Vegan Lifestlye is More than a Liberal Trend

Vegan lifestyle is more than a liberal trend
by Krista Houstoun
March 12, 2009

http://jackcentral.com/opinion/2009/03/vegan-lifestyle-is-more-than-a-liberal-trend/

According to author Sherman Alexie, who spoke at NAU last week, my vegetarian/vegan eating habits are more or less oppressive. He made the claim, albeit humorously, that vegans are elitists because, for many people in the world, the concern isn´t what kind of food they eat but that they eat at all. Regardless of constantly reminding myself not to take his humor personally, I left the lecture ready to defend my case. I felt offended by his scorn for conscientious eating habits because it doesn´t take into consideration the diligence and compassion required in adopting such healthy lifestyles. Vegetarianism and veganism may be trendy for some, but for most it is a necessity derived from a bigger-picture reflection.

Generally, you don´t just wake up one day and decide you´d like to try out vegetarianism or veganism because it seems fun; you are brought to that decision because you have developed a deeper awareness. Most people tend to regard vegetarian/vegan lifestyles as extreme and unhealthy. This assumption is rooted in ignorance. On a mainstream level we need to seriously re-examine the facts about our collective eating habits. Once we do that, it will become clear that vegetarian/vegan lifestyles are actually compassionate, eco-friendly and nutritionally beneficial.

Vegetarian/vegan lifestyles result from the dedication to a deeply humane worldview, which considers eating animal products a hazard for animals, the environment and human health. This belief is a consequence of deep self-reflection and a response to the desire to connect to a more sustainable and compassionate life. Therefore, reflecting upon one´s relationship to food is not an act of snobbery; it is a step in our personal evolution toward the best version of ourselves.

Additionally, these diets are practical solutions to many of our current global crises. Take factory farming for instance (our main source for animal products) - not only is it atrocious for animals´ well-being, it also has virulent effects on the environment. Factory farming is the No. 1 emitter of carbon emissions and the primary polluter of our water supply systems. Factory farming disregards the wellness of animals, the environment and the people they serve. Dedication to alternative diets is a direct revolt upon this corrupt system.

With all that said, I do realize I´m lucky to have the time, money and education to participate in a conscientious lifestyle. Not everyone has access to a healthy diet, and the injustice of it all is horrifying. But I will not apologize for my privilege; instead, I´ll make it my mission to shine light on the food injustice that infects the world.

Finally, I´ll quote a genius: "Nothing will benefit human health and increase the chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet." Albert freakin´ Einstein knows what´s up.