Veganism: Compensating or Identifying Identity?

Do you ever get the feeling that despite the ethical and dietary reasons for being a vegan being entirely legitimate, most vegans are so inflexible in their practices because deep down they're compensating for something? People have varying reasons for adopting a vegan lifestyle. Some might consider it a simple lifestyle choice for health or weight loss, while others might zealously advocate for a transition to a vegan diet, driven by moral concerns.

Reasons for Being Vegan

I believe that individuals' reasons for transitioning to a vegan lifestyle are diverse. Some people might just be 'lifestyle vegans'—those who see veganism as a healthier alternative or a means to lose weight without necessarily being evangelical about their choices. Others, however, can be more extreme, often referred to as 'crusaders.' These individuals are fervent and mission-driven, with their beliefs often bordering on religious zealotry. They might even make statements as extreme as comparing meat consumption to war atrocities, which can be both alarming and thought-provoking.

The Privilege of Choosing Veganism

However, it's important to recognize that the ability to choose a vegan diet comes from a place of privilege. Throughout much of human history, eating was a matter of survival, and meat was a crucial source of essential nutrients. Many were raised in environments where their diet was far from a choice; their survival depended on it. Take, for example, my father, one of 14 children, who worked the land and had to learn to slaughter and hunt animals as part of providing for his family. This would be impossible for most of us today, with the easy availability of Whole Foods or other meat substitutes.

A Source of Identity or a Moral Choice?

While some might argue that being vegan is a form of compensation for past or ongoing guilt about animal suffering, it's more accurate to view it as a source of identity. People often seek things that align with their values to define who they are. Veganism, then, can serve as a core belief system, much like a religion. It provides a framework for making ethical decisions and setting clear boundaries.

Compensation vs. Inconsistency

Introspectively, if I'm compensating for anything, it's the guilt I feel when I believe my actions contribute to animal suffering. My ethical system is built around minimizing suffering in the world. If that's compensation, I've been compensating for a long time. However, I've never been plagued by such feelings as a child, and I've always considered it a fundamental part of who I am.

To some extent, I compensate for negative feelings of inconsistency. I struggle with inconsistency more than most people, and my only coping mechanisms are changing my behavior or going into denial. Denying the suffering I feel both when imagining animal suffering and when aware of my own inconsistency is difficult. Refraining from actions that I see as contributing to suffering is a form of compensation for that suffering. It's a continuous battle.

If you truly believe that animal suffering is on par with human suffering and that factory farms are akin to concentration camps, then you might understand how someone would be inflexible. Understanding and respecting these deeply held beliefs can help us appreciate why someone might feel so strongly about their vegan lifestyle and might help us empathize with their perspective.

In conclusion, while there might be elements of compensation in the vegan lifestyle, it is often more a matter of identity and a commitment to ethical values. Whether we agree with their beliefs or not, it's crucial to understand the deep reasons behind people's choices, especially when they regard their veganism as a moral imperative.