Vegans are ambassadors of the future, role models of better ways to live. But they can’t lead by ridiculing anyone who tries to follow. Not everyone can become vegan in a day. This doesn’t mean they shouldn’t start experimenting with vegan food, and be proud of it.
Veganism is spreading far and wide, and in some circumstances seems like it’s being watered down. As annoying as this is, have no fear: the essence of veganism thankfully remains uncompromised. Veganism isn’t being hijacked for the majority. It isn’t some abstract concept that can be lost in confusion.
As opposed to the minority of Mistakenvegans (‘vegans’ who eat fish, for example) mostlyvegans know what vegan means but can’t or don’t want to be a veganvegan yet. But they should be encouraged. They’re moving in the right direction, maybe not fast enough according to some, but they’re human.
‘Vegan’ is just a word, that represents a lifestyle and an idea. It’s a point of identity for many, a pillar that rises above the muck and hypocracy; a safe zone for pioneers, sensitive souls, warriors and mystics alike.
But like all ideas, even good ones, it can be defended too vigorously and give rise to tribal, selfish urges and lessening our own humanity.
Though practiced by a comparative few, Veganism is the way of the future and belongs to everone. As an ‘early adopters’ and leaders vegans need to learn quickly how to accept the small steps in the right direction the rest are taking.
Trickier is to be supportive without condoning the sidewards steps too. For example, if someone’s a mostlyvegan that’s great, but not because they “have sushi sometimes”.
It’s about building on the seeds of goodness in us all, rather than destroying the evil. People are inherently good (if they aren’t, we’re definitely fucked, so we might as well believe they are), which is why the seeds if sprouted and watered will eat up the culture of the past all by themselves.
Few people are born vegan. Some have adopted it, most enjoy it. Many, many many more are trying it. Support them.
