Vegetarian inspiration?

January 7, 2003

Hi,

In the last few months, a couple of friends (unconnected to each

other) have mentioned that they decided to become vegetarian after

being 'inspired' by me - they figured that my reasoning was sound,

they found good reasons to do it themselves, and figured that if I

could do it then so could they. This has really been quite a

surprise, actually, since I don't proselytize (nor do I like

proselytizing).

I was wondering about experiences of other members -- have friends

become vegetarian as a result of your example? What did you think

about this or how did you respond? (For instance, I've thought about

sending these friends a lot of info about veg restaurants. )

Or another take - if you were inspired by a friend, what was the

motivating factor? Was it realization of the fact that they could

eat a variety of foods, get all the nutrients needed for a healthy

life, etc.? Or were moral arguments the compelling reason?

Overall, I'm just quite curious about this.

Thanks!

David

January 7, 2003

David,

I'm thrilled that you wrote this post! It's also wonderful that your two

friends have changed their lives because of your positive influence!

This topic is fascinating to me and I want to share my perspective...

I quit eating dairy when my grandmother suggested it to get rid of a

12-year acne problem. Was she proselytizing? No- she was making a

recommendation based on a need I had. I'm grateful for her suggestion -

and so are the animals that I haven't eaten.

I have been fairly silent about being vegan, except to tell

friends/family that I'd prefer to go to a veg-friendly restaurant and

that I will bring my own food to a dinner party. My husband and I

definitely stand out at gatherings where food is involved. (This is

probably a very typical experience for vegetarians on this list.)

The easy part about having a conviction is keeping it to myself - being

an example for others to observe. That's simple and safe, in my opinion.

And, David, you've found that not " proselytizing " has actually been

successful in encouraging others to try vegetarianism. I really respect

that.

However, in my world, being an example hasn't been as successful in

influencing people. My non-veg friends (about 95% of the people I know)

are mostly meat-worshipping, non-organic food eaters - with a few

Target-shopping SUV drivers mixed in. There, I've said it.

I'm resolved to risk being perceived as a proselytizer. I can't keep

quiet about vegetarianism any longer. I'm going to educate myself even

more about vegetarian nutrition, animal welfare and environmental issues

- and I'm going to share my perspective with people.

I'm so glad Martin Luther King didn't worry about being regarded as a

pain in the ass. I'm glad John Robbins doesn't mind being controversial,

either - his books have changed peoples lives. I'm also glad people like

Bruce Friedrich, Colleen, Alka, and Sunny enjoy a good debate about

vegetarianism. I bet they've encouraged a *lot* of food-based

transformations over the years.

My mom weighs 250 pounds, never exercises and eats brie for breakfast. I

don't talk to her about the benefits of changing her diet, and it's

painful to know that cutting out meat and dairy could still (at age 66)

do her a ton of good. She thinks I'm just going through a faze. (Her

cardiologist is vegan, by the way, but *never* prescribes nutritional

solutions or even talks to my mom about vegetarianism.)

~Caity the Newbie Proselytizer

--

Caity McCardell

http://www.CaityandStefan.com

I'm Popeye The Sailor Man.

I'm strong to the finish 'cause I eats me spinach.

I'm Popeye the Sailor Man.

" DavidPurdy " wrote:

> Hi,

>

> In the last few months, a couple of friends (unconnected to each

> other) have mentioned that they decided to become vegetarian after

> being 'inspired' by me - they figured that my reasoning was sound,

> they found good reasons to do it themselves, and figured that if I

> could do it then so could they. This has really been quite a

> surprise, actually, since I don't proselytize (nor do I like

> proselytizing).

>

> I was wondering about experiences of other members -- have friends

> become vegetarian as a result of your example? What did you think

> about this or how did you respond? (For instance, I've thought about

> sending these friends a lot of info about veg restaurants. )

>

> Or another take - if you were inspired by a friend, what was the

> motivating factor? Was it realization of the fact that they could

> eat a variety of foods, get all the nutrients needed for a healthy

> life, etc.? Or were moral arguments the compelling reason?

>

> Overall, I'm just quite curious about this.

> *Got Questions? We got answers! See the SFBAVeg FAQ at

> http://www.generationv.org/faq.htm

>

> *SFBAVeg Charter: http://www.generationv.org/charter.htm

>

January 8, 2003

Hi

I wanted to respond by telling you about me.

My nephew became vegan because he said he was inspired by me. I felt that was

kind of cool. I didn't realize my impact. I also hate having to tell people

why I am vegan. It is like they are trying to put me down or relieve their

guilt or trying to prove something or justify their brutality with all their

questions. I don't know maybe I should just relax and just answer honestly

why I choose to be vegan. I don't think the average person really knows what

happens to the animals in factory farms until they hear about it or see it.

It is too horrible to imagine. When I found out about how cows, chickens, and

pigs were and are treated, I cried. I became vegan because my friend's mother

is vegan. I think she was my role model because she was so happy, healthy,

and active. I really admired her. Also she used to invite us over to eat. I

never knew food could taste so good and be so healthy. I used to think only

" rich " fatty foods tasted good. Now I enjoy the real taste of food without

all the fat and guilt. She bought me Diet for a New America one Christmas.

After I read that book it changed me. I think it is neat how her influence on

me changed my life and my influence on my nephew changed his. It is the

ripple effect. We all can bring change by our choices. That is nice to

remember.

Theresa

January 8, 2003

Good question, David--thanks for asking.

I became veg in 1989 and my sister became (mostly) vegetarian a year later.

We lived over 1000 miles away from one another then, so it can work long

distance, too. :-) Also, a friend I met in college became vegetarian under

my influence, and that of a mutual friend.

I think in both cases, it was a matter of education, not proselytizing.

I didn't have them then but now I hand out Vegan Outreach's " Why Vegan " and

" Vegetarian Living " brochures, which can be very effective.

Let's keep the inspiration going. :-)

Peace,

John