Well, since I don't really know where to begin, I think I'll just jump right in. I set up this blog almost two months ago and in that time have successfully been following a vegan diet, although I still have a few non-vegan items (i.e. leather knapsack and sandals) in use. Technically therefore I would be considered a total or strict vegetarian rather than a vegan per se, but I like the term "transitioning to veganism" (found in Joanne Stepaniak's Being Vegan) better as that more accurately describes where I'm at.
You may have noticed the short definition of vegan that I provided at right, but here is a more complete definition provided by The Vegan Society (est. in 1944) in England:
Veganism denotes a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude--as far as possible and practical--all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals, and the environment.
I think what appeals to me about veganism is the fact that it isn't just some diet (although what may most strongly stand out in some people's minds are the things that vegans won't eat), but a way of life based on a philosophy and purposeful principles. And while there may be different motivations for people embracing veganism (namely health, environment and ethical concerns), the path and end result (avoiding animal products) are the same.
In this blog I hope to chart my journey as I become a full-fledged vegan, and outline the "what, why, and how" of what I'm doing in case it's of any interest to others. I also want this blog to focus on the more fun aspect of veganism--food! Yep, I'll be reporting and posting pictures of what I'm cooking and eating, both successes and failures. I'm also starting a related companion blog on animal rights because even though I've adopted veganism as a way of life for myself, I don't think you have to be vegan per se to be concerned about animal welfare. In that blog I'll be exploring where I stand when it comes to animal rights (there are so many different issues and outlooks!), and I invite you to join me there as well. For those of you who know me primarily through Think Outside The Piggy Bank, thank you for visiting and please do come again.
Good points, I especially like the 2nd and 3rd ones. Think of all the difficulties and travails associated with attempts to attain perfection. I might have been perfect for about 30 seconds once when I was around 4 years old. Never before or since. :-)
I particularly like the 4th question, though all are great. ... As for having a blog if you are possibly only preaching to the choir, I think that it's always better to put your brick in the internet wall because you never know who is going to see it and what effect it's going to have. You might remember, but I'll share it anyway in case people are reading comments, that I got started on my path to total anti-cruelty by an accident. I was looking up something entirely unrelated and landed on the ALF website (not a blog, but still) and saw a horrific photo of a cat in a lab and that was what got me started righting all my wrongs. And before that I really considered myself an "animal lover" and I was a "vegetarian", etc. But I was just another part of the problem in reality. So, I think the blogs are good because they might make a difference that you will never even know about. And it's a good way for like-minded folks to come together from all around the world. That in itself can give hope when hope is fading. The only question I can think of at the moment is "why in the world did we do this and let this happen to our fellow creatures in the first place?". Which of course has as many answers as we have questions.
I think it's great that you have a blog, So I'm Thinking of Going Vegan, because I'm always looking to read more comments by nice vegetarians/vegans, and you seem to be one. Plus, I really admire your determination to be vegetarian/vegan even in a TOWN! Talk about AMAZING! : )
Thanks, veganelder. I think you're perfectly delightful myself. ;)
Hey Krissa, I think vegan blogs are great, for the very reasons you mentioned. I do think though that they tend to attract those already converted, or those wanting to defend animal use, more than the undecided. But I wanted to start a blog primarily to document the process, and to explore vegan identity. I like your own question, although sadly I'm not sure that there will ever be a good answer. But we have to keep asking, eh?
Fritz! I believe I've seen you over at The Vegan Soapbox? A hearty welcome to my blog. I certainly TRY to be a nice vegan, although I don't always succeed, snort. As for being vegan in a small town, yes it can be more challenging, but it's certainly worth the effort. Thanks for dropping by! :)
Just this morning I was thinking about the "preaching to the choir" thing and while I agree with you that most of the folks reading are already vegan, I had a thought of my own about the undecideds. And I think your blog in particular is a good one to reach those folks because you present so many different aspects (the recipes, humor and philosophical things along with the 'animal rights' issues) and do so with an even temperament. I think it's good if undecideds see a wide range and not just too much of any one thing. So yeah, I think the blogs are definitely worth the effort. And you probably will not know how many folks, undecided or not, that you influence in some way - so keep it up all you bloggers! :)
Yep, it's a little bit later now than when I left the above comment, but I remembered that I left out something I thought of about the undecideds that is very important! I think there are a lot of people who are doing their own research about veganism/diet (as much as i hate to use that word in connection with what is right)/philosophy/etc and as you know, when a google search is done, all kinds of things come up that are relevant to the search even if the searcher didn't intend it. SO... I think that there are undecideds who are going to land on your blog and others, who weren't intending to find the results that they find here/there. I re-read my comment above and still thought I should add this one - even though I might be preaching to the choir. :) ... Thanks though to you and to everyone who blogs for the cause (ha ha!). (I don't like the word cause, but it made a good rhyme there). ;)
Aw thanks, Krissa, I appreciate the support. And you're right, there are so many different aspects to being vegan, and I think they all deserve to be explored. Plus, you never know what part will resonate with the reader and get them to think about the issues more critically, so why not give them a vegan smorgasbord of sorts.
Hey, I think I like the term "undecideds" -- so much better than
ignorant murderous assholes -- kidding! I would never call anyone that.
I don't know....ignorant murderous assholes is pretty good. Snort!
Oh, I feel bad today about having said that! I thought it was kinda funny at the time, but...
Well, you've known me through my own journey so you know that there was a time when my thoughts about people were pretty mild compared to that remark. So don't feel bad. I know in your heart you feel just as much compassion for the human animals as the natural ones. It is impossible to be Aware and NOT get angry or feel disgust for humans at least once in awhile. It's just good to know that all humans don't fall into the 'ignorant...' category. :)
Hello,
I just wanted to add the comment that I stumbled on your blog because I am just in the beginning stages of transitioning to vegan. But, I feel as though I am too new and not far along enough yet to call myself "vegan." And, I am not sure if I feel comfortable "coming out" to friends and family who have never known me as a vegan. I guess right now I am answering "What does being vegan mean to me?" and "Am I vegan enough?"
So, your blog is helpful as a way of reading about another's experience and a form of support.
So, thank you! And keep blogging :-)