Monday, July 25, 2011

the paradox of being vegan part 3

 Note: the paradoxes of being vegan that I discuss in this and subsequent posts are my own personal observations, and not necessarily universally applicable to all vegans

And if you haven't read paradoxes 1 or 2 yet (or have forgotten already because I wrote them so long ago), I'll link to them below.

Paradox #3:

  • Being vegan has changed me completely
  • Being vegan hasn't changed me at all

When I say that being vegan has changed me completely I don't just mean what I eat, wear, enjoy for entertainment and consume in other ways (although it includes all of that), but more that it has changed my mindset, my worldview, and my values. It has opened my heart (significant for someone who prefers logic and thinking) in a way that nothing else has, and it's increased my ability to feel compassion and empathy. And in an odd way, caring more about all living animals has allowed me to care more about human animals too. I'm a better person for being vegan and I'm thankful that I took the leap.

At the same time though, being vegan hasn't changed me one iota. In fact, it's probably just reinforced who I really am. Being vegan hasn't made me more patient, hasn't eradicated my quick temper, hasn't made me less reactive, and hasn't smoothed out the rough edges. I'm still quick to judge, am prone to snarkiness, love to come up with new ideas but am not great on follow-up (case in point being all the post topics I have thought up and promised but have yet to deliver, e.g., paradoxes 3, 4, and 5 were conceptualized eons ago), and I still feel like smacking people in the face for being such jackasses half the time even though I usually endorse a gentler approach.

What I think veganism does is magnify who you really are. It brings out your best and worst traits, illuminates whatever charming or not so charming personality quirks you possess, and brings to the fore your true values. In a sense, being vegan is a litmus test. Or maybe I'm just full of it? At any rate, being vegan gives you the wonderful opportunity to use your skills, interests and the unique qualities that make you YOU for the betterment of all, and that my friend, is quite cool.

Need to catch up with the other paradoxes? Here you go:

Paradox #2: as a vegan I've never been more at peace/more pissed off
Paradox #1: being vegan is easy/being vegan is hard

Comments

Krissa said...

Yay! Another paradox! I love these! :) ... I'm not sure if I'll ever know for sure, but nothing about me is 100% the same since I have been vegan. The thing is, I became vegan in the middle of some HUGE life changes....moving to a country where I didn't know the language (and still have times where I don't understand or people don't understand me); living through the highest stress living environments I've ever lived through and having mental/emotional breakdowns that were probably serious enough at times to have qualified me for a hospital stay if I'd gone for professional help; a spiritual awakening that keeps coming in increments...the list goes on and on. And if I'd have stayed in my home environment, I do think eventually I'd have become vegan, but I'm not sure that I would have changed as much as I have. I see the world entirely differently, but I'm not sure it's from becoming vegan. That is the most IMPORTANT thing/change that has happened to me. But I, me personally, am very different from the person I was just a few years ago. There's been times in the past year where, had it been the "old" me, I really would have gotten into altercations...but I'm different now. And I guess I'll never know how much of that is simply from becoming vegan. But I think that most vegans probably really can honestly say "being vegan has changed me completely, and, being vegan hasn't changed me at all". I guess I took the long way of saying that it might depend on the circumstances in which we become vegan how much it changes us. Does that make sense? Probably not - my head is spinning as I type this! Snort! ... Yay again for paradoxes! These are really great posts!

have gone vegan said in reply to Krissa...

Thanks Krissa! I've enjoyed writing the paradox posts, so am glad you like them too. And the first part of your comment kind of presented a paradox for us to ponder as well, snort.

It's always/never a good time to go vegan.
Meaning of course that while circumstances may be influential, waiting to go vegan until ALL the circumstances are right will likely never happen, so go vegan even when your life is messy! :)

Krissa said in reply to have gone vegan...

