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DOES BEING VEGAN INFLUENCE HOW YOU RELATE TO OTHERS? Surprisingly, many responders answered 'no', 'not at all' or 'definitely not' to the question 'Does being vegan influence how you relate to others?' However, more than half of the responders said yes, and most responders felt they could be closer with vegans; that there's an immediate bond, and choose the company of other vegans over non-vegans. The word 'judgmental' came up A LOT! Vegans are often seen by people for coming across as elitists, 'holier than though', etc. Many vegans explain that they can't help but being judgmental towards non-vegans, but most of them keep those judgments to themselves and are kind to all. Some responders said they would not associate with persons involved in blood sports, hunting, rodeos, circuses, slaughterhouse workers, and some won't sit at the table with meat-eaters. Many responders explained their feeling of isolation or alienation from society, while others consciously choose to be a part of society in order to influence others. Plenty of responders explained that becoming vegan has made them a kinder, gentler, more compassionate and better person towards all human and non-human animals. One complaint that came up several times is that their vegan friends only talk about vegan food; limited conversationalists. Some vegans are careful in their approach so as to dispel the stereotype of the preachy, condescending vegan. There were a lot of good responses to this question. The following is an assortment of responses to the question: DOES BEING VEGAN INFLUENCE HOW YOU RELATE TO OTHERS? "Yes. It's very difficult to observe over and over how blind people are and unaware of what their choices mean. And it's even harder when they KNOW and continue to ignore and justify the senseless killing and torture of animals. The ability of humans to suppress and deny the truth amazes me." "Yes. It makes socializing difficult sometimes, because so much socialization involves food. I also feel uncertain on how to deal with people who I think are being offensive to animals, which makes me uncomfortable. I feel like if I were completely honest with people all the time, I would be a much disliked person." "Yes, I am more compassionate towards people because of my compassion towards animals." "I just feel better in general, which has to affect how you relate to others." "I feel more open to people in general and I learned not to judge anybody, but I do criticize particular things sometimes. Since being vegan, I got hugely interested in topics like human trafficking, homelessness, poverty, sweatshops, etc." "Being vegan is part of a larger pacifist worldview for me. I try to interact peacefully, and veganism is part of that." "... I see all people as potential vegans." "Not much. I suppose I have an initial positive view of someone if they are veggie or vegan. There are vegans I would not want to spend any time with, and meat-eaters whose company is great." "Extremely. I believe I am much more compassionate toward animals and people than I used to be. I am working on my ability to help others understand how animals suffer needlessly at the hands of humans, in a way that would encourage people to want more information." "I try not to judge but admit that I do. I think eating animal products is beyond all reasoning and absolutely inexcusable. I despair at human greed, gluttony and utter selfishness in the face of such monumental suffering. So yes, I do judge. I believe, where at all possible in life, we should all do what is the right thing to do, even if it is not necessarily what we want to do." "I think I've become much more accepting of people who are discriminated against for whatever beliefs are important to them. I'm much less likely to think of someone as an 'extremist' just because I don't understand their beliefs or way of life." "I try to be a lot more tolerant. It's like I have to represent veganism, in a way." "Honestly, I highly respect other vegans. I relate easily because I know we hold the same beliefs and are aware of the same truths. It's hard not to perceive non-vegans as ignorantly living in bliss. However, I'm sure others see me in the same light when it comes down to politics, or social activism. We have to pick and choose our battles, and it's hard to fight them all." "My true friends are vegan; I consider them family." "Yes, it is as if everyone around you molested children, but only you know it is wrong. It really separates you from other people in a big way." "Yes, it's my way of life. I look at others as human beings that I am the same as. We are all choosing our experience. All I can do is do my best to inspire others to become more conscious about everything. Veganism is the next evolutionary step, so it occurs naturally and at the right time for all." "It's always in the back of my mind, but outwardly it's probably not noticeable..." "...people seem to be able to open up (emotionally) to me more than they used to." "I work for a government science institute, and some of the research undertaken there supports the sustainability of the dairy and meat industries. I made it clear when I was recruited that I would not participate in these kinds of projects. This was not considered a problem. Occasionally, I get asked to contribute some thinking to other people's projects in these areas, and I have to respectfully remind them that my values are probably a long way away from the ones that they want to see flowing into their research! When colleagues talk about sustainability in relation to dairy farming, I sometimes joke that it would be a good thing if it were not