I feel the need to blow out some “steem”...
Lately, vegans have been facing lots of criticism, including accusations of making death threats. We all know that headlines like these are merely pathetic attempts to curb the increasingly popular vegan movement.
Thankfully, criticism towards the plant-based movement is not always that extreme. But the hostile and ignorant comments and demeaning jokes that we have to deal with on a daily basis from family members, friends or acquaintances who disapprove of our choices, and the rage it sparks in certain individuals is incomprehensible to me.
Here’s the thing. Vegans stand for compassion.
We are fighting for a kinder world; a world in which all forms of life are equally respected. A world in which no animals are harmed for profit. We are trying to promote empathy, not hatred or violence. We don’t want anyone to lose their business and go bankrupt. We just want everyone to just live in a healthy and sustainable manner, and most importantly, without animal suffering.
What’s there not to like about this?
I have a few theories as to why we face so much backlash.
Just like second amendment advocates are afraid that someone will take away their guns, meat eaters want to maintain their right to a juicy steak. We get it, the struggle is real!
I can’t take away your right to purchase a steak, but I will take away your ability to stick your head in the sand and pretend like you don’t know the truth. Carnists are mad because vegans took away their right to say “we didn’t know” and have confronted them with the consequences of their selfish culinary choices. Thanks to vegan activists, the disturbing footage of slaughterhouses and dairy farms is out there for everyone to see. I understand that it’s uncomfortable to watch all while keeping your current lifestyle, but don’t hate us for it. Direct your hatred towards those responsible for producing your food with the blood, fear and suffering of innocent beings, and at yourself for perpetuating it. Don’t shoot the messenger!
The second reason of course, is a purely monetary one. Farmers and the big food industry are afraid to suffer further losses as the plant based movement is gaining support and popularity. And rightfully so!
Take the example of giant egg producer Cal-Maine Foods (CMF) who reported a loss of $74 million dollars in 2017 due to vegan alternatives being preferred by their customers. According to food manufacturer Neilson, the demand for vegan food has increased by 140% in 2017. Even more impressive is the figure the delivery service “Just Eat” came up with. They reported a spike of 987% in vegan food deliveries, only in 2017, and there has been a 50% drop in beef consumption in the UK last year. Source
My point is, vegans are here to stay and take over the whole food industry. Why? Because no well informed empathetic human being would choose suffering over palate when given a quality alternative, and the food industry knows it.
What's next?
I can see a future in which meat will still be available, but in limited quantities and therefore at a very high price. The common man or woman won’t be able to afford meat anymore, and we’ll end up seeing “gourmet” butchers who cater to the privileged. Farmers will have to grow plants instead of raising cattle, or go bankrupt. Big food industries will have to jump on the wagon while it’s still possible, and offer vegan options instead. Check out the case of Elmhurst Dairy who ditched cow milk production for plant-based products to remain in business.
Nothing will stop this development, not even some pathetic attempts to jack up dairy sales through marketing, such as the unsuccesful Februdairy campaign.
Smear campaigns accusing vegans of threatening farmer’s lives will not stop the movement either, and I can completely imagine veganism as being the norm in the near future.
Don’t hate it, embrace it.
There is simply no valid reason for raging against a movement which promotes compassion and kindness over violence, other than greed and being faced with your own guilt.
I will keep fighting for justice and defending those principles, until our society becomes a kinder place for animals, no matter how many haters or mockeries I have to face.