And you know what, from a health aspect, the diet part of being vegan has likely helped more than I can ever know. Extreme chronic stress has serious inflammatory and plenty of other effects on our bodies. The vegan "diet" is anti-inflammatory and builds the immune system. And if anyone demands proof of that I can only say "try it for yourself". The appearance of your skin alone will show the health on the inside. ... I do think my circumstances are very unusual and I have a feeling that I wouldn't have changed a bit either had I stayed where I was and become vegan. But I kind of like to think that maybe your idea that being vegan brings out who you really are is right. ;) That means I'm NOT a hot head!!!! Ha ha! Seriously though, I really do enjoy the paradox posts. Keep 'em coming!

Krissa said in reply to Krissa...

P.S. as long as one doesn't hurt anyone who doesn't deserve it, there's nothing wrong with being a hot head. It kind of hurts the "hot head" most anyway. I don't have any problems with vegans who are angry. I was beyond angry, so far beyond there might not be a word for it, for a long time after becoming vegan. Anyway, of course I didn't make it through the comments without having to add a P.S.. I was so close! :)

have gone vegan said in reply to Krissa...

Hey, you can p.s. all you like, Krissa. I mean, it's better than b.s., right? Snort. Yeah, I think being vegan is the healthier (if not healthiest) way to go, and I'm all for vegan plurality -- we need hot heads AND peaceniks! :)

Debbie said...

Great post! I love the other two paradoxes also. I’m not sure that being vegan has brought out more of my bad qualities but I do believe it has reminded me to pay more attention to how I want to live which has helped to enhance my good qualities. For me the biggest paradox is one you mentioned earlier about being more at peace but at the same time angrier. Sometimes I wonder if I should be feeling so much better as a vegan. I now know more about how animals are treated and some days I feel a little guilty that I do feel so much better and my life is so much richer while I am now aware of all those who have lives of nothing but suffering. But then again, if I was angry all the time I wouldn’t exactly inspire anyone else to try veganism would I?

have gone vegan said in reply to Debbie...

Thanks so much, Debbie! I think one of the other positive aspects of being vegan is that it has the potential to make you more mindful, and thus, bring out more good qualities. You're right though about vegan guilt -- it seems to be part of the package deal unfortunately. Anger too, but as you said, anger isn't exactly inspiring for those we want to influence!

Jena said...

Love these paradox posts! It's pretty wild when you look at some of the issues from both ends of the spectrum. I think these are very real observations that vegans everywhere experience all the time - I know they really strike a chord with me. Thanks for sharing!

have gone vegan said in reply to Jena...

Thank you Jena! Lovely to see you here. Glad the posts struck a chord. I guess it's true when they say you should write about what's particular to you, as that often ends up being (paradoxically almost, ha ha!) universal too. Thanks again.

Bea V Elliott said...

"What I think veganism does is magnify who you really are." Brilliant observation! For me I've never felt more authentic. It was like as if the hidden unchallenged "secrets" inside my head, soul and heart made "me" less me. It masked something without my even knowing it!

Will Tuttle's theories about living in our meat culture crystallized most of this for me... But that "magnifying who you really are" is the whole truth in a super-easy concept to embrace.

And at the time, for me it seemed like everything "clicked" in one moment when I got "animal rights". It was an "ah-ha! Eureka!" moment that immediately made sense to me... It *was* me - Or at least the discovery of what was missing. Can't say I haven't learned bunches since... Or re-aligned many views on tactics and goal setting - But the essential core is always there: I am more me now, then ever!

And I certainly will add this post (and this series) as another of those "ah-ha!" moments as well. Thanks for the experience and opportunity to self examine... and to listen to others do the same. You're a-okay have gone vegan! ;)

have gone vegan said in reply to Bea V Elliott...

Aw, thanks Bea. I appreciate your comments on the other parts too!

I really do need to read The World Peace Diet (along with so many other books!), as I'm sure even more things will click into place. I like the idea of veganism completing you -- move over, Tom Cruise, snort. But certainly I think veganism illuminates a LOT of things. And once you know/see certain things, you can't ever unsee them!

Glad I could be of ah-ha usefulness. You're a-okay in my book too kiddo! :)

Rhea said...

Reading all 3 parts of your paradox series is like holding up a mirror. I agree with all of it!! Very eloquently written. Thank you.

have gone vegan said in reply to Rhea...

