Early Observations on the Vegan Community

I've only been vegan for a few months, but I've already noticed some dynamics that seem to be at work in the vegan community.  


The most wonderful, overarching observation about the community is that vegans care.  They care deeply about the environment and about their health and that of others.  But the issue that creates the most passion in the vegans that I've met and those that I've observed is the welfare of animals.  Most vegans are driven by their desire to end the needless suffering of agriculture animals and, as a result, so many conversations surround the desire to bring about this change.  


Unfortunately, this passion can lead to division within the community itself.  Some vegans don't believe someone can truly be considered "vegan" unless they share a passion for helping end suffering of exploited factory farmed animals.  Avoiding animal products doesn't make someone "vegan", per this line of reasoning.  Others don't like to be called "vegan" because they feel the word has a negative connotation.  Then there's the degree of "veganism" that those who eat a plant-based diet display.  Do you still wear leather?  Buy personal care products made with animal ingredients?  When one becomes vegan, should they get rid of all animal products-based items such as belts, shoes and purses?  The answers to these questions are as diverse as the vegans themselves, and they lead to interesting and often passionate conversations.


So while the word "vegan" may refer to someone who eats a plant-based diet and avoids meat and dairy, the categories of vegans (or those who don't like that word) are as diverse as the many wonderful foods vegans eat.   


So when you learn that someone eats a plant-based diet, finding out why they are vegan and how they have chosen to live could be a great way to help you get to know that person better.