There seems to be a chasm that separates the vegan population. One thing we all share is that we are certainly passionate about our lifestyle. Vegans around the world are credited with overzealous mindsets and a strong desire to correct meat-eaters common misconceptions through some sort of vegan activism. Of course, this is the typical stereotype we fall victim to any time someone says “I am vegan”. Be that as it may, not all vegans are created equal and this is something that I witnessed first hand at a few vegan festivals this summer after meeting various vegan activists.
Disclaimer: these are my personal thoughts on the subject of vegan activism. I would love to hear yours.
An activist is defined as a person who campaigns for some kind of social change. This can be marches, protests, sit-ins, write-ins, or a simple vegan blog, all with the obvious end-goal to bring on some sort of transition or change from current trends. But, where the line is drawn becomes the line for many.
When faced with the choice to take the high road, it is always best to do so. Activism serves it purpose, but to the extent of which these measures are exercised can determine the progress of your cause. If you protest the fur trade by throwing blood on those who wear it does not make you right. It makes you the asshole that ruined someone’s property because you do not share the same ideas. What good did you do for your movement and your audience? That person or people’s will most likely never be persuaded to listen to another vegan. Doing extreme exercises in vegan activism can be the common one step forward, two steps back scenario.
There is a way to deliver a message with a level of decorum that is far better received from the end-user. I guess you could say you catch more flies with honey (metaphorical honey of course). A way for you to step on toes without breaking the foot. Recently I was a part of a conversation with a lovely group of vegans and vegetarians. I believe the vegetarians to be in good company as their vegan friends are trying to help them understand and make the change. As we stood there a group approached us to discuss vegan activism within their organization. There was some chit-chat, but no real end point.
What was taken away from the conversation was that we are not doing anything. We were simply VINOs, a term I coined to refer to the vegans who are looked down on from the ever-supreme vegan activists. This left a bad taste in my mouth.
The conversation was as follows:
“I try to expose my family and friends to vegan food and help them understand that it can be easy to leave meat” says the vegan.
“So, you are not really doing anything then,” states the activist.
I chose to keep to myself and hear them out, but the conversation soon trailed to all of the extreme protests that so-and-so did and how awesome it was to be on camera, later arrested, and back at it again. To me, this was pure nonsense. What good are you in this day and age in jail? Very rarely are our incorrectly incarcerated heroes remembered for long after the next social injustice takes place. Of course, the argument will be made that all press is good press, but media perception is 9/10ths the battle.
In my eyes, the best approach is protest on fact, with tact, and endure. The opposition built an industry on blood and loosened laws, so why would we take the same approach?
