin to consumption. I would recommend this to any reader, much less vegetarians. He doesn't say you have to be a vegetarian, just that you should know what you're eating and how it came to you, and definitely not to accept fad diets that go against years of evolutionary eating habits. You can tell from the book that Michael is very passionate about his subject. Here's a man who didn't just study his topic, but actually lived it and recorded his findings (of which many are very surprising and mind changing) for the readers advantage.
Skinny Bitch: I mentioned before that I have a friend who decided to go vegan and most recently switched to raw-foodism, and it was she that prompted my decision to read Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin. It was actually the first thing I did when I decided to take on this project. Mostly because my friend literally went from a normal omnivore diet straight to veganism after reading this book. It was not her only source of information but it was what kickstarted her transformation. I remember while she was reading it what a dramatic affect it had on her and I made her swear then and there not to tell me any piece of it. I loved my meat and dairy and I didn't want anything parting me from it. But when I looked into starting this project I immediately contacted her to find out the name of this book. I figured if it had such a drastic affect on her that it was worth reading now that I was getting myself into a territory I tried so whole heartedly to avoid in the past. And while the book was interesting, and definitely impactful, I can't say I got a lot out of it as far as resource for informational purposes. It's a great read and I'd suggest it to anyone who is thinking about becoming a vegetarian. But truly it's more of a kick in the pants, tough love introduction to veganism. The authors are playing on societies desire to be skinny and beautiful, but if you look past all their jokes and attempts to convince you that you'll get skinny by being a vegetarian, you can tell the two ladies really do have a passion for animal welfare and while this approach is a "seller" it is also ultimately going to accomplish their mutual ideals for animal rights. I don't begrudge them their technique, it's obviously making them a lot of money and getting the word out in a faster way than most have done, but the book itself should not be used as your only resource when making the decision to be a vegetarian or not. It is however a fun introduction.
The Omnivores Dilemma: A VERY interesting book by Michael Pollan that covers a wide range of topics from what to eat, where food comes from, self sustaining farming, and the impact individuals have on the welfare of the environment and the animals within it. This book was suggested to me by an employee at Barnes and Nobles. I had asked whether there was a section on vegetarians and he directed me to a spot with many cookbooks and a few vegetarian intro books. But about 30 seconds later showed up again from a different section with this book in hand. He said that he and his wife had been vegetarians for 10 years now and that this book was one of the best he had come across. Well after that intro, I couldn't help but purchase it. The author uncovers the details of what we eat by following 4 meals from their origin to consumption. I would recommend this to any reader, much less vegetarians. He doesn't say you have to be a vegetarian, just that you should know what you're eating and how it came to you, and definitely not to accept fad diets that go against years of evolutionary eating habits. You can tell from the book that Michael is very passionate about his subject. Here's a man who didn't just study his topic, but actually lived it and recorded his findings (of which many are very surprising and mind changing) for the readers advantage.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Raw Foodist update
I have discovered that raw foodism is a whole other animal of a topic to dive into. I'm interested to see Shandra's results, but honestly the little research I did on it scares me a bit. I'll leave this one alone for now. Interesting, but worth more specific attention, and I'm still trying to wrap my mind around veganism at the moment. :)
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Vegan Gone Raw
One of my best friends from Alaska is a Vegan, and she recently one upped the vegans by becoming a raw-foodist. I'll have to check into this a bit further to give you a decent definition of a raw-foodist. But in the mean time, here is her blog link about her new raw-foodist adventures.
Monday, April 13, 2009
What affect does livestock have on the environment?
A HUGE one. According to the FAO report, Livestock’s Long Shadow –Environmental Issues and Options, “The environmental costs per unit of livestock production must be cut by one half, just to avoid the level of damage worsening beyond its present level.”
Not only does the livestock sector generate more greenhouse gas emissions as measured in CO2 equivalent – 18 percent – than transport, but there are also major land degradation problems that are present in areas used for livestock farming. "Livestock now use 30 percent of the earth’s entire land surface, mostly permanent pasture but also including 33 percent of the global arable land used to producing feed for livestock. As forests are cleared to create new pastures, it is a major driver of deforestation, especially in Latin America where, for example, some 70 percent of former forests in the Amazon have been turned over to grazing, " the report notes.
These statistics alone, nock my socks off! It makes me wonder if there will come a day when the human population is forced to adopt some form of a vegetarian diet, just to exist! And by then will we have created too many harmful effects on the environment to be able to support the vegetation needed to feed the multitudes?