And thank you, Rhea! Your kind words mean a lot to me. Thanks so much.

veganelder said...

I can only say moving to living as a vegan felt like coming home. I knew this was the only way to live when I was a child, I didn't know the word for it...I just knew it was wrong to hurt animals. I succumbed to the lies of the world and hid that knowing from myself for many years, I recovered enough to live vegetarian for a couple of decades later on in my life and finally found all of me again after seeing Meet Your Meat. It was a painful and sorrowful reunion, recognizing all the harm I had done, for all those years, when I knew differently. So I guess I'm saying becoming vegan didn't change me, it returned me to being myself...and exposed the vicious things I had collaborated in because I had lost myself. So, a sad and sorrowful thing but...a happy thing to finally come home.

have gone vegan said in reply to veganelder...

Coming home is an excellent way to put it! As is "...becoming vegan didn't change me, it returned me to being myself..." I bet that feels true for a lot of vegans. Thank you for sharing that insight veganelder! And for being one of my vegan pals. :)

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Tuesday, December 7, 2010

the paradox of being vegan part 2

Note: the paradoxes of being vegan that I discuss in this and other posts are my own personal observations, and not necessarily universally applicable to all vegans

Paradox #2:

  • As a vegan I've never been more at peace
  • As a vegan I've never been more pissed off

I'm at peace because what I consume is in line with my moral and ethical values. For the most part (keeping in mind the two important words "possible" and "practical" from the veganism definition), I do not eat, wear, or use animals/animal products, and try to encourage others to do the same. As much as I can, I attempt to follow the adage of "first, do no harm", and vote with my fork and wallet every day. While it may not seem like enough, at least I can rest more easily (even if I didn't participate in any other form of activism) knowing that I do my best not to contribute any further to animal harm and exploitation.

But while I personally feel more at peace, I have also never felt angrier. As a vegan, I probably don't even have to explain this, and I assume that most of you know exactly what I'm talking about. Part of the process of becoming vegan is learning to see the world with new (or perhaps it would be more accurate to say opened) eyes and becoming aware of and being witness to the cruelty and injustice that nonhuman animals face daily and worldwide can be overwhelming. There is so much to be pissed off about! Animal use is so pervasive and ingrained and virtually no individual, group, society, institution or corporation is blameless. We can even become angry with other vegans or vegan groups that we feel aren't tackling the issues in the ways we would like, or in the ways we find most effective. And I think that while anger can be an extremely useful tool and a vehicle for change, it's also exhausting. For myself I've come to realize that I have to find ways to channel that anger more effectively because I don't think increased blood pressure and stress (as just two physical manifestations) will make me or anyone else a better activist.

How about you? How do you straddle trying to be more compassionate towards ALL living creatures when some of those creatures piss you off the most? ;)

p.s. in case you haven't read it yet, here's the paradox of being vegan part 1  


Comments
Krissa said...

Yep - this is exactly how I feel, too. I feel more at peace also because I feel much, much more connected to the lives around me, well, the non-human lives around me and I feel a spirituality that I didn't feel before even though I have always "loved animals". The anger issue has been a big one for me. I have become so enraged that I almost can't describe it, but as you wrote, probably we all understand this so need to explain. I have no good solution for the anger issues. It IS a strange paradox to feel so much spiritual growth, but to also feel the most rage I've ever felt in a matter of minutes depending on what I have seen, read or thought. As I've commented before, my anger gave way to a deep depression for a while. I still feel sad several times a day because of the horror of what I know goes on in this world, but I don't feel *depressed* right now. I can safely predict that I will most likely get extremely angry at least 2 times today because of something done against our natural animal brothers and sisters. And probably more than 2 times. I have thought about getting a punching bag. It sounds a bit goofy, but it would help with releasing my anger. Won't help the ones who I'm angry on behalf of, but I do what I can along the same lines as you. Until I can find more to do, this has to be enough. ... Looking forward to another paradox!

have gone vegan said in reply to Krissa...

A punching bag is a great idea! I used to have a speed bag (I think they're called) that you hang up from the ceiling and punch at. But you know what I can really see you doing? Kickboxing! :)

I don't have a good solution either for the anger, although I do know I have to find one. And quick!

