Many people hear the word ‘vegan’ and automatically think of a diet that is devoid of all animal products, which is true, to a certain extent. However, to be a ‘true vegan,’ you’d have to go a lot further. The definition of ‘vegan’ is a way of living which seeks to exclude all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.
I, myself, have been vegan for two years and it is by far one of the best decisions I have ever made. My energy levels are through the roof, my skin is clear and I am happier than I have ever been, It’s also great to know that no animals have been harmed in my name, but all that is a completely different article.
Veganism has grown by 500% since 2014 in the U.S. alone. Many people argue that this is because it is now seen as the ‘trendy’ thing to do, but many say it is because of the hard work of vegan activists.
Twitter is the social media site than many activists turn to and no one can deny that it has had a big impact on the rise of veganism. Many vegan accounts have over 10,000 followers and receive hundreds of messages from people thanking them for opening their eyes to the idea of veganism.
This is all well and good, fantastic, in fact. After all, more people becoming vegan is great, right?
Right. However, I object to the way many vegans go about convincing people to go vegan. Many have turned on fellow vegans, because they used a non-vegan product by accident, or because they accidentally ate something that had milk in.
You have to be a ‘pure’ vegan to fit in on vegan twitter.
You have to actively be fighting non-vegans 24/7. You have to double check every single brand of shampoo you have ever used. This is all toxic. Veganism is supposed to be a positive, healthy and happy movement. When did this obsession with purity begin? It is turning people away from veganism.
If you only give up meat on weekdays, you’re doing great. If you still eat animal products but don’t buy animal-tested products, you’re doing great. If are a vegan who has accidentally eaten sweets with gelatin in once or twice, you’re doing great.
Obsessing over being a ‘perfect’ vegan isn’t helping the animals. It isn’t helping the planet. And it isn’t helping you.
Yes, I am a vegan. I am not, however, a vegan who obsessively checks every single label or who completely panics if I eat a packet of crisps with an animal product in it. You are good enough, whether you are a ‘full on’ vegan or not.