Not only does the livestock sector generate more greenhouse gas emissions as measured in CO2 equivalent – 18 percent – than transport, but there are also major land degradation problems that are present in areas used for livestock farming. "Livestock now use 30 percent of the earth’s entire land surface, mostly permanent pasture but also including 33 percent of the global arable land used to producing feed for livestock. As forests are cleared to create new pastures, it is a major driver of deforestation, especially in Latin America where, for example, some 70 percent of former forests in the Amazon have been turned over to grazing, " the report notes.
These statistics alone, nock my socks off! It makes me wonder if there will come a day when the human population is forced to adopt some form of a vegetarian diet, just to exist! And by then will we have created too many harmful effects on the environment to be able to support the vegetation needed to feed the multitudes?
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Food Coop
The more I get into the vegetarian diet, the more I realize the quality of vegetables varies greatly. And the more I consume (which is obviously much more than I used to on my regular diet) the more I am aware of the waxy crap coating my fruits, and the chemicals on my vegetables. I wash all my produce, but I actually cut into a cucumber the other day that had enough of whatever chemical goes on it to contaminate the taste of the inner part of the cucumber. It was disgusting. I threw the entire thing out. What a waste.
So I started looking at the organic section of the grocery store. Now the biggest problem I had here is the sticker shock. Everything is so much cheaper compared to organic food. My strawberries cost twice as much in this section than they did from the normal produce isle. This mad me sad. It's already been more expensive switching to this diet. And that number was starting to look even more outrageous. So I went home and started searching out coops in my neighborhood. There is a very simple little site that has a listing of all the coops in your area. Turns out I have a coop only 6 minutes from my home. I wrote down a few of the recipes that I wanted to try from my Skinny Bitch book and headed over there. Right now, my only complaint is that the hours are not nearly as convenient as super markets. Other than that, I loved the place. It had a huge variety of organic foods, much more reasonably priced than the supermarket did. I spent just about the same amount on my groceries as I had going to a normal grocer. Which made me happy. And to top it off, I am now supporting the small community of organic farmers who are sticking to there guns and producing in an environmentally friendly way, which makes me feel pretty damn good. I like those folks.
If you don't know yet what coop is, here is a link that describes perfectly what a coop is.
The cool thing about this coop is that they are very involved in the community. With out reach programs, healthy living tips, and updates on agriculture and environmental issues. Plus they go out of there way to provide great customer service.
"At Lakewinds, we take pride in being unlike other stores, and one difference we think you’ll appreciate is our effort to provide you with the best customer service possible. To exceed your expectations, our staff truly needs to know about our products and services. That is why we invest in extensive employee training in areas such as membership, customer service and natural foods. Whether you are speaking to the person working in produce or at the deli, you will be talking with someone who cares about service and who wants to ensure you have a uniquely satisfying shopping experience."
Who could ask for more?
I love them.
So I started looking at the organic section of the grocery store. Now the biggest problem I had here is the sticker shock. Everything is so much cheaper compared to organic food. My strawberries cost twice as much in this section than they did from the normal produce isle. This mad me sad. It's already been more expensive switching to this diet. And that number was starting to look even more outrageous. So I went home and started searching out coops in my neighborhood. There is a very simple little site that has a listing of all the coops in your area. Turns out I have a coop only 6 minutes from my home. I wrote down a few of the recipes that I wanted to try from my Skinny Bitch book and headed over there. Right now, my only complaint is that the hours are not nearly as convenient as super markets. Other than that, I loved the place. It had a huge variety of organic foods, much more reasonably priced than the supermarket did. I spent just about the same amount on my groceries as I had going to a normal grocer. Which made me happy. And to top it off, I am now supporting the small community of organic farmers who are sticking to there guns and producing in an environmentally friendly way, which makes me feel pretty damn good. I like those folks.
If you don't know yet what coop is, here is a link that describes perfectly what a coop is.
The cool thing about this coop is that they are very involved in the community. With out reach programs, healthy living tips, and updates on agriculture and environmental issues. Plus they go out of there way to provide great customer service.
"At Lakewinds, we take pride in being unlike other stores, and one difference we think you’ll appreciate is our effort to provide you with the best customer service possible. To exceed your expectations, our staff truly needs to know about our products and services. That is why we invest in extensive employee training in areas such as membership, customer service and natural foods. Whether you are speaking to the person working in produce or at the deli, you will be talking with someone who cares about service and who wants to ensure you have a uniquely satisfying shopping experience."