One more paradox to go. Unless I think of more I guess, snort.

Krissa said in reply to have gone vegan...

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'd bop myself a good one with a speed bag. I know I can't get a punching bag in this apartment, but I would love to. ... On a more peaceful note - I wanted to give it a few days before I suggested this in case it was just a fluke that it was working in the beginning. Anyway, I am (in most circumstances) totally unable to meditate. However, this past week I found Tibetan monks chanting on You Tube. I don't know if it will work for you, but I close my eyes and listen to it and focus on it and it really, really works. There's something to it for sure. By the way, I read up on it. You probably know, but it's called throat singing. A lot of native cultures do it, but I've only listened to the Tibetan monks. I'll skip all the details of the actual meditating, though it's quite something. But afterwards there is the same feeling as getting a professional massage...and there is a relaxation and peace that lasts a long time. ... I would still like a punching bag, but I do think that the chanting is helping. If you feel like it, give it a try. Let me know what you think if you do try it!

have gone vegan said in reply to Krissa...

I've never been able to meditate either. Just can't get my mind to stay still. ;)

Yes, I've heard throat singing before, and you're right, it does sound like a peaceful way to diffuse anger. Hmmm, I should see if I can get a CD or something. I'll let you know if I do!

veganelder said...

Excellent post. One of the things I have noticed is that as I became (and become) more sensitized to the plight of the fur, feather and fin people....suddenly many books and movies achieved instant offensive status.

Sometimes it is repugnant enough that I leave off even reading anymore of the book. Then I find myself wanting to write the author and ask them if they have given any real thought to what they are writing.

It is amazing how often ambushing and killing innocent animal folk (hunting) is glorified as some sort of exhibition of courage and skill and all-round wonderfulness in a book. I avoid getting angry whenever possible but opting out of dismay and astonishment and horror is impossible.

The pervasiveness of support for human animal entitlement to exploit, enslave, kill and eat our fellow animals is incredible and much entertainment and information content affirms and continues that grotesque legacy. The more settled I become to living vegan, the more aware and sensitive I become to the many signals and messages that just the opposite sort of living is "normal" and desirable.

Screw it, if it became that way, then it can un-become that way and I damn well want to participate in the "un-becoming". :-)

have gone vegan said in reply to veganelder...

Thanks veganelder, and I apologize for being so far behind in commenting on your blog. Hope to get to that tomorrow!

I share your repugnance and dismay. Being vegan kind of reminds me of that phrase "what has been seen cannot be unseen", in that once you know, you can no longer ignore or rationalize certain things. Although, I guess there are enough ex-vegans to prove me wrong! :(

I love the play on words on "un-becoming" and I want to participate too! Maybe one day everyone will realize how unbecoming being unvegan truly is. We can only hope...

Jill said...

Both of these paradox posts are just so spot on. I will be sharing on FB...

Thanks so much Jill! I appreciate it. I'm not on FB myself, but maybe in service of spreading the word I should reconsider? :)

Bea V Elliott said...

Yes for me too! Have never been more confident of the rational and kind choices I make... Yet more insecure about the world with all it's acknowledge ills. This uncertainty creates fear... The fear creates anger. Everything cancels out the peace till I renew my focus and then the whole "happiness/sadness/fear/anger" cycle begins again.

A lot has to do with who or what I encounter - And that's frustrating too because it leaves me vulnerable to someone else's "control". And it could change on a dime at any moment... A happy walk to my mailbox might turn to regret if there are supermarket "meat" fliers in the box. A pleasant drive might turn sour seeing a sign on someone's lawn for "pit-bulls for sale". Or as veganelder mentioned once in a post... I could be enjoying the tranquility of my home and then the sound of the "I-Scream" truck shatters my otherwise contented state.

I'm not much of a still thinker either - mediation might make me more anxious. But I think I've learned to handle the day to day unpredictable situations more though... I've perfected the art of deep sighing, lip biting and counting slowly from #1 till whenever I'm collected again.

