Constructive Criticism
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The criticisms I hear from omnivores of veganism and animal rights:
“You’d be so much more convincing if you just did it this way. Be nicer.”
“Vegans are always so self-righteous, get a sense of humor.”
“You’re alienating people. Be quieter.”
“Wahhhhh!”
This kind of criticism just doesn’t make any sense. All I can think is, if you think your own vegan argument is so effective, why are you still eating meat?
Vegans: If omnivores say these things, IGNORE THEM. Only listen to other vegans.
Any criticism is an excuse. Its a choice to live without, and many people are not lucky enough to know what we vegans know, to make that choice. Its so easy to go vegan that I laugh when people get all defensive.
Heh–all those comments are things that people of color get from white folks angry about being called on their white privilege, too. How multi-purpose!
johanna,
That’s a good point.
Indeed, the same tactics are used to squelch valid arguments. Other tactics include the strawvegan (attacking some mythical vegan creature, not the actual vegan they’re talking to) and an over-emphasis on consistency. They’ll say stuff like, “well, you use medicines and those were tested on animals, so you’re not really vegan and therefore it’s OK to eat meat.” It’s a nonsequitor for starters, but more importantly, we all draw our lines somewhere and we can’t change the past.
Other vegans, will, however sometimes make these same criticisms. When they do, I try to pay attention. Some of what they say is valid. But when omnis criticize, I ignore. I’ve heard it all before, too many times.