How My Perspective of Vegans Changed After Becoming Vegan Myself

My perspective of vegans began to change significantly after I made the personal decision to become vegan. I took a journey through the Midwest and was confronted with the harsh reality of the meat industry. The smell of death and blood lingered in the air for days, and this experience led me to recognize the inhumanity involved in the meat production process. Once I smelled it, I could never imagine consuming a living creature again.

From Vegetarian to Vegan

I have been a vegetarian for over 30 years, with a growing realization that consuming animal products is not sustainable or ethical. Over the past three years, I’ve fully embraced veganism, not just as a dietary choice but as a lifestyle that aligns with my values. This journey has deepened my understanding and appreciation for the lifestyle, making me happier with my choices.

Initial Skepticism and Perceptions

When I first thought about becoming vegan, I had mixed feelings. I saw many vegans as extreme and irrational, partly because I couldn’t comprehend the need to abstain from dairy. The idea that consuming dairy was harming cows seemed counterintuitive. However, my preconceptions were soon dispelled as I delved deeper into the realities of the meat and dairy industries.

I had grown up as a vegetarian, and to me, not eating meat was a simple, non-protesting choice. Milk, on the other hand, was something more nuanced and complex, leading me to believe its consumption was morally indefensible only in extreme cases.

Challenging Beliefs and Finding Common Ground

Over time, the more I educated myself on animal rights and the meat industry, the more I realized the harsh truths. The practices in the meat, egg, and dairy industries are hidden from the public eye, but the industry's cruelty is unmistakable. I now respect anyone who chooses to be a vegan, though I do believe in a balanced approach and understand that not all vegans may follow the same strict guidelines.

While I was initially wary of the vegan community's strictness and the sometimes extreme positions they take, my experiences have also shown me their commitment to ethical living. Now, I admire vegans for their dedication to standing up for what they believe in, and I respect their efforts to promote a cruelty-free lifestyle.

Reflections on Vegan Community Dynamics

What has truly influenced my perspective is my immersion in the vegan community and the experiences I’ve had with fellow vegans. Initially, I observed a sense of judgmentality and negativity that seemed to alienate the community. There was a trend of unsolicited advice and moral superiority, with some vegans criticizing others for even a single indiscretion, like an accidental consumption of meat or expressing a craving for dairy.

The community occasionally turned on itself, often engaging in long, lecture-like discussions about the purity and correctness of veganism. While these aspects of the vegan community were off-putting, I now understand that not all vegans fit this mold, and many are genuinely kind and supportive.

Empathy and Solidarity

What has truly shifted my perspective is the way vegans approach empathy and solidarity. The community emphasizes understanding and support, rather than harsh judgment. While there are valid critiques of the industry, the focus should extend to offering meaningful support and resources to others who might be struggling with their dietary choices.

Ultimately, my journey from vegetarian to vegan has deepened my understanding of the importance of grassroots movements and community support. The compassionate approach that many vegans adopt has reminded me that true change often comes from self-reflection and kindness, not just preaching and harsh words.

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