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Thread: Can't help preaching to people

  1. #1
    Daffodil's Avatar
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    Default Can't help preaching to people

    does anyone else do this? since being vegan I feel so healthy and at one with nature etc that I just want everyone else to feel this good, so I can't help preaching to people when they eat "bad" foods infront of me....(i must be so annoying) I feel like I've seen the light.

    You know when you see those religious people in the street spreading the word of God I can understand now how they feel (an I'm an atheist)...they just want everyone to feel as great as they do.

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    Quirky Vegan Kate1978's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    Being vegan is great and because we have "seen the truth" and naturally we want others to see it too. But I'm guessing that you get a load of static in response.

    Of course not everybody is ready for the truth, are they? To quote Confucius "People cannot be taught. People must learn". In order to stay sane I now plant little seeds of vegan knowledge, but only if they have expressed an interest in learning about it. I still get hostility from some quarters but you can't win em all.
    ~ Don't think twice, it's all right ~

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    Eat Y'self Fitter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    my best friend is an omnivore, but I don't preach. He's starting to get concerned about his health idk why hes fairly healthy, just has to quit smoking. Anyway, he's seen how healthy I've become through eating properly and riding my bike. He always asks me for dietary advice, mainly because he's concerned about fat content in food.

    So whenever he eats with me, he chooses vegan and veg options, and he loves them. We went to this vegan fast food restaurant and he was raving about the burger he had as well as the vegan pizza we had earlier. I actually am starting to see him eat meat less and less. I'm thinking he's considering vegetarianism but I'm not pushing cos if he wants to he'll come to.

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    ShariBlackVelvet's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    I think I sometimes do this more online than offline. Usually something causes me to have a rant - like I'll see something about animal cruelty in the paper or someone else will post about something and it will just bug me so much that I have to say something. It's hard because you know how awesome and easy it is to be vegan and cruelty free and when you see others that aren't it is frustrating.

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    Wild Thing everdream's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    A lot of my friends are vegetarians. I find it harder to bite my toungue around them than round omnivores. I just want to yell HYPOCRITE at them sometimes. (The one's who do it for welfare issues)

    But yeah, I also know what you mean about street preachers now. Although I wouldn't go that far myself, I can understand why others do it, and can emphasise with their frustrations.

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    Quirky Vegan Kate1978's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    Quote everdream View Post
    A lot of my friends are vegetarians. I find it harder to bite my toungue around them than round omnivores. I just want to yell HYPOCRITE at them sometimes. (The one's who do it for welfare issues)
    .
    I know what you mean about veggies. I think, rightly or wrongly, we have higher expectations of them and that they should know better. I know a couple of almost vegans and I tread very carefully as they are reaching a tipping point and I am confident they will come over to the dark side.

    When I am frustrated with veggies I remind myself that I was once there myself, and not so very long ago.
    ~ Don't think twice, it's all right ~

  7. #7
    Daffodil's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    glad it's not just me then lol

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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    I was the same for the first few years but discovered over time that preaching tends to get peoples backs up and send them in the other direction....they get nosey if ya just say nothin then when they do ask bout ur lifestyle etc u have a captive audience ...producing a healthy veggie filled lunch while they sit wit their disgusting artery cloggin greasy one helps too

  9. #9
    Veganometer Lord Perennialist's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    Quote emmadilemma View Post
    I was the same for the first few years but discovered over time that preaching tends to get peoples backs up and send them in the other direction....they get nosey if ya just say nothin then when they do ask bout ur lifestyle etc u have a captive audience ...producing a healthy veggie filled lunch while they sit wit their disgusting artery cloggin greasy one helps too
    I've had the same experience too. Bringing up your veganism everytime you meet a carnivore always puts them off the subject, and then you have to scramble to undo your harm. People simply aren't receptive if you try to force the question. But if you just let your veganism be and they start to notice, then they will start asking questions. Then you have an in. I think St. Francis' words apply here: "Preach at all times... if necessary use words."

