A Vegan’s Reputation

When I changed to a vegan lifestyle I wasn’t confident telling people about my decision. In fact, I dreaded the thought of having to explain to someone that I’m vegan because of the assumptions that went with the word “vegan”.

Now I can’t be more comfortable telling others and given the opportunity I love to explain to people why I choose to live this way!
I’ve taken a great interest in seeing their facial expressions change when having to explain why I’m the only one not tucking into the cheese platter on the table.

A surprisingly large number of people seem offended, even outraged that I have chosen this lifestyle and try to convince me that I have been brain washed by some type of cult.

Most people look utterly confused, which explains why someone asked me why I still take an interest in men if I just said I was vegan. And very few welcome the idea and accept it’s a lifestyle that serves and benefits me as well as the environment.

There are so many bizarre assumptions towards veganism that give the word a bad rep. It disappoints me to think that this is one of the reasons why I didn’t go vegan earlier and that there are many people who are discouraged and decide to turn down veganism because of social pressure from these untrue claims.

I asked a number of people who follow a vegan lifestyle to share with me their experiences when telling people that they’re vegan. Although I’m not surprised, it still appalled me when I was told great friendships had been lost when they decided to change to a cruelty free lifestyle. The reaction of others being utterly offended by a vegan lifestyle is definitely not uncommon.

While I’ve had many crazy assumptions thrown at me, the most common one seems to be the thought that a vegans’ purpose and duty is to try and convince others to follow this lifestyle; this can be done by talking to strangers and even door knocking.

This could not be further from the truth. I don’t doubt that there are people actively promoting and bringing awareness to veganism but with my experience I have never met a vegan that pressures others to “convert”. The majority of the vegan community I have met have been the most welcoming and accepting people I have spoken to.

I can’t help but wondering why omnivores aren’t given the same assumptions and reputation of trying to convert others to follow their choice in lifestyle? Although they don’t door knock I have certainly been ambushed by a table of opinions on many occasions.

Through all of these assumptions and misled claims I have learnt not take them personally or be hurt by what others say about my lifestyle because veganism feels authentic to me and this is what my journey is all about; finding my authentic self.

I don’t need to argue or keep explaining why I believe my choices are valid because regardless of who’s right and whose wrong I feel connected and at peace with myself which says more than any amount of words.

Veganism is not a “dirty” word; it is an honorable and courageous word that brings connection between you and the world we all live in.

This is a decision I have made for myself, I don’t mind if others aren’t going to follow my choice of lifestyle and I certainly won’t force anyone to “convert”; though I do love to educate others and show them how delicious a raw vegan lifestyle can be!

Yesterday I made these little beauties for my omnivore friends and family who respect and accept my lifestyle.

This recipe is from Chocolate Covered Katie and I managed to quickly take a photo of mine while the rest were being eaten.

Now if these Oreo’s don’t clear up the thought of a boring diet of cold tofu and sprouts I don’t know what will because these are nothing less than amazing!

I did find them quite rich so I recommend using a little less cacao if you are not a hard core cacao junkie.

As always I would love to know your thoughts and your experiences when telling people about your lifestyle.

Lisa