Superior Veg*ns?
Ok, I was prompted to post this after reading the "why are you veg*n" post, but didn't think it was totally related to that because it is more of a rant than anything.
My aunt is in PETA and says she's a vegetarian, (although I've seen her sneak meat on various occasions when she didn't think anyone was watching, and she tries to justify it when she gets caught) and eats cheese like it's goin out of style. Anyway, yesterday we were at a family wedding and she started getting all buddy-buddy with me b/c she knows I'm veggie, and started going off on one of her PETA tirades to everyone at the table (sorry to offend anyone in PETA). So, when she brought me into the conversation, I simply stated that I understand her concern for animal cruelty and share those concerns, but my main reason for going veg is the environment. The rest of the table was baffled (in a curious way), so I had the opportunity to explain how the meat industry is detrimental to the environment. They were all very intrigued and eager to listen. Then I said, "this is just my thing, you know. I try to make people aware and then leave them to their own choices. I'm not trying to convert anyone." So my aunt says that she totally doesn't agree with me. That I should be veg*n for the animals and that she DOES try to convert people, and I should tell everyone about cruelty when I see them eating meat. (Do you all remember reading that I have caught her eating meat??? And she totally chowed down on the cheese laden eggplant parm at the wedding!!!! :o :o) My response was simple (as she is crazy nuts and refuses to acknowledge anyone else's opinion). I just said, "I believe everyone has a right to choose how to live their lives. If they become more aware because of something I told them, then that's great. But, I'm not going to push my beliefs on anyone, and I will not say that cruelty is my main concern when it isn't." I said this as I was standing to excuse myself. She made a face and I left.
Ugh. It pisses me off that she is out in the world "representing" veg*ns in that way. I just can't buy into the idea that being veg*n for cruelty reasons is "superior" to being veg*n for enviro reasons. AND SHE'S NOT EVEN VEGAN!!!! How can she go off on me when she still eats dairy???? (I'm not vegan either btw, but STILL!!!) Ugh. I can't wait for Thanksgiving...... ::)
p.s. I totally apologize for the poor grammar of this post.
Like falling from a bicycle when learning to ride, maybe she js' needs some time for her body and mind to catch up to her heart(?) Aren't you at least glad that her heart is in a good place and she's been creating further awareness for a good cause?
Like falling from a bicycle when learning to ride, maybe she js' needs some time for her body and mind to catch up to her heart(?) Aren't you at least glad that her heart is in a good place and she's been creating further awareness for a good cause?
Yes, I am glad her heart is in the right place. I just don't think she should be judgmental of my reasons for going veg. I mean, I've seen her "sneak" meat, but also eat it in front of people and justify it...like "It's a football game, a few chicken wings won't hurt," or "Oh, those shrimp look so good. It would be a shame not to at least try one."
I understand that one needs to take steps...I'm still taking steps (d**n cheese), but it's just her attitude and approach. And honestly, this is her personality. She has always had this mentality, that if you don't agree with her, then you must 1) be wrong and 2) be against her. I guess I'm just overly-critical because of her past behavior.
She actually sounds like a sad person to me. Imagine what it must be like to live with yourself being that concerned about what other people eat and then lying about what you eat.
I want to say that I don't feel superior, but to be honest, my husband and I do tend to raise our eyebrows at lot of Vegetarians. More than omnis, who we just feel sorry for. Especially the "I'm a Vegetarian, I only eat grilled cheese" variety. Unlike omnis who are just in the dark entirely, Vegetarians have made a choice, probably researched their diet... but they did it half-a$$ed, IMO.
I see that a lot...and then they wonder why the diet (because they're definately not following a lifestyle, at this point) isn't sustainable. Or healthy - which is the reason so many do the switch to begin with!
I very calmly explained the facts of veganism to them, pointing out the reasons why (health and environmental, was more or less lactose intolerante anyway) and told them what I'd eat in a typical day and broke down the costs. Omg. Fresh produce and rice and beans are SOOOO expensive. :D
Seriously! A bag of beans compared to a pack of chicken?!?! There are sooo many reasons why beans win out in this one - cost is just one of the few!
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