I also fight some of it with sarcastic quips that only people who know me well "get"... And most of the time I know that probably doesn't make me such a great human to be around either. But you know what they say about those who can't take a joke. :/

On the serious side, there's always good music, cooking, gardening, creative hobbies, and spending time with ever-receptive, genuine nonhumans... Without these, the peaceful and "provoked" quandaries in my world would be unbearable.

Oh yes... And sharing stories with like minded thinkers and those who have "un-become" also help immensely. Thank you for that have gone vegan! :)

have gone vegan said in reply to Bea V Elliott...

Yep, I can identify with a lot of what you're saying. Hate seeing animal flesh in fliers, can't believe how oblivious I was to it before (but I guess it was in the same way most people still don't "see" it today), and can quickly have my emotions turn because animal use/abuse is so pervasive.

That "chickens in the backyard" book I mentioned in response to your comment in part 1? Happily going through it until I came to the chapter on butchering chickens. Weird because most of the first 11 chapters were about how to take care of them and ensure their safety. But boom, the reality of how most people feel that other animals were created for THEIR use comes back to me full force. Even sadder though is that the authors start the chapter by saying that you should never name the chickens you raise, because if you do, you won't be able to do the deed. So they're acknowledging that once you form a relationship with these sentient beings (which begins with the simple act of naming), the chickens will no longer be considered products. Their solution? Use names like Colonial Sanders or Cacciatore if you name at all. I wanted to yell right in the thrift store, "then just don't eat them!" I don't understand how people who have interacted with chickens (or cows or sheep, etc.), and have nurtured them to some degree, can then turn around and pretend they're objects. Bah! And right there I felt like leaving the store.

I think counting is something I should probably try as my temper flares pretty quickly. Yes, I'll try that. One chicken, two chickens, three chickens, four chicken-killing idiots who ought to be cooped up themselves, oops, five chickens, six chickens...

And yes, I think engaging in activities that perhaps have nothing to do with veganism may help to recharge those batteries, or at least, lower blood pressure. Oh, and cuddling with my kitty ALWAYS helps.

Thank YOU Bea, for being part of my community. It's invaluable for keeping calm and veganing on! :)


I went through an anger period but for the most part now I am just proactive in my everyday life helping animals and being vegan by example I have influenced so many people. I feel so happy about my choices and I think that shows. By example,walking the walk is the best way I believe because humans despise being told what to do so they must make up their own mind.On the flip side when people see someone healthy,happy and thriving they look to see what they are doing to achieve this.

Hi deannadylan1111! Thanks for dropping in!

I absolutely agree that people hate being told what to do. Or that they're wrong. Being a good example and walking the walk is probably the best way to influence others, but I have to admit that I still struggle with anger and that part of me still just wants to tell people to stop being such f%*!ing a$$h*les, snort. Guess I still have a long way to go! ;)

at No comments:

Sunday, November 28, 2010

the paradox of being vegan part 1

 Note: the paradoxes of being vegan that I discuss in this and subsequent posts are my own personal observations, and not necessarily universally applicable to all vegans

Paradox #1:

  • Being vegan is easy
  • Being vegan is hard

Being vegan is easy. It really is. In fact, it's probably never been easier to be vegan what with all the resources readily available today. There are countless vegan products on the shelves, cookbooks galore, and a lot more awareness of veganism in general. Most people will know what you're referring to when you say you're a vegan, and while it may sting a little to hear veganism being parodied on TV, it means that veganism is becoming mainstream enough to be made fun of. And that's not necessarily a bad thing because it also means that veganism can no longer be ignored. I imagine that for those who've been vegan for decades or more, support was a lot harder to get back then. Now, even if you don't personally know a single other vegan, you can join all kinds of groups and networks, read vegan blogs until you're blue in the face, get whatever information you need, and really feel that you're part of an expanding and worthwhile community. Like I said, it's easy being vegan.