Who could ask for more?
I love them.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Diet Analysis
One of the biggest concerns for people when becoming a vegetarian or vegan is your daily intake of nutrients and vitamins. I used a dietary tracking program to find out whether or not I was crossing any dangerous bridges, and it turns out that on my new diet I am actually consuming much more of my recommended daily values. I recorded a week before and after my diet started and the week before was lacking in more vitamins an nutrients than the week I started my vegan diet. Now I don't really contribute all this souly to becoming a Vegan. It's not like I couldn't have eaten the same things in addition to my regular diet. But the fact is, I wasn't. I filled myself with more convenience foods that were high in sodium and low in diverse nutrients. Especially my meat and cheese sandwiches or burritos.
On a Vegan diet you are forced to eat more vegetables and fruit just to fill yourself. And the more you have to pay attention to your diet, it is inevitable that you will begin to eat healthier. I noticed that I was eating more regularly because I was forced to pre plan my meals. And those meals consisted of more diverse vegetables and fruits because I grew tired of the same vegetables and fruits faster than I would normally do with my convenience foods.
There are however very valid risks when avoiding all animal byproducts. The most significant being your bodies need for B12 (which if you didn't already know, is only found in animal byproducts). Vegetarians are still able gain B12 through dairy products, but as a Vegan this vitamin would have to be supplemented. There is also the problem of maintaining complete proteins. Meats and dairy are made up of complete proteins that also have properties that help the body better absorb the proteins from vegetables. So without the meat and dairy products it's a good idea to pair your protein intake from other sources to create complete proteins. Here are some other great things to consider when adopting a Vegan diet.
On a Vegan diet you are forced to eat more vegetables and fruit just to fill yourself. And the more you have to pay attention to your diet, it is inevitable that you will begin to eat healthier. I noticed that I was eating more regularly because I was forced to pre plan my meals. And those meals consisted of more diverse vegetables and fruits because I grew tired of the same vegetables and fruits faster than I would normally do with my convenience foods.
There are however very valid risks when avoiding all animal byproducts. The most significant being your bodies need for B12 (which if you didn't already know, is only found in animal byproducts). Vegetarians are still able gain B12 through dairy products, but as a Vegan this vitamin would have to be supplemented. There is also the problem of maintaining complete proteins. Meats and dairy are made up of complete proteins that also have properties that help the body better absorb the proteins from vegetables. So without the meat and dairy products it's a good idea to pair your protein intake from other sources to create complete proteins. Here are some other great things to consider when adopting a Vegan diet.
Vegan Food Pyramid.jpg
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Sacrifices
When considering a Vegan lifestyle, take a good look at your regular routine and note just how much of your social life revolves around food.
Drinks and apps with friends at the bar, dinner dates, quick lunches between class, nachos on a good movie night, barbecues, family dinners, picnics, ice cream runs, Birthday cakes, the list goes on and on.
Now take a look at those situations and think about how often the food exposed to you during those times are vegetarian, much less vegan. And for that matter, how many people in your party are vegetarian or vegan as well? Will they think to include a vegan dish for you? Are they thinking about what you can or can't eat when choosing a restaurant for dinner? Do they have an obligation to adjust their meal, appetizer, or dinner location to your eating habits? Or better yet, would you expect them to?
If you're having trouble finding a place to go out with your non-vegan friends, try Triple Rock Social Club. Not only do they have fantastic vegan food, but they have great All-American meaty choices for your carnivorous friends, paired with a fantastic atmosphere that will keep up with any of your social groups.
I've also added a couple links under the Vegan Quest Sites section of the blog (look to your right) that have very decent vegan/vegetarian recipes. Because Lord knows one of my biggest obsticals within this diet change has been discovering what to eat. I have definitely discovered that convenience food is rarely suitable for a vegan diet. Almost everything that is fast food contains meat or dairy; whether from a restaurant chain or just grab-and-go items from the grocery store. Convenience is certainly one of the things that has to be sacrificed by adopting a diet such as this. No more quick stops at Taco Bell or Wendy's, (unless of course you want a terrible clone of a salad or bean and onion burrito). If I don't plan the meals and snacks ahead of time than I am usually left without eating.
So here's a bonus to my newly adopted eating habits, forced discipline.
Drinks and apps with friends at the bar, dinner dates, quick lunches between class, nachos on a good movie night, barbecues, family dinners, picnics, ice cream runs, Birthday cakes, the list goes on and on.
