Vegan vs. Vegetarian: We Really Can All Get Along

One of my greatest pet peeves is the struggle and conflict that too often occurs between vegetarians and vegans, or the other such as semi-vegetarians, pescatarian, etc.

 It's not always easy being vegetarian, vegan, or anything that can be deemed "out of the norm." While "vegheads" are growing in numbers and options are becoming more plentiful, the reality is that we are still often in the minority. That can make it hard enough. In fighting, only makes it worse.

Recently someone I knew was seated at a dinner with others that knew me and my family. Upon, seeing someone order vegan, he (a definite meat-eating omnivore) stated, "oh, like her!" For many meat eaters the line between vegan is vegetarian is a confusing one and is all the same. Instead of the numerous non-aggressive replies that could have come, came "No, she is only a vegetarian. I am a vegan." I was told about the offsetting conversation later. It made my physically groan at the aggressive response and dividing reaction to someone who legitimately did not know the difference. It's not hard enough to get attacked by meat-eaters desperately afraid that we will take away their steak, but for many there are attacks basically within one's own community. Instead of allies, there is aggression towards anyone that doesn't "measure up."

If one chooses to influence someone else to make positive changes in their life, their health, or the environment, attacking someone for 'not doing enough' or for 'not being like me' is not going to encourage that change. A few militant individuals often give the rest of any given group a bad rap, and can make any cause or lifestyle to encounter more issues as a result of the actions of a few. Breaking people down however similar or difference than you are does not to influence positive change, if anything it incites people to rebel and act against you and your belief system. Does anyone really think they are going to change a meat-eater to a meatless by attacking them or calling them names? Despite, best intentions, this usually does not work now or every.

I try to live a non-aggressive life. I try to put out more positivity than negativity. Does it always happen? No. I am imperfect, like everyone else. I don't want to fight about my lifestyle or judge anyone else for their. Live and let live, means, even those for which you do not agree. It also means not alienating those closest to you and the lifestyle you have chosen. We really can all get along, if we just give it a chance.