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    Veganometer Lord Perennialist's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    x- that's annoying, it posted twice

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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    Or as someone not very vegan once said...."u catch more flies with honey"

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    V for Veganica Sarabi's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    There's a time and a place for advocacy, I think... but personally, I love when people ask the questions. And I want to learn about people, too. What are they thinking? Why do they eat meat, considering they're a kind person? Lately, I think I've just gotten lucky... I am surrounded by wonderful, kind, thoughtful, active people.... none of them are vegan, but I feel so intimate with them. I just want to learn about them. And they want to learn about me. They want to learn about veganism - why I'm vegan. Or maybe I just think they all do because I want to learn about them! But a few of them did explicitly express interest in learning at least something about veganism, or moving in that direction, due to my influence. I think that when you just love people and care about them and want to learn about them.... if they are that kind of person, too, at all, they may turn to you and feel the same way.



    Either that, or it's all in my head! But I have just told people... I'm doing a vegan outreach internship, it's something I'm passionate about... I use the word "vegan" a lot, and mention what I've been up to. Or I tell them my story in a trusting way... like I just want to share my story. It seems to be working better for me so far (kind of recent)... focusing on sharing *me*, veganism from *my* eyes, rather than telling a story that depicts veganism as involving an ominous cloud that will pour rain on us all. I have been showing people my feelings of ardor that ultimately they would need to feel for themselves to understand the beauty of it... Mind you, I didn't plan all of this out exactly... it just happened. Time will tell if it is durable!
    "To become vegetarian is to step into the stream which leads to nirvana." - Buddha

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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    My husband preaches to me about the foods I eat (I'm not the world's healthiest vegan), and it annoys me.

    Since you are an atheist, does it annoy you when people try to change your beliefs by preaching to you about God and going to heaven?

    This is my opinion only, but some people (and I'm not talking about any of you) don't preach because they want people to feel good, but to hold themselves superior to the preachee. I think there is a degree of this in every "ism," probably.

    I'm loving the fact that you feel so good. Again, my opinion, the best vegans I know are those who live the life and by their example, inspire others. I bet people see changes in you, right? They will see how wonderful veganism is in the way you live/look/act, not by trying to impose your beliefs on others who don't ask for it.

    I do love your enthusiasm, though!

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    Quirky Vegan Kate1978's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    Quote emmadilemma View Post
    Or as someone not very vegan once said...."u catch more flies with honey"
    I like it!

    Though of course being vegans we'd use maple syrup or agave
    ~ Don't think twice, it's all right ~

  15. #15
    *live*&*let*live
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    Not sure this is off topic as this is the opposite to the title...I wish my hubbie WOULD preach!! Probably being harsh but I just wish he would have the courage of his convictions and stand up for what he believes in. He's a vegetarian for about six months and he admits it's because I 'rubbed off on him'. Yesterday he went to his brothers 40th (I didn't). They were having a bbq and were cooking his and his brothers wife's veggie burgers to one side on the bbq! I wasn't impressed when he told me. But then when one of his brother's friends asked him why he was vegetarian my o/h said for health reasons! The bloke said, 'Oh God, for one minute there I thought you were going to say for the animals!' My o/h said that was it too, but he 'didn't want to get into it'.
    I know that the bloke is really challenging and my o/h didn't want to get into a debate, but I said to him that he should NEVER be afraid to state his views and he can always add that he doesn't wish to preach, but he feels the way he feels for a reason.
    If I had been there I think I would probably have got on my soapbox, in a diplomatic way as it was someone's birthday and I was a guest in their home etc etc but I really can't stand people who take the p*ss, like it's not your right to have feelings and emotions for other sentient beings. I'm like HOW DARE YOU!!
    In answer to your ? then I don't preach, but am often asked and I am informative rather than preachy, however I can hold my own in a debate if it leads to that, however I do tend to end up in tears as I am so passionate! Better that than aggressive! I'm fed up of some of my friends showing interest and others asking me not to reply as they are eating! Talk about turning a blind eye. A few of my other friends have said that if they had to go out and kill their own food then they would be vegetarian, they 'don't see it as an animal when it is packaged in the supermarket' !! I think we should have photos next to the meat of what it actually is you are eating. x