sustained! People laugh at the clash of values, which is fine. I also enjoy talking with people about the carbon footprint of meat compared with other things: a meat meal for a family of four has the same carbon footprint as driving from Dunedin to Auckland (further than London to Glasgow)! So I am probably regarded as a little odd, but people know that there is a serious side to all this. Fundamentally, my relationships are good, however it is because I use humor rather than stand on a high horse. I think this is much more influential in the longer run, especially in a country like New Zealand where veganism is virtually unheard of, and could almost be viewed as unpatriotic (given that dairy industry accounts for 17% of the economy)!" "If any human on the face of this Earth steps out of their programming and into their heart and conscience, they will become vegan, (and this is equal opportunity for all). I believe veganism to be the first step (that you cannot avoid) in the evolution of human consciousness. If someone is claiming to be enlightened (or God's direct contact), yet is still paying for sentient fellow Earthlings to be treated shamefully for their own needless consumption, you can be sure they're an imposter. There are not many things that I can say I know for sure, but the rightness of the vegan ideal is amongst the few. If I knew what was going on in Nazi concentration camps; I don't think I would have been quiet about speaking up for the prisoners. I am not reserved about speaking up for the animals. I prefer the company of trees, flowers, vegan animals and people, and God (my personal vegan God). When I find myself amidst society, I am a vegan activist, as I am in solitude with my writing. I want everyone to become vegan, whatever specie. It obviously effects how I relate to others." "Yes. I see events and people in history differently, and I have learned to see the world from a 'vegan eye'. I get along better with other vegans, but it is not a problem in my day to day life. I don't fight with people who eat meat or dairy, but it is major points if we are both vegan. I am homeschooled, but I went to a year of high school and sometimes found it hard to take seriously what the teacher was saying, because I was thinking 'you are damaging to the world and I am doing the best I can to help it... If someone is vegan, it is a lot easier to take them seriously." "Yes. I tend to open up more to other vegans. I think they're more trustworthy and kind." "Yes, I am judgmental. I am also polite; I hide my judgment well." "I don't think so. I try to be accepting and tolerant of people." "In a way. I see the world differently. It is kind of like the Meatrix films. I feel that I've taken the red pill and don't see hunting and fishing as sports, I don't buy the 'happy' family farms myth, etc" "Sometimes I feel smug, like I'm better than, but I realize that's not a helpful way to get others to change." "No. I hate preachy vegans." "Yes. I feel disturbed when I see my friends and family eating meat and other animal products." "I have difficulty taking meat-eating environmentalists, peace activists, nutritionists and pet rescue workers seriously." "I immediately feel bonded to someone who tells me they are vegan." "I tend to anticipate criticism. I think that sometimes makes me shy or asocial." "I try to be fair but really it is difficult not to judge that vegans seem to be more enlightened....I consider everyone to be vegan or pre-vegan as my friend, Bob Linden of Go Vegan Radio' says - and who inspired Go Vegan Texas!" "Veganism and activism made me build a different network of friends." "Yes, veganism influences others; it gives a good impression in the mind of other people. They feel me as a pious man." "I am trying to overcome the 'us verses them' thinking, in favor of viewing them to be simply ignorant, as I had been, before learning about veganism. However, when confronted with willful ignorance, I tend to drift back to the former way of thinking. It's an ongoing battle." "Being vegan is just one of many ways I strive to make my community a better place. I also grow a small amount of my own food, eat organic and locally-grown food, abstain from buying gasoline, sweatshop-made electronics and clothes, etc. I feel that my ability to relate to others is amplified by being a vegan in many ways." "It is a requirement for becoming close." "I try to be accepting of others' beliefs because that's how I like to be treated." "Vegan, in my opinion, is taking care and being compassionate about all animals; human or non-human." "I try not to let it influence how I relate to others, but I do have more respect for vegans generally...rightly or wrongly." "I do tend to (mentally) judge people who are not vegan and get frustrated with their ignorance." "Yes. I see the world differently. Australia doesn't operate unless someone has organized a sausage sizzle and a carte of beer for a social event. I avoid them." "Sometimes I feel better than other people and sometimes I feel like a prick for thinking I'm better than other people." "I try to treat everyone with respect and compassion." "I am good and they are evil." "Yes, I've become a misanthrope in relation to meat-eaters." "... only if we're going out to dinner! I am friends with people from all walks of life. I don't hide my veganism and friends and colleagues know my feelings and stance." "I think I am more aware than others, even if that seems obnoxious." "I try to let others bring it up, not address it unless the subject comes up organically. It has probably slowed a few friendships from happening. The hardest part for me is dealing with friends who had been vegan." "Non-vegans