Part of growing up is about figuring out your values and sticking to them as well as balancing all aspects of your health. Sure, that might sound like an overwhelming task, but really, it’s as simple as doing what you believe in while taking care of the machinery you need to do it — your mind and body. That said, being healthy and happy looks different for different people. So, when it comes to veganism in college, it’s worth it — as long as you believe it is. With that in mind, vegans and non-vegans alike need to calm down with any judgement and criticism and realize that life is about personal beliefs that are just as valid as the next persons’. Here’s why you should calm down about your judgements and be open to beliefs that aren’t your own.
“Vegans are so unrealistic”
Like any strict diet, veganism is a tough lifestyle choice. Vegans have to be meticulous about label-checking, and when attending public events, sometimes there won’t be a safe option. Sometimes, cooking more complex recipes for texture or flavor might take a little more time than grilling up some meat. These stipulations make veganism time-consuming and inconvenient, but vegans want to make an impact, be it because they are animal lovers or environmentalists. That impact should not be minimized.
”Veganism is only for really privileged people”
Stop assuming anything about anyone life based on one choice. You have no idea what they sacrifice to make that choice, and it isn’t fair to them to discredit other struggles just because they eat rice and beans instead of chicken.The truth is, eating a certain way, be it the Keto diet or a protein plan, will always be more financially demanding than buying dollar menu items on a whim or eating a couple of cheap pizzas over the course of two days. If people plan out your meals ahead of time, buy produce on sale and invest in a few staples, there’s no reason plant-based eating is a luxury life. Again, this dilemma is worth the trouble for those willing to make time to fulfill personal beliefs, which are just as important as everyone else’s.
“Non-vegans are amoral and apathetic”
If veganism doesn’t fall under someone’s values, or if they simply don’t have the time to sacrifice, they are not a morally bankrupt human being. They are a person with different priorities who is hopefully making a difference in other issues that better fit their own values. Taking the extra time it takes to be vegan and applying it to interests such as political activism, feminism, scientific research or whatever cause a person is passionate about is absolutely valid, just as much as veganism is.
If people can manage to do more than just one thing and still function well, that’s awesome, too. And hey, if a person tries it and decides it isn’t for them, that isn’t a moral backstep. It’s just a part of discovering personal identity. Or, it may be a part of maintaining physical or mental health, too.
So when it comes to veganism, there shouldn’t be a big fuss either way. I’m all for reducing meat intake or participating in other ego-friendly activity for those who don’t want to be vegan or vegetarian, but vegans should recognize that, too. And if vegans talk about being vegan a lot, let them. They’re doing something important to them and making a difference while they’re at it.
