Veganism
VeganismVeganism can dramatically alter ones life forever, often producing deep emotional
changes. Although choosing veganism is a source of great joy, it can also create friction among
family and friends. Cultural pressures, the demand for conformity, and the personal desire for
acceptance can challenge a vegans confidence and self-esteem.
Because vegans so acutely see and feel the suffering of the world, and are at odds with
many widely accepted social customs, some will invariably experience occasional bouts of the
blues.
Vegans who experience anger, pain, or frustration for extended amounts of time may
become depressed and exhausted from maintain such strong emotions. Feelings of loneliness,
isolation, or rejection can compound matters, leading to despondency in an otherwise emotionally
healthy person. Holidays and celebrations such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and
reunions are opportunities to reconnect with family and friend and feel like a part of the broader
culture. However, most gatherings center around customs and practices that are very upsetting to
vegans. Meat is typically the center of the holiday table and the focal point of picnics and
barbecues. Although most happy occasions are intended to convey a spirit of fellowship and
conviviality, they can be extremely uncomfortable and unpleasant experiences for vegans.
Consequently, it is not surprising that many vegans feel torn over their allegiances and may
distance themselves from family and community celebrations. They may opt instead to participate
in alternative festivities or start their own traditions with others who share their perspectives and
ideals.
The most difficult challenge for me in being a vegan is the separation and distance. I often
feel far from others who are not vegan. It is no longer comfortable for me to sit down at a table
where animal products are being served. I feel that I know too much, and it is so painful to be
aware of the profound suffering and misery that is represented on the table. This is especially true
at celebrations such as Passover, Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc... where the the holiday is about
freedom and gratitude. Oppressing and harming others while we speak words of thanksgiving
feels hypocritical and wrong to me.
People who profess to be animal advocates yet eat meat, eggs, or dairy products or wear
leather shoes and belts apply contrary rules of ethics. They are known as people with selective
compassion. Their actions imply that one group of animals– the one they represent– has a greater
right to life than another and suggest that sacrificing habit, fashion, and beauty, comfort, or taste
is a worse evil than taking an animal’s life or making an animal suffer
Some activities vegans are against are rodeos, marine mammal parks, circuses, zoos,
fishing, racing( dog and horse) and hunting which is probably the worst activity.
Hunting, hunters proclaim, instills in its devotees such noble qualities as self-reliance,
ruggedness, discipline, and courage. But in fact, hunters skulk about the...
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