tend to think of vegans as judgmental and picky, so I tend to not broadcast the fact unless it becomes necessary." "Yes, I feel I have more of a message of hope for their health concerns, if they allow the topic to come up. I also feel like I can be an encouragement to them rather than just say, 'yeah that's a bummer you got diabetes..." "I am more aware of people who do not see the world beyond their own existence in it." "If my being vegan has come up in conversation with a stranger, I am pretty conscious of being positive and friendly. I am aware of many people's uncertainties when it comes to the vegan lifestyles, so I do my best to be a good example." "No. Everyone is equal." "Yes. I look at all people I meet as potential vegans. I try to educate as many people as possible on animal rights and veganism if they are receptive. When people are educated on the suffering of animals and still choose to eat animals, I loose respect for them." "Being vegan absolutely influences how I relate to others. I need to inform people of the atrocities out there. That is how I relate to others." "Since going vegan, I've gained a lot of confidence from having to always explain myself and my lifestyle. In this way, I am much better at talking to people than I used to be. Plus, I've found that I'm more open to other alternative lifestyle choices, too." "Absolutely, I come off bitchy or hardcore about animal rights sometimes, but I have to speak my truth." "Well, I am a pacifist and do not believe in harming any other living soul. Some vegans (well animal rights people) seem anti-human." "...I want to be a positive influence, and try not to be preachy or judgmental, but be a positive role model and let people know there are things they can do to help the planet, help with global warming, help with the future generations, etc." "Not that I know of. I respect the choices people make even if I don't agree." "I would definitely have great admiration for someone who is vegan." "Yes, I never mention it because it just seems to incite annoying questions and comments." "I tend to be self-conscious about how I am presenting the idea of being vegan. I don't really like to talk about it much. But when I do, I try to talk about it in a way that is not pushy or condescending." "Yes, when I meet a vegan there is an instant connection, though I might not necessarily like them!" "Yes. I try not to feel like I'm on moral high ground because I know that is a common complaint about vegans. But I have a harder and harder time understanding meat-eaters as time passes." "Since becoming vegan, I've also become more concerned about how people are treated, too. For example, I work hard to make sure I don't buy anything made in sweatshops or produced by companies involved in other unethical practices." "Yes. More and more, I don't want to eat in establishments that serve meat, regardless of how many veg dishes they offer." "I think the more accurate term is 'unrelate'. I don't think I even view them as human anymore. Or perhaps, I'm the alien." "Veganism has made me a gentler, more loving person." "Yes. I have a hard time interacting with people who judge me for being vegan. They don't understand and they don't want to understand. They perceive me as being an elitist, but I never try to push my beliefs on anyone. My entire office gets offended when I don't partake in birthday cake." "Yes, it has made me calmer and more empathetic. I am a massage therapist, and it helped me to be more in tune with my clients." "No. I treat everyone the same, whether they're vegan or not. I'm kind to everyone I meet." "Yes, it is present in most conversations with new people, and certainly when there's food involved (work canteen, for example). I am proud to be vegan and make no apologies for it. This straight-forwardness can be off-putting to others, though I'm always friendly with it. I don't lecture or preach, but I don't 'fluff' over things to make them feel better about their consumption of animals. I am a compassionate ethical vegan and I relate to others as such, human and non-human." "Yes, of course it does. The way people react to me lets me know if they are kind and sensitive and someone I could potentially be friends with. I also try to keep in mind that I'm trying to live my life with as much compassion as possible, which means I try to treat people more gently and with more patience. That is hard to do, but I try." "Yes, if others aren't vegan, I find it hard to get close to them." "Of course, but I try to be understanding and patient, and give them information without pushing buttons." "I'm not a vegan. But I do not like the vegans I have seen on the internet who think I'm a bad person for eating meat." "Not that I can think of. I see that we are divine souls within, through the facade!" "I hate going around people who eat meat; just the smell of an animal cooking for someone to eat makes me ill. I always bring something they can try and they always love the non-animal food. I then say something about the health benefits of the non-animal food. I feel it out first. I never want to turn them off; the whole idea is to save the animals from cruelty." "Yes, ... I act 'normal' around them as any other person would, but I could not truly be friends or enjoy the company of meat-eaters." "Yes. I hate hearing people talk about the 'great' dishes they've prepared that are full of meat / dairy. I see that as a failing in an otherwise great person." "We need to judge the acts (if it seems in truth or not; like being vegan), but I try not to judge the person or condemn them for where they're at. That's not for me to do; I'll leave that to their own conscience." |