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    Quirky Vegan Kate1978's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    Quote *live*&*let*live View Post
    I really can't stand people who take the p*ss, like it's not your right to have feelings and emotions for other sentient beings. I'm like HOW DARE YOU!!
    I know, it's like you're silly or soft or beneath contempt in some way. Grr!

    Quote *live*&*let*live View Post
    they 'don't see it as an animal when it is packaged in the supermarket'
    Like a woman I know who will only eat sausages and burgers, but not steak or meat that "looks like it comes from an animal" FFS!
    ~ Don't think twice, it's all right ~

  17. #17
    *live*&*let*live
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    Like a woman I know who will only eat sausages and burgers, but not steak or meat that "looks like it comes from an animal" FFS!
    I know BONKERS!! Skewed logic or what?!

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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    ^ Ridiculous but also unsurprising *sigh*

    I get too passionate when I "debate" about any subject I care about, so I tend to avoid preaching of any kind. I come off the wrong way and people start to dislike me. I answer questions when asked and do my best not to hide my veganism, atheism, etc.
    Quote Lord Perennialist View Post
    "Preach at all times... if necessary use words."
    Good words to live by, though not with the original religious meaning, for me at least.

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    V for Veganica Sarabi's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    Quote *live*&*let*live View Post
    I know BONKERS!! Skewed logic or what?!
    Um... that is basically my logic before I gave up animal products. I was asked to go fishing with a guy and his daughter, while we were eating dinner. I said I didn't want to kill fish. The daughter asked if I was vegetarian. I said, "No. I just ate fried shrimp." She said, "Oh. Well, what's the problem with killing them then, if you're going to eat them anyway?" I had never really thought about it before. Then she said, "Aren't Buddhists supposed to be vegetarian?" I said, "I've never heard of such a rule."

    But that was the first time I started thinking about vegetarianism as something other than "Other." Within a few short months, I was vegan.
    "To become vegetarian is to step into the stream which leads to nirvana." - Buddha

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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    Well, I only say sometime when someone has given me a snide, off-putting remark (in my opinion).

    My daughter's boyfriend (Who proudly proclaimed himself a "hard-core carnivore" in the middle of my vegan meetup) was in the store with me while I was buying chick peas in a can. He had the nerve to say, "Ya Ms. healthy, those are high in sodium." Grrrr... So, that is when I went on a bit of a preaching spree about how you don't tell a vegan something is high in sodium while you cram meat in your face or you are going to get a lecture. A little bit of sodium in my chick peas is not hurting the animals.... and so on. I am sure he will not say something like that again.

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    Fervent vegan DiaShel's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    Quote Kate1978 View Post

    Like a woman I know who will only eat sausages and burgers, but not steak or meat that "looks like it comes from an animal" FFS!
    Well, at least she is showing some guilt. She seems to realize eating animals is wrong because she doesn't like to be reminded that is what she is eating. It's a starting point. I never liked to eat anything on a bone and now I'm vegan.
    "To reduce suffering means to reduce the amount of ignorance, the basic affliction with us." -Thich Nhat Hanh

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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    ^ Good point

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    Ready to rock vercimus's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    What I love (but kinda hate at the same time) is when a person asks me about my veganism, and then goes on to say "well, I don't eat much meat" or "I think I eat about as many vegetables as meat."

    I don't preach, but I answer questions whenever they pop up and I make sure I make my points clear. I've often had trouble with people trying to change the subject while I'm talking though; they ask me a question, but really don't want to hear the answer.