Now take a look at those situations and think about how often the food exposed to you during those times are vegetarian, much less vegan. And for that matter, how many people in your party are vegetarian or vegan as well? Will they think to include a vegan dish for you? Are they thinking about what you can or can't eat when choosing a restaurant for dinner? Do they have an obligation to adjust their meal, appetizer, or dinner location to your eating habits? Or better yet, would you expect them to?
If you're having trouble finding a place to go out with your non-vegan friends, try Triple Rock Social Club. Not only do they have fantastic vegan food, but they have great All-American meaty choices for your carnivorous friends, paired with a fantastic atmosphere that will keep up with any of your social groups.
I've also added a couple links under the Vegan Quest Sites section of the blog (look to your right) that have very decent vegan/vegetarian recipes. Because Lord knows one of my biggest obsticals within this diet change has been discovering what to eat. I have definitely discovered that convenience food is rarely suitable for a vegan diet. Almost everything that is fast food contains meat or dairy; whether from a restaurant chain or just grab-and-go items from the grocery store. Convenience is certainly one of the things that has to be sacrificed by adopting a diet such as this. No more quick stops at Taco Bell or Wendy's, (unless of course you want a terrible clone of a salad or bean and onion burrito). If I don't plan the meals and snacks ahead of time than I am usually left without eating.
So here's a bonus to my newly adopted eating habits, forced discipline.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Thursday, April 02, 2009
You, me, and the rest of the world
Today I am reflecting upon the stereotypes that come along with being a vegetarian or a vegan.
Like I've said before, when it comes to vegetarians one can range anywhere from the extreme, to the casual follower, to the band wagon yo-yo'er. I fall fairly close to the casual follower side of things. While I am adhering to the strict diet of a vegan, I have not adopted a finite reason behind continuing the lifestyle. Let's just say I'm casually supporting the idea while I form my more solid opinion. Experimenting if you will. But this diversity (as in any social group) is what leads to many of the stereotypes placed upon vegetarians. Most people have met, lived with, dated, had a random encounter, grew up around, or heard of someone who is a vegetarian, and the impression you have of them has given you an idea of what all vegetarians are like. It's not your fault. It's human nature to use what is familiar or known to you as a foundation for your opinions. But, many times our human nature is misguided, and/or ignorant.
On average, I have noticed that the reactions from friends, family, and strangers to me adopting a vegan diet has been fairly negative. And when I say negative, I do not mean that anyone is rude or mean to me. Rather, most have responded with negative skepticism. I've come across a lot of doubt as to any valid reason for becoming a vegan. I personally have a convenient cop-out explanation that usually gets people off my back, in that I am simply "exploring" the idea as a school project. But should I decide to maintain this type of a diet, I'd feel pressured to have a solid defense as to why I've done so, (if only to avoid the cynicism that comes along with the uncouth idea of negating meat from your diet).
This leads me to my first impression of stereotyping within the vegan world; in a nutshell ... you're crazy. Crazy to 1) think that your small stand against the consumption of meat is going to have any affect (this is silly by the way, are we American's built on the power of one, or aren't we?), 2) think that animals "feel-bads" are more significant than enjoying a good steak or ham (*a totally valid personal opinion argument*), 3) think that you'll be able to live off of vegetables alone (well that's just an uneducated assumption, now isn't it?), and 4) think that you'll be able to go from a born-and-raised meat eater, to a successful veggy eating wholist (well, I wonder this everyday too).
A second stereotype I've come across is that if you care this much about the welfare of animals, you should care that much about everything that affects the welfare of animals. For example, as a vegetarian who is against animal cruelity, one should not 1) own any type of leather product, 2) enjoy the circus, 3) use any product tested on animals, 4) support the use of animals in scientific testing, 5) kill spiders in your house, 6) kill mice in your house, 7) kill any living creature pest/threat/or sport alike, etc., etc., etc. To all these, and any more extremist views pushed upon upcoming or long standing vegans/vegetarians, I roll my eyes and say, "Come on now, stop being such an ass." Truly, don't judge me because I've got a conscience and I'm taking a small step to support what I feel like has become a grossly over marketed killing spree of animal life. That's like saying I can't vote unless I vote ALL the time, and for every issue. Vegetarians aren't hypocrits for only supporting a piece of animal welfare. Settle down folks.
