Dear Mudcat friends,

After reading this thread, I feel compelled to offer a differing view from the prevailing one. Yes, I am an actual vegan, not a parody of one.

I find that occasionally people I've met project their beliefs, convictions and views of vegetarianism onto me. I don't know why, but some folks want to fight about it, or trip me up with their illogical arguments against vegetarianism or blame me for casting an uncomfortable shadow on their choices. Like Dylan said, that "ain't me, babe." I don't blame others for going with the flow of the culture. I am just doing what works for me.

People tend to ask the same questions when they learn I'm vegan. I would like to dispel a few of the most common myths. No, I'm not a health nut. I don't plan on living forever. I can easily exceed the government-recommended protein requirements without much effort. Combining proteins is an out-of-date theory, not in touch with contemporary science. I am certain that a well-planned vegan diet is sustainable and healthy. No, I don't eat chicken or fish. It's not that tough to find great-tasting, fun vegan things to eat. I don't have violent hatred toward fast food restaurants such as McDonald's or meatpackers or meat eaters. In fact, reduction of violence and misery is at the core of my reasons for being vegan. I do not consider my choices an indictment against anyone else's choices, but for me one of the guiding principles is a general refusal to participate fully in the destructive circle of extreme factory-style farming, ubiquitous animal by-products, cruelty and exploitation and pollution. I am not aiming for perfection. Perfection is not the point of veganism, nor is it a realistic or positive goal. I truly believe that the everyday choices we make can have a beneficial effect on the world. I am vegan because it is one small way I can promote human health, the well-being of animals and the health of the planet.
   

Arguing in a comic manner that eating plant-based diet is analogous to eating an animal-based diet is as tired and ridiculous as it is ignorant. I challenge anyone to visit a slaughterhouse/abattoir and then tell me that it is remotely akin to harvesting grain or potatoes. The difference between animal agriculture and plant agriculture is much like the difference between bludgeoning a dog with a bat and cutting the lawn. I think it would be wise for some folks to study basic biology or anatomy before they offer an opinion on this subject.

For me, being vegan is a choice that matches my beliefs, convictions and view of the world.
   
About four years ago I had a revelation that eating meat of any kind was not compatible with my feelings for animals and my knowledge of physiology. Nor could I reconcile eating meat with my environmentalist ideals. Suddenly, the connection between the heart disease epidemic and the myriad health consequences of the standard American diet were completely obvious to me. I had a series of epiphanies and I felt as if I was awakening from a long sleep. I bought books and sought out information online. As I read about contemporary animal agriculture I felt that becoming vegan was a natural extension of being vegetarian. Dairy, eggs and by-products of all kinds are inextricably linked with meat. Being vegan is the only response that makes sense for me.

Try to keep in mind that being vegan is much more than a way of eating or not eating. It is a specific way to apply one's compassion to all facets of life. When I make a compassionate choice to honor life of any form, for example choosing non-violence to solve a dispute, I am not just acting as a vegan, I am acting in accordance with the way I was raised. I take heart and harden my resolve when I meet a long-time vegetarian or read about a famous person who was a vegetarian. From Gandhi and Shaw to Albert Einstein and Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, I am in excellent company as a vegetarian.   I am glad I now enjoy the wonderful benefits of being vegan.

Sincerely,

Matthias