But, the opposite is true as well. No matter how easy it is to be vegan, it's damn hard too. Being vegan automatically means you're part of a minority that others view as radical and that brings its own challenges. Having been involved with other social justice movements over the years, I can tell you that supporting women's rights, gay rights, and disability rights does not evoke the same amount of hostility and suspicion that supporting animal rights does. Not surprising I guess because using animals is practically viewed as an inalienable right by most, and since almost everyone consumes animal products, you're going to get a lot of defensiveness if not downright anger. And because animal exploitation is big business, this anger is not only personal, but societal as well. Animal use is profitable, and when you attempt to stop this, you're stepping on big corporate toes as well. Add to that the common assumptions and stereotypes veganism evokes, the misconceptions (but where do you get your protein, we need to eat animals to stay healthy, blah blah blah), and the sometimes having to be a bit more resourceful in getting your food supplies, yeah, being vegan can be hard.

Luckily though, most vegans are pretty smart (and empathetic), and more than capable of dealing with two opposing truths in trying to create a better world. 

Comments

Krissa said...

It is so great to see a new post from you! And what an awesome post it is. If there were a court and it had a case for/against veganism, I'd say you should be the lawyer on the vegan side. (personally I'd call that the prosecution side because I think what is done to our fellow creatures is prosecution worthy, but I'm afraid that we're actually on the defense side as far as the world sees it). I don't know what the next paradox you present will be, but I agree totally with the one you presented here. For me, another thing that makes it easy is because it's just natural. It took me a long time, but it came together naturally and is just me, who I am. The hardest part for me is the extreme emotional disturbance, whether it be anger or depression, that comes from 'just being me'. ... Interesting that you've encountered more hostility in standing up for our fellow creatures than in standing up for our fellow humans who are in groups that are often vilified and seemingly hated even more than 'animals'. But yeah, it is very easy. So easy that there is no excuse not to be vegan. There are only personal reasons. And I can not understand for the life of my any possible personal reason a human could justifiably have that would say 'This is ok. Torturing, killing, using and abusing living, thinking, feeling creatures is ok.". Sigh. Our species needs a lot of work. ... Great post! Please do follow with more!

have gone vegan said in reply to Krissa...

Aw, thanks Krissa. You've actually kind of foreshadowed my next paradox by the way, so I know you won't be surprised and will probably be in agreement.

One of my theories (although it may be completely off base) is that most people don't want to think of themselves as cruel, and because it's human nature to want to see yourself as being consistent, it's easier to deny the cruelty of animal use itself. That way you can both figuratively and literally have your meat and eat it too. :(

Krissa said...

...life of "me"...that should have said "life of me"... Sheesh.

veganelder said...

You write: "supporting women's rights, gay rights, and disability rights does not evoke the same amount of hostility and suspicion that supporting animal rights does."

Almost another paradox, the more helpless the victim, the more hostility evoked by defense of the victim. Curious, isn't it?

have gone vegan said in reply to veganelder...

It is! Kind of how we like to pay lip service to the idea of protecting children and the elderly, when in fact we really don't. Internet child pornography for example, is a booming and highly lucrative business, and where's the outrage? If as a society we truly valued kids, we'd be spending a hell of a lot more money and time on this issue.

Krissa said...

Yesterday when I wrote that comment, I accidentally left out one of the hugest emotional disturbances I have about being vegan on my "hardest" part. And I have no idea how I forgot this because it's actually a big thing that happens to me every day. Maybe it is so bad that I go into denial for hours a day, but whenever I feel Paula and Spikey, I have such huge, huge guilt. I see pictures of slaughterhouses. It's pretty bad a lot of times. And I feel the guilt of what we've done to our fellow creatures by completely changing the nature of their being (now I'm talking about our cat and dog family members) so that they are even eating slaughterhouse 'by-products'. I'll just leave it at that and I didn't do a good job of expressing myself, but I fed them this morning and went through that again and then I remembered your post and my comment. And I had to picture the ones who went through a hideous death after a sad, tortured life so that I could open a couple packages of "food" for cats who would have never eaten that in their lives if it weren't for what we've done to them over the years. So yeah, that is one of the hardest parts of being vegan for me. It falls under the extreme emotions, but I should not have left it out.

have gone vegan said in reply to Krissa...

