There are plenty of dietary restrictions out there today (think: pescetarian, gluten-free, low-carb). None, however, seem to catch flack as much as veganism. To go vegan is to eliminate all animal products from one’s diet – a hardcore vegetarian, if you will. As a flexitarian, a person “whose normally meatless diet occasionally includes meat or fish” (a term I learned through research for this blog post), I wanted to investigate the opposing sides of plant-based vs. carnivorous Twitter. Here’s what I found searching #Vegan:
Going vegan is good for the environment…
Being #vegan is good for the #planet! 🌏💚🐮 #love #health #climatechange #environment #sealife #govegan #loveanimals #speciesextinction #cows pic.twitter.com/umnlMhV7XE
— Rachael Howkins (@Rachael57354278) April 15, 2018
…better for the animals, morally speaking…
Good share!
Another fact: pigs are incredibly smart creatures (smarter than dogs). It is horrible that we inflict torture on fellow sentient beings. Consider going #vegan to reduce the violence. pic.twitter.com/oHiNKdkFi3— Setu Upadhya (@setman85) March 12, 2018
…and there are plenty of vegan food alternatives to get you bacon grilled cheese fix.
Celebrate #NationalGrilledCheeseDay with this delicious #vegan version! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/S4i0hYW9Fy
— Mercy For Animals (@MercyForAnimals) April 12, 2018
Others seem to think that the rhetoric around veganism is annoying…
You know why #Vegan are so annoying? It’s because while they are trying to convince themselves that what their doing is right they simultaneously force that way of life onto everyone they come in contact with as if it will help validate their life choices.
— Joey Delta (@Deltal0l) January 30, 2018
…like really annoying…
I have a cough that is just about as annoying as a vegan.. Every few seconds I have to cough… Just like every few seconds a vegan has to state that they are in fact vegan… #vegan
— Vanna Isamonster (@VannaTheMonster) February 7, 2018
…like brainwashing level annoying.
Like its cool be vegan do your thing but dont try and brainwash other people to join the vegan bandwagan just because YOU think its the right way. Meat eaters dont go preaching to people ‘you must eat meat’ lol calm yourselves down and mind your business #Vegan #BeYourOwnVegan
— R A J (@MistahSensation) February 8, 2018
Interestingly enough, vegans seem to think brainwashing is being done on the opposing side too.
The dairy and meat industries use euphemisms to brainwash the public. Don't be brainwashed. Think! #vegan #veganism #vegetarian #vegetarians pic.twitter.com/MN82L6SIlP
— Joseph Jesus Pahl (@JosephJesusPahl) September 21, 2017
In conclusion, veganism seems like it has great benefits – and nobody is arguing that. It’s when the benefits are pushed on those not interested in changing their dietary restrictions that seems to cause a problem. Something to keep in mind if I ever make the switch!