So I've been giving this a lot of thought this morning. I'm noticing more and more that people can be downright snide and hateful when it comes to defending what they believe to be right. (Both sides mind you) This is bad for everyone in so many ways.
First of all, you're not going to persuade someone that your way is the right way by bullying them! Secondly, no one, and I mean no one is perfect. Third, poking fun at someone for what they believe is also bullying!
We are all on different journeys. Some may be headed in similar directions, but no two will ever be the same. They can't be, because we are all unique individuals with different perspectives!
The idea of forcing your will on another, no matter how "right" you are or think you are, will always be wrong as well as counterproductive.
Sure you may intimidate someone temporarily, but you will not bring about permanent change. People have to change because they "want" to! They need to see and "feel" a need for it. It's a matter of the heart and conscience... again no two are the same.
Accept people where they are and love them for their unique-ness! Praise them for their good choices and encourage them. It isn't going to help your cause by belittling others for what you perceive to be short comings! It's not one single person's responsibility or right (for that matter) to impose universal change in something so personal as one's relationship to their food. Not only is it wrong, but it would not be appreciated in reverse!
I try not to take it personally when some well meaning individual tries to tell me I need to eat meat. I also try to overlook the nastiness I occasionally get leveled at me for my choices. Why, because I'm not perfect and neither are they! It wasn't very long ago that I was in the dark about alot of the terrible side of the meat and dairy industry. I honestly didn't know any better. No one ever told me. I ate meat in moderation, but I did enjoy it.
In the beginning of my exploration into this uncharted territory (for me anyway) I came across some very hateful people on both sides of the fence. I felt sorry for both of them... what a lousy way to live!
On one side you had these vegans preaching peace and love for all living creatures while screaming obscenities at anyone who didn't immediately "get on board", and then you had the other side who seemed to be completely at peace. They weren't bothering others by forcing their dietary choices on anyone (accept the poor animals who suffer immensely). However, they would eagerly participate in the volley of insults.
I wish I had the answers on how to bring the two sides together in a way that would engage society to make positive changes. Change doesn't only benefit the animals, but also the environment as well as each individuals health! Which can be achieved without giving up meat entirely (though I must say that for me consuming meat isn't necessary).
I realize that I may not have the "perfect" solution (no one ever will), however hateful bickering is always wrong! All it will ever achieve is a deeper division between two opinions and belief systems.
All in all, just respect each other and the differences! Be the example you want to see and be okay if you're the only one making the change. Remember, change in attitude, desire, opinions etc., don't always come quickly or easily. People often have to be at a place, on their particular journey, where they are seeking change before they will be open to a new persuasion! Please respect that!
You can share information, when someone is receptive, in a kind and loving way! You can tell them about the many health benefits and how your life has changed. If they are ready for more information...they. will. let. you. know!
Please don't tell them of the sadness or nastiness of what they are eating while they are eating! I promise you that you will not only gross them out, but you'll piss them off at the exact same time...ask me how I know... sigh. Also, if someone asks you why you don't drink milk, eat meat or eggs, tell them. Be honest! Don't make grossed out faces at them as they chug a glass...not cool! If it bothers you that much then walk away, don't watch. Again, I know this from personal experience...sigh.
This is where I'm at and what I've learned on my journey thus far. If you have questions, legitimate questions, please ask away and I'll answer the best that I can. If you have some desire to try and make me feel stupid for what I believe... well, I've probably already heard it and it likely hurt the first time so I'd rather not have hate lobbed my direction again :)
Vegans and vegetarians. Be. Nice. Carnivores. Be. Nice.
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