Lonely Veganism

Being an ethical vegan in this non-vegan world can be a lonely place.

If they'd listen for long enough, this is what I'd like to say to the people who just don't get it....

Think of a terrible crime. Something that deep in your heart you find truly, morally repugnant...something that makes you want to cry just thinking about how horrible it is.

Now imagine living in a society where this crime is the norm. It's widespread, and not only is it legal, but it's celebrated. Advertised and glorified. It’s in your face in the supermarket, when you’re on public transport, when you watch a film, when you scroll the internet.

Most people don't see your problem. At best, those around you tolerate the feelings you have towards this crime, though still often indulge in it in your presence. At worst, you're taunted about your concerns. It's a bit of a joke that you're so sensitive about it. The issue's trivialised in mainstream culture. You're considered a snowflake, or cultish, when you try to highlight the crime. People quite literally find it funny that this act upsets you, and strangers on the internet will make a point of telling you how much they enjoy it.

That’s the reality of being vegan.

It can be draining. It makes me sad and frustrated and it makes me feel completely hopeless.

However. Despite all of the above, no amount of ridicule or eye-rolling will ever change how firmly I know that I’m right in my objection to animal exploitation, or how relentlessly I will continue to talk about this matter...

So here is this blog. A collection of thoughts and insight into all the ways we can change our attitudes towards animals, to see them for the living beings that they are, and to create a kinder world. Because if anything can combat the feelings of hopelessness it's trying to spread the word. I’ll also be writing about environmentalism more widely; so many of the issues that we face are intrinsically connected to the demands of our eating habits, so it’s not much of a leap.

I hope you’ll find something here of interest. If you’ve arrived at this page tentatively, I hope you can remain open-minded…obviously I'm writing with an agenda, but always with honesty.

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