    I know plenty of people that feel both guilty and disgusted when reminded of what they're eating. It's incredible how people can partition their brains like that.

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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    Quote vercimus View Post
    What I love (but kinda hate at the same time) is when a person asks me about my veganism, and then goes on to say "well, I don't eat much meat" or "I think I eat about as many vegetables as meat."
    That happened to me yesterday. My friend said, "Well like I eat meat and yogurt and stuff, but not like a lot. And I don't eat junk food or anything."

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    Ready to rock vercimus's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    It's so weird when you can tell people are trying to validate their lifestyle like that. I just don't get it!

  26. #26
    V for Veganica Sarabi's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    "I think I eat about as many vegetables as meat."
    LOL... I think I allow about as many people to live as I kill.
    "To become vegetarian is to step into the stream which leads to nirvana." - Buddha

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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    ^ Ooh good one.

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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    I tend not to preach but take every opportunity when people say things like "I don't know where you get your energy" to champion the cause. I also find myself showing off veganism subtly by making drop dead gorgeous food for social gatherings then taking the opportunity when complimented to remind people it's all animal free

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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    Being vegan is such a big part of who I am and I don't like to argue making my point. That's usually what's happening if I bring up veganism with strangers or even with people I know well. So these day I just do "my thing" hoping that people will get inspired or get the idea of it just by being around me. Also, it is somewhat personal and sensitive - I don't like people to criticize who I am because it's part of me after so many years. I couldn't be any other way even if I tried.
    "Animals are my friends... and I don't eat my friends". ~ George Bernhard Shaw.

  30. #30
    *live*&*let*live
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    ^ I adore your avatar photo Kriz ^ It's adorable! Was this taken at your home? If so lucky lucky you!! (Good job VL isn't trolling anymore as she may accuse you of being deceptive trying to 'bait and switch' with that pic! - long story if you didn't catch the threads!)

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    kriz's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    Thanks. No, it's not in my home, and I don't know those animals, but I thought it was a cute picture anyway.
    "Animals are my friends... and I don't eat my friends". ~ George Bernhard Shaw.

  32. #32
    leedsveg
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    I just say 'I'm vegan/don't use animals' and I don't usually get involved in preaching/arguing, (that's counterproductive). The way I see it, the more that people hear of the word 'vegan' and the basic vegan philosophy, the less strange the concept of veganism becomes.

    leedsveg

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    Manzana Manzana's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    I tend not too make an issue of my veganism at all (as in, I tell people if they want to take me to dinner or something but not as something extraordinary... just like if someone said "I have a nut allergy", i say "i dont eat animal products, and yes this includes meat, chicken, fish, eggs and dairy as well as honey")...

    Most people are curious and then ask more but I always make a point to 1) establish if they are really interested or in judgemental fighting mode
    and 2) never discuss anything around a table full of "food" or when people are eating

    Last time someone told me "Don't you think it is a bit extreme?"
    and I said "well, it depends how you look at it. I guess you are coming from the perspective of "everything is good in moderation etc".... however, you would not think that killing or raping people once a year was "not extreme" since it is done in moderation. The same logic applies to me not eating dead animals"

    They seemed fairly satisfied with that answer...

    I also tend to show as little emotion as possible on the matter. It puts people off (especially men)... plus, it is totally unnecessary when you can easily win an argument with logic

  34. #34
    CATWOMAN sandra's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    Quote Manzana View Post
    Last time someone told me "Don't you think it is a bit extreme?"
    and I said "well, it depends how you look at it. I guess you are coming from the perspective of "everything is good in moderation etc".... however, you would not think that killing or raping people once a year was "not extreme" since it is done in moderation. The same logic applies to me not eating dead animals"

    They seemed fairly satisfied with that answer...
    That's brilliant Manzana! I think I'll use that argument next time someone asks me the same question.
    I like Sandra, she keeps making me giggle. Daft little lady - Frosty

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    baffled harpy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    That's a good answer to the idea that it's "extreme", Manzana!

