Seen a lot of posts on Lemmy with vegan-adjacent sentiments but the comments are typically very critical of vegan ideas, even when they don’t come from vegans themselves. Why is this topic in particular so polarising on the internet? Especially since unlike politics for example, it seems like people don’t really get upset by it IRL

  • @essell
    16•6 months ago

    My list…

    Sometimes they’ll offer their opinions as “proof” that they’re “right”

    It’s expensive, so often vegans are people with resources others don’t have and yet they act like this isn’t a thing

    They’re right that it’s way better for the environment and it annoys me that I’m contradicting my own values on that point

    There’s an abuse of science at times, which always bothers me, even in the name of a good cause. If you’re right, let the truth do the talking.

    Just off the top of my head…

    Not all vegans, etc… no actual hate involved for anyone

    • Twinklebreeze
      15•6 months ago

      Some vegans make the argument that it’s not more expensive, and fresh ingredients are pretty cheap. This ignores the time it takes to actually make dishes with fresh ingredients. A lot of people that are less well off don’t have the time to spare.

      • @ReiRose
        6•6 months ago

        I agree. It doesn’t cost a lot to buy lentils and make dal, but it takes time.

        The problem is really our entire food system is geared towards profit and the excessive suffering that comes from that. If you want to eat meat a little more ethically…you have to spend more or have the time to raise animals yourself.

        Vegans vs meat-eaters is distraction from humans vs industrialized food. Vegans are correct about the suffering of animals, but those that focus on preaching to convert would find their time best spent being compassionate to those that can’t make changes.

        Some small changes include:

        • have one more vegetarian day a week
        • in a restaurant select the vegetarian entree or three vegetarian side dishes in stead of a meat main course
        • buy from local farms if available
        • make some mushy Peas for a lunch option
        • meal prep (vegan/vegetarian food does freeze easily and is easy to reheat)
        • if making a dish that contains ground meat substitute (homemade options below)

        I mean to do it all at once is not easy. Making small changes over time can improve health and save money. Thinking about the suffering of the animals can be detrimental, because you may associate making vegan choices with thoughts of animal suffering. I used to subscribe to a vegan magazine, but half of it was amazing recipes, and the other half was distressing animal stories.

        mushy peas (use margarine or olive oil instead of butter)

        mushroom “forcemeat” and other substitutes

        dal recipe

        You’re not a terrible human if you eat meat! It’s not easy to change, but doing a little bit can go a long way. See if you can cut it down ❤

        • Twinklebreeze
          1•6 months ago

          I’ve been trying to cut down my family’s red meat consumption for health and environmental reasons. I’ve got a 16 month old so I haven’t been making great progress, but I digress. I think my end goal is eventually pescetarianism. I feel no overwhelming need to cut out all animal products. Dairy and fish are definitely here to stay.