The Vegan Community

Kiana Brown

Professor McRaven

COMS 410

September 22, 2016

THE VEGAN COMMUNITY

        What exactly is veganism? It is a lifestyle that evades all forms of animal products such as meat, dairy, eggs, and honey; animal derived products like leather; and, as far as possible, products tested on animals. The official Vegan Society states that, “veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose”. Interesting enough, evidence of people deciding to avoid animal products can be traced as early as 2,000 years ago. As early as 500 BCE, Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras encouraged benevolence among all species and followed what could be described as a vegetarian diet. About the same time, Buddha was discussing vegetarian diet pathways with his fellow followers. Fast forwards to November 1944, Donald Watson summoned a meeting with five other non-dairy vegetarians to further examine non-dairy vegetarian diets and lifestyles. Though many held similar views at the time, these six founding pioneers were the first to actively discover a new movement. At the same time, the members felt a new title was required to label themselves; something more brief than ‘non-dairy vegetarians’. Finally, they agreed to ‘vegan’, which contains the beginning and ending of vegetarian. Donald Watson stated it marked “the beginning and end of vegetarian.”

        Many people decide to become vegan for health, environmental, and ethical reasons. For instance, various vegans believe that one promotes the meat industry by consuming egg and dairy products. That is, once dairy cows or egg-laying chickens are too aged to be active, they are often sold as meat; and since male calves do not produce milk, they usually are raised for veal or other different products. Some vegans avoid these items because conditions correlated with their production. Many vegans choose this specific lifestyle to encourage a more humane and tending world. They know they are not perfect, but they believe they have a responsibility to try to do their best, while not being judgmental to others.

        Preventing the exploitation of animal creatures is not the only reason for choosing a vegan lifestyle, but for many it remains a key factor in the decision making process to go vegan and stay vegan. Having emotional connections with animals may shape part of that reason as well, while many believe that all living creatures have the right to life and freedom. Also, more and more people are turning to a vegan diet more or so for health reasons: improved energy, younger looking skin and eternal youth. The plant-based sources of the nutrients are low in saturated fat, high in fiber and full or antioxidants, helping alleviate some of the modern world’s biggest health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. From recycling household debris to cycling to work, vegans all aware of ways to live a greener life. One of the most effective examples an individual can do to decrease their carbon footprint is to avoid all animal products.

        As numerous aspiring vegans are discovering, the shift from omnivore to complete herbivore is filled with physical, social, and economic challenges. The effort to sacrifice favorite foods such as cheese and butter can be made all the harder by judgmental words and eye-rolling from insensitive friends and family members. Aspiring vegans express that it’s hard to give up favorable foods and adjust to the taste of substitutes for butter and dairy products. It can also be hard to confront friends and family; to go out to eat with non-vegans, and explain your perception without being pushy.

        While approaching this community, I’m anxious to learn about the brutality that animals have to go through in regards to agriculture and production processing. However, I’ve always held many levels of resistance to veganism. For one, its not a simple and easy lifestyle to begin. Typically, restaurants have between zero to one vegan dishes to choose from. In addition, a big challenge for myself would be sacrificing any form of meat and dairy, because I consume meat at least 2-3 times a day. The world was made for omnivores, so therefore, you’re setting yourself up to be placed in a tiny corner if you only allow plants into your body. Also, life feeds on other life, and that’s a reality we have to be willing to accept. Animals kill other animals. Humans are also animals; and humans could not have gotten where we are today without killing or dismembering animals.