    No-one has tried to pick an argument about it with me for ages, I expect I'm such an old battleaxe that they don't dare I suppose I do avoid situations where there might be a confrontation, though, like eating in French restaurants

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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    Lads, lads, lads, I would tread very carefully when saying "killing or raping people once a year is not extreme since it is done in moderation" - killing or raping people can in no way ever be construed as 'moderate' acts.

    I'm not saying don't use forceful or emotive arguments, just be sure you're on solid ground with whoever you're dealing with otherwise you're just seen as a tad unbalanced. I know omnivores rape the animal world but practically every single one of them would find it impossible to see it that way.

    If someone asks, "is veganism a bit extreme?" my simple answer is something like "no - what gave you that idea?" and then I take it from there. You put them in the position of having to think.

    A central aim for me in any exchange of views on veganism is to get them to explain their thoughts rather than attack mine. Pick apart their perception of veganism because I know mine is sound. And thus, going back to the heart of the thread - don't preach. It's great if you can make omnivores think they're preaching and you remain serene!
    "The trouble with quotes on the internet is that you can never tell if they're genuine" - Abraham Lincoln

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    CATWOMAN sandra's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    Quote DavidT View Post
    Lads, lads, lads, I would tread very carefully when saying "killing or raping people once a year is not extreme since it is done in moderation" - killing or raping people can in no way ever be construed as 'moderate' acts.
    I didn't get that view of Manzana's post at all................are we reading the same one?
    I like Sandra, she keeps making me giggle. Daft little lady - Frosty

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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    Quote sandra View Post
    I didn't get that view of Manzana's post at all................are we reading the same one?
    Quote Manzana View Post
    I guess you are coming from the perspective of "everything is good in moderation etc".... however, you would not think that killing or raping people once a year was "not extreme" since it is done in moderation. The same logic applies to me not eating dead animals"
    Maybe I read it wrong, maybe not - M's double negative throws it for me.
    "The trouble with quotes on the internet is that you can never tell if they're genuine" - Abraham Lincoln

  39. #39
    baffled harpy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    I read it as meaning that even if you "only" killed or raped once a year it wouldn't be morally acceptable, and neither is consumption of specific animal products.

    I.e. the idea of moderation becomes absurd if applied to things that are intrinsically immoral.

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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    If I met someone who's following a kosher diet for example, I would never ask: "don't you think that's a too extreme?" That's plain rude and not my business at all. And if I was sincerely curious about it, my approach should be friendly and non-invasive with intention of learning, not to mock and argue against it. A decent person is taught to be culturally sensitive when dealing with people, and guess what, that applies to vegans too.
    "Animals are my friends... and I don't eat my friends". ~ George Bernhard Shaw.

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    DavidT's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    Quote kriz View Post
    If I met someone who's following a kosher diet for example, I would never ask: "don't you think that's a too extreme?" That's plain rude and not my business at all. A decent person is taught to be culturally sensitive, and guess what, that applies to vegans too.
    Yes. Good perspective.
    "The trouble with quotes on the internet is that you can never tell if they're genuine" - Abraham Lincoln

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    CATWOMAN sandra's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    Quote harpy View Post
    I read it as meaning that even if you "only" killed or raped once a year it wouldn't be morally acceptable, and neither is consumption of specific animal products.

    I.e. the idea of moderation becomes absurd if applied to things that are intrinsically immoral.

    Yes, that's how I took it too Harpy!
    I like Sandra, she keeps making me giggle. Daft little lady - Frosty

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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    Quote DavidT View Post
    A central aim for me in any exchange of views on veganism is to get them to explain their thoughts rather than attack mine. Pick apart their perception of veganism because I know mine is sound. And thus, going back to the heart of the thread - don't preach. It's great if you can make omnivores think they're preaching and you remain serene!
    This is a great way to have a conversation without coming across as preachy, wish I remembered it more often! About all sorts of stuff I feel strongly about.

