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.
No comments:
Post a Comment