This leads me into my third discovery, and that is, while we vegetarians may not be hypocrits, there are some of us who are a bit righteous. And when I say a bit, well, I mean it can get pretty ridiculous. I have to look at this like any type of belief system, and realize that one can get a bit wrapped up in it. For example, I try not to be too judgemental about the religious groups who are so zealous about saving the world and looking down upon the non-believers. But sometimes, with some of the vegetarians I have encountered, I could swear they must have some vegetable heaven bible that gives them the authority to judge all the non-believers and anti-supporters. I mean come on now, you're not a better person just because you don't eat meat. That's just silliness. Believe in your cause, I support your efforts, but don't be a righteous ass. You are the reason that the rest of us get snubbed when we try to order food without the added biproduct.
So in conclusion while some vegetarians are crazy, animal welfare extremists, and righteous, we aren't all that way. So lets not be too hasty with the judging.
Like I've said before, when it comes to vegetarians one can range anywhere from the extreme, to the casual follower, to the band wagon yo-yo'er. I fall fairly close to the casual follower side of things. While I am adhering to the strict diet of a vegan, I have not adopted a finite reason behind continuing the lifestyle. Let's just say I'm casually supporting the idea while I form my more solid opinion. Experimenting if you will. But this diversity (as in any social group) is what leads to many of the stereotypes placed upon vegetarians. Most people have met, lived with, dated, had a random encounter, grew up around, or heard of someone who is a vegetarian, and the impression you have of them has given you an idea of what all vegetarians are like. It's not your fault. It's human nature to use what is familiar or known to you as a foundation for your opinions. But, many times our human nature is misguided, and/or ignorant.
On average, I have noticed that the reactions from friends, family, and strangers to me adopting a vegan diet has been fairly negative. And when I say negative, I do not mean that anyone is rude or mean to me. Rather, most have responded with negative skepticism. I've come across a lot of doubt as to any valid reason for becoming a vegan. I personally have a convenient cop-out explanation that usually gets people off my back, in that I am simply "exploring" the idea as a school project. But should I decide to maintain this type of a diet, I'd feel pressured to have a solid defense as to why I've done so, (if only to avoid the cynicism that comes along with the uncouth idea of negating meat from your diet).
This leads me to my first impression of stereotyping within the vegan world; in a nutshell ... you're crazy. Crazy to 1) think that your small stand against the consumption of meat is going to have any affect (this is silly by the way, are we American's built on the power of one, or aren't we?), 2) think that animals "feel-bads" are more significant than enjoying a good steak or ham (*a totally valid personal opinion argument*), 3) think that you'll be able to live off of vegetables alone (well that's just an uneducated assumption, now isn't it?), and 4) think that you'll be able to go from a born-and-raised meat eater, to a successful veggy eating wholist (well, I wonder this everyday too).
A second stereotype I've come across is that if you care this much about the welfare of animals, you should care that much about everything that affects the welfare of animals. For example, as a vegetarian who is against animal cruelity, one should not 1) own any type of leather product, 2) enjoy the circus, 3) use any product tested on animals, 4) support the use of animals in scientific testing, 5) kill spiders in your house, 6) kill mice in your house, 7) kill any living creature pest/threat/or sport alike, etc., etc., etc. To all these, and any more extremist views pushed upon upcoming or long standing vegans/vegetarians, I roll my eyes and say, "Come on now, stop being such an ass." Truly, don't judge me because I've got a conscience and I'm taking a small step to support what I feel like has become a grossly over marketed killing spree of animal life. That's like saying I can't vote unless I vote ALL the time, and for every issue. Vegetarians aren't hypocrits for only supporting a piece of animal welfare. Settle down folks.
This leads me into my third discovery, and that is, while we vegetarians may not be hypocrits, there are some of us who are a bit righteous. And when I say a bit, well, I mean it can get pretty ridiculous. I have to look at this like any type of belief system, and realize that one can get a bit wrapped up in it. For example, I try not to be too judgemental about the religious groups who are so zealous about saving the world and looking down upon the non-believers. But sometimes, with some of the vegetarians I have encountered, I could swear they must have some vegetable heaven bible that gives them the authority to judge all the non-believers and anti-supporters. I mean come on now, you're not a better person just because you don't eat meat. That's just silliness. Believe in your cause, I support your efforts, but don't be a righteous ass. You are the reason that the rest of us get snubbed when we try to order food without the added biproduct.
So in conclusion while some vegetarians are crazy, animal welfare extremists, and righteous, we aren't all that way. So lets not be too hasty with the judging.
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