photo by Stewart Miles
Several months back, I mentioned that I had a run-in with a very judgmental vegan while standing in line for Falafel at a music festival. This person asked if I was a “real vegan” or a “food vegan.” These labels, which I had never heard before, rubbed me the wrong way—as did the general demeaning tone in which I was asked what could have otherwise been an innocent question.
The label “food vegan” denotes an individual who avoids all animal products in their diet, but perhaps is not so vigilant when it comes to cruelty-free cosmetics, clothing, household goods, etc. On the other hand, a “real vegan” makes careful choices in the grocery store and everywhere else. Most “food vegans” are avoiding animal products in their food for health reasons, as opposed to compassionate ones.
So, I suppose the question here is whether a “food vegan” should be regarded as less of a vegan than a “real vegan.” Just the word “real” in the label answers that query, as there is a clearly noted air of superiority in the latter, inferring that someone who avoids eating animals but not wearing them or supporting companies that use them is a “fake” vegan.
Although I am someone who tries her best to avoid supporting all kinds of animal cruelty—on and off the plate—I can’t help being frustrated at this type of labeling. Vegans already get enough flack for being “judgmental” of omnivores, and the last thing we need is to start judging one another.
There is no such thing as a fake vegan; every effort counts. Just as the Meatless Monday trend has a significant impact even if only practiced one day a week, each individual who makes an effort to end the consumption and cruelty of animals—whether it is by avoiding leather, or nixing dairy—will help the greater cause. So let’s turn this movement outward, instead of boxing each other in with labels.
If you are a vegan in every sense of the word, and find yourself exasperated by an encounter with a “food vegan,” try not to alienate them. Instead, try to understand them, and allow them to understand you. Try starting a—non judgmental!—conversation about the ethics behind veganism, and talk to them about how the boycotting of animal cruelty extends far beyond what they put in their mouth. If they are only interested in veganism for their own health reasons—perhaps dairy doesn’t bode well with their digestive system, or the hormones in the meat our country produces makes them wary—open their eyes to some of the other boons a vegan lifestyle can offer.
Remember, everyone has to start somewhere. If a person chooses veganism for health reasons, it’s likely that they will at some point realize all the other great benefits of the lifestyle, and make further changes to other parts of their life as well.
What about you? Are you frustrated with people who call themselves vegan yet don’t extend their efforts outside of their dietary choices? I want your opinions!
