Vegans Share Their Defining Moment

[Beringia]

During the 2019 Animal Liberation March in New York City, animal rights activists spoke to TheirTurn about what made them go vegan.

(So many people comment that vegans are annoying or just want to be superior, when it is really about following their conscience once they become educated and aware of animal suffering).

[Coventina]

1. That made me cry. Thank you!

[Joe941]

2. Animals have feelings and emotions.

[aikoaiko]

3. Its the evangelical part of veganism that is annoying -- not the veganism itself.

There are lots of good reasons to be vegan though.

I just can't get past giving up the taste and texture of meat and dairy. It's so good.

[JudyM]

7. That evangelical attitude comes from deep, painful compassion for the suffering of sentient beings

I’m not vegan but I respect them a great deal. I’ve been on the receiving end of their messaging, too. It has made me feel uncomfortable, too, because I know that I could do better, even though I don’t eat meat.


Maybe it’s expressed in a way that feels uncomfortable to listeners because it comes from such a desperate desire to stop the horror of factory farming. I forgive the way the message is delivered because it comes from a place of humanity’s higher moral good.

[flvegan]

11. It's good that you can admit your weakness, how weak you are.

Neither of those things are missing any more, so...just, weak I guess.

[aikoaiko]

12. What do you mean neither of those things are missing any more?

I have not found a plant-based alternative to a decent steak or hamburger.

[flvegan]

13. "The taste and texture of meat and dairy"

Not missing anymore. That you haven't found it, well that's on you.

[aikoaiko]

14. I've tried Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger -- better than the veggie burgers of old

But still not there. Not for me. If it works for you, so be it.

[wasupaloopa]

16. I can never understand that. If I gave my opinion on being a vegan that's all I am doing. It is not

being evangelical.

If I gave my opinion on Ford cars that's all I am doing. It is not being evangelical.

I think it is your interpretation of what is said.

None of us can put food in your mouth.

[aikoaiko]

17. Ill help you out.

If I ask you your opinion on Fords and you say they are great and explain why, that’s not annoying.

If you come to unsolicited to tell me how great Fords are and that I should sell my Chevy and totally commit to buying a Ford now and for the rest of my life, that’s annoying.

Forcing food into my mouth is annoying and assault.

You’re welcome.

[Codeine]

4. For me it was shooting an antelope

when I was 11. When we hiked up to the body I looked into those black, empty eyes and realized that a moment before it had been as alive as I, and that I had ended its existence. I had seen many dead animals before, but something about that day, that image, burned into my memory. I’ve forgotten or squirreled away most of my childhood memories, but that one is as fresh and as vivid as this morning’s breakfast.

Did I become a vegan then, out on that snowy plain? Of course not; I was a kid in Wyoming in a family of confirmed carnivores. But it did illuminate my thinking and ensure that when I was on my own and making my own choices that I would eschew that sort of cruelty, as much as is possible. For thirty years I’ve avoided meat, dairy, eggs, leather, and other animal derivatives as much as I’ve been able (doubtless some ingredient or substance has slipped by me numerous times through carelessness or ignorance, but I do my best) and I fully intend to live the remainder of my life this way.

[StarryNite]

5. Thank you for your beautiful, heartfelt comment.

I need to do better.

[MuseRider]

6. Wonderful and inspiring.

I was headed that way, had been a vegetarian for years and I don't think I have eaten a cow or red meat for over 20 years now but I was diagnosed with gastroparesis. I have been considering trying to move back to at least a vegetarian choice but when you cannot eat most grains, no fresh fruit or fresh veggies unless they are cooked to mush and put through a strainer it sounds like a pretty bleak choice. Pain or no pain. I will probably move in and out. Thank you for your story. It motivates me to start thinking of this again. There must be a way even for someone who cannot choke down a smoothie anymore. lol

[Codeine]

8. I looked up gastroparesis.

Last edited Mon Sep 2, 2019, 01:42 AM - Edit history (1)

Jesus that’s rough.

[MuseRider]

9. Aww thanks.

It can be really bad but I have learned to keep most of it at least less than it used to be.

[UniteFightBack]

10. I encourage everybody to eat LESS MEAT and dairy. Just cutting back a little bit will help a great

deal!

[smirkymonkey]

15. I agree. I seem to be naturally going toward a more vegetarian diet, although I haven't given up

meat yet and I am not sure I will ever give up dairy, but who knows. I just seem to prefer vegetarian options more these days. I think something must be sinking in. I love seafood though.