  44. #44
    leedsveg
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    Quote Manzana View Post

    I also tend to show as little emotion as possible on the matter. It puts people off (especially men)... plus, it is totally unnecessary when you can easily win an argument with logic
    Hi Manzana

    Good posting. And when is the argument really won? For me it's when the omni goes away, thinks about what has been said, perhaps googles articles on how farm animals are treated, talks to a veggie friend etc and then, and it could take a long time, decides to take the first step, the first step (in wanting more compassion in their life) being something like cutting out eggs/milk/meat, or going veggie. Of course the first step might be the only step they need if they make the 'conversion' to veganism.

    leedsveg

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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    Quote leedsveg View Post
    Hi Manzana

    Good posting. And when is the argument really won? For me it's when the omni goes away, thinks about what has been said, perhaps googles articles on how farm animals are treated, talks to a veggie friend etc and then, and it could take a long time, decides to take the first step, the first step (in wanting more compassion in their life) being something like cutting out eggs/milk/meat, or going veggie. Of course the first step might be the only step they need if they make the 'conversion' to veganism.

    leedsveg
    This was my step toward veganism, and it's a good way because you kind of feel that you discovered this on your own, it's YOUR choice, and nobody is really scrutinizing you in the process. I think it's more empowering than changing because of someone else or out of guilt.
    "Animals are my friends... and I don't eat my friends". ~ George Bernhard Shaw.

  46. #46

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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    ^ I agree. It's more real when you want it.

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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    That is kind of a dilemma. It has come underneath our subconscious regarding why we started to be vegan at the first place. That is, to reduce the factory-production of animals, to reduce the suffering of animals due to human activities, to exclaim that animals are no lower creatures than we human are, and so forth. Considering those, our ultimate objective is exactly to reduce animal product consumptions.

    We can achieve that in some ways: reduce as much as possible starting from ourselves, or and, try reducing the consumptions from the people around us. And when we look at the total population of fellow vegans around the world, we come to understand that it is extremely meager. This tends to make us think that reducing the consumptions from other people(without hard preaching about veganism, or without projecting an image of how lame it is to just reduce the intake without utterly stopping it, and the like) contributes more than hard promoting veganism while driving other options away.

    The main point is, it looks better to preach about eating less rather than not eating. But even with that, and especially with the listener knowing that you are a vegan, you might be projecting an image of a preacher as 'distorted' as other weird religious preachers.

    We have an urge to reveal the truth we have come to understand to the others, but that poses a possibility of chasing them even further. Sometimes I wonder how religions can be that widespread, in such a scientific world where gods' existences have been constantly defied.

  48. #48
    V for Veganica Sarabi's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    "our ultimate objective is exactly to reduce animal product consumptions"

    Uh, my ultimate goal is to minimize the exploitation of sentient beings.
    "To become vegetarian is to step into the stream which leads to nirvana." - Buddha

  49. #49
    Ready to rock vercimus's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    Ditto ^

  50. #50
    Manzana Manzana's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can't help preaching to people

    Quote leedsveg View Post
    Hi Manzana

    when is the argument really won? For me it's when the omni goes away, thinks about what has been said, perhaps googles articles on how farm animals are treated, talks to a veggie friend etc and then, and it could take a long time, decides to take the first step, the first step (in wanting more compassion in their life) being something like cutting out eggs/milk/meat, or going veggie. Of course the first step might be the only step they need if they make the 'conversion' to veganism.

    leedsveg
    I agree with that Leedsveg... or maybe just when they realise that vegans are not nutters, they just have a different (more caring and thoughtful) perspective on life and they are putting it in practice...

    DavidT, Harpy explained what my previous post meant very well... Of course killing and raping people is extreme even if only once and the analogy was that killing animals can also be seen as really extreme (even when in moderation)...

    it is just a way of putting them in the "extremist" position once they have tried to argue that you, the vegan, are extreme...

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