The KInd Life Community Forum

I've only been vegan for a little over a month, so of course I'm the subject of concern/ridicule from everyone I know. Most of it has been manageable, despite the obvious frustration of dealing with it constantly. BUT: the other day a coworker went on a tirade about how I am depriving myself of 'good' food for no reason at all, because the animals will continue to suffer and my efforts are not going to change that. The longer he went on the more gutted I felt, and although I feel confident about at least not making the problem worse, it was incredibly depressing to experience. There are so many people out there like him! I've been signing petitions like crazy, but it just doesn't feel like enough. How do you all deal with this?

Lexie is right, you are inspiring a lot of people. Maybe they won't convert overnight, but your being vegan does make them think about where their food comes from and that is the first step! There are HUGE changes happening with regards to factory farming and animal welfare and you are a part of that change. The industry is losing money because more and more people like yourself are choosing to abstain from those products. There are commercials and ads everywhere for soy and almond milks, I have seen Earth Balance in Walmart, and most chain supermarkets sell tofu, tempeh, veggie burgers, etc. This is all change . . . the stores are realizing and so is the industry. I have gone to a few HSUS conferences and while discussing factory farming issues they quote idustry magazines and they are all afraid, afraid that we are winning slowly but surely! It is becoming unprofitable to produce meat. The pork industry is losing money--losing money! The only way that they are surviving is because the goverment bails them out. If only we could change that! And we will. You are a part of this change and you can support organizations or volunteer with them to help more changes occur. Organizations like HSUS, Farm Sanctuary, and PCRM are making huge strides. Don't ever think that your choices of how you live your life or how you spend your money aren't helping. Don't let people get you down. You are a role model to others for choosing a compassionate lifestyle. Feel good about that. :o)

Lindsay Nixon (a.k.a. Happy Herbivore) recently wrote a couple of posts about dealing with negativity (and sometimes outright hostility) re veganism. Worth a read:

http://happyherbivore.com/2011/08/dealing-with-negative/

http://happyherbivore.com/2011/08/veganism-vegan-advocacy/

People are scared of what they don't know!!!!

Remember...it's not just for crulty's sake...... you're also benefitting the environment.

"The fossil energy input to produce a day's food for a vegan is only one-third that for a meat-eater and half that for a vegetarian."

I'm sorry that you had to endure that. I can't give you any better advise than what you've already received.