Well, domesticating dogs and cats happened so long ago (thousands of years I believe), that I wouldn't spend too much time feeling guilty about what we now feed our companions. I think we have to choose what issues we can realistically change and address. I mean, I'm not trying to downplay what you're feeling, but guilt can also be so demoralizing that it's paralyzing.

My cat is an obligate carnivore, and I don't have a problem with that. It's her nature and if I want to have her as a companion, then I have to accept that. And because she's not likely to be able to hunt for herself, short of feeding her raw frozen mice, I'll have to open cans. I guess what I'm trying to say is that just like we have to choose our battles, we have to choose what we're going to feel guilty about because the guilt list could be endless! :)

Krissa said in reply to have gone vegan...

You know what I think did it for me as far as the cat 'food' goes... I had already thought of it and been sad about it, but after I met my old cow friend (now deceased because she was considered nothing but 'meat') it got a lot worse. :( Thanks for putting her on your blog. I see her picture pop up every so often in the "you might like". I like to remember her the way we were as friends.

have gone vegan said in reply to Krissa...

I remember your cow friend (and like seeing her pic pop up once in a while). You named her Sweetie I think? Yeah, it probably makes it a lot harder when you've befriended what most consider a disposable food source. :(

Jill said...

Great post...!! I was actually just about to write a very similar one on my blog. Now I don't have to ;-)

While I personally find veganism "easy," I get frustrated when advocates blithely claim that veganism is easy for everyone -- when for some, it can be quite difficult. Acknowledging the challenges we may face can help struggling new vegans feel more "normal" and can give them strength to keep going.

Thanks for articulating this easy/hard paradox so well!

have gone vegan said in reply to Jill...

Thank you so much Jill! And isn't it funny how people can come up with the same ideas to write about? Glad I was able to save you a bit of time and work. ;)

Yeah, in terms of daily routine I find veganism pretty easy too, although I certainly have noticed the difference in experience of being vegan in a relatively large city and a small rurally-based town. And I think you're so right that we need to be honest and not sugarcoat some of the challenges involved, especially for new vegans.

Thanks so much for popping in and adding your voice to this discussion! :)

Bea V Elliott said...

Gee... Where have I been? So sorry I missed the original launch of your paradox series - But then again, happy to have found them now/today... As I'm in the mood for a brain-teaser and an investigation into conditions that seem to contradict each other.

In fact just recently I became aware that even though I have this new "knowledge" about bird/chicken anatomy - I have an even more difficult time relaying factual information...

You may not know, but I share my home with a flock of hens - Well, one is injured... It was one but is now two of her legs. She, (Cleo) is managing fine walking on her hocks and scooting on her wings. But when I tried to explain this to someone close (a *very* non-vegan friend) - I found everything I tried to say about Cleo was difficult... Citing her "breasts" that scuff the ground... her "wings" that she uses as arms... And her "legs" --- Yes, the part no ones really sees that is connected to her feet that no one sees either. Very hard to explain that her toe nails now need to be trimmed because she doesn't scratch and that chickens don't walk on "drum-sticks". :(

I don't know... it was just so ironic trying to explain the physical troubles of a (beautiful) bird while knowing that the listener munches on them as a daily practice. No matter what I said, it could have been read that I was mocking their eating habits. (heaven forbid!) - This is my paradox for sure...

I too think it so telling that your work with other justice issues brought less condemnation than your focus on animal issues. Really does illustrate societies discomfort at choosing "not to know".

I sincerely like this series! Now on to what you've updated since! :)

have gone vegan said in reply to Bea V Elliott...

Hi Bea! Awesome that you like the series, and hey, you probably found it when the timing was right for you.

Yes, I remember you talking about Cleo on Harry's blog, and am glad she's still alive and getting around in her own way. I can well imagine the difficulty and discomfort though in describing her troubles and progress.

I thought of you the other day actually when I ran into a used "raising chickens in your backyard" book at the local thrift. Being a bit envious of your flock of hens I was perusing the book and happily looking at the pictures until I ran into the chapter on eating the chickens! But I'll get into that more with one of your other comments.

Yep, I have found that almost nothing makes people angrier than suggesting that we shouldn't use other animals. So sad.

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