Hello folks! First, I’d like to clarify that, even as a bloodmouth, I fully understand why some people have moral objections to eating meat. I am simply here to ask about it, as someone who is not a vegan.

So I suppose I have a few questions for anyone who wants to answer them, 100% as your own opinions and feelings about the topic.

Why do you make the conscious decision to not eat meat/animal products? Do you have negative feelings towards those who raise their own animals for food, such as those who raise chickens for eggs or cattle for milk, and otherwise treat the animals ethically? Are there other reasons for not eating meat that I’m not considering? When did you choose to switch to a vegan lifestyle, what (if any) was the “catalyst”? What are some challenges that you have dealt with when it comes to this lifestyle? Why do you believe there is a continued stigma around veganism in many physical/internet communities?

I understand that as someone who isn’t vegan, this is not my space, and I am trying to be as respectful as possible while here. If I have said anything objectionable within my questions or otherwise, please let me know so I can avoid making the mistake in the future.

EDIT: Holy crap, thank you all for the responses! I appreciate y’all for taking the time out of your day to respond and share your knowledge. I’m going to go watch Dominion within the next few days since some of you mentioned that.

  • herrcaptain@lemmy.ca
    5·
    6 months ago

    My take on it is maybe a little non-traditional. I think we as a species are evolutionary omnivores so it’s technically “normal” for us to eat meat and dairy. However, I also think we’re at a point in our development that we’re able to transcend that as a need. Nature is inherently cruel, and some species are obligate carnivores who must eat meat, but we as humans are in a unique place where we can partially remove ourselves from that cycle.

    While I think it’s normal to consume animal products and thus don’t look down on those who do, I’m more critical of (most) people who are so far removed from the process that they can enjoy these products without even comprehending the potential suffering their consumption entails. Thus, I can begrudgingly respect a hunter or farmer who gets their own hands dirty, but people who can enjoy a cheeseburger as if their food never had feelings get less sympathy from me. As such, I made the choice to go vegan at 15 because I know I could never harm an animal outside of self defense. I therefore feel it is unethical for me to outsource the participation in this suffering to someone else on my behalf.

    I arrived at these beliefs through exposure from anarchist punk bands and the non-fiction writing of Leo Tolstoy. (A leading figure in Christian Anarchism in addition to his literary fame.)

    I’m nearly 40 now and and my wife is also a very long-term vegan so this is a life choice for us. We have a baby on the way who will be raised as such (carefully, of course) until they are old enough to understand and decide for themself.

    That all being said, I’m not evangelical about veganism but am happy to guide people toward considering it. Good for you for posing these questions!