Great article! I am a firm believer that we have a responsibility to the cause to be educated “mythbusters.” Unfortunately, I think some vegans themselves buy into the stereotypes, thinking they have to be aggressive in order to be a “perfect vegan.” (of course, there is no such thing!)

I think being a “good representative” means knowing when to speak and when to let your lifestyle speak for itself. Don’t be afraid to say, “I’m not sure how I feel about that” or “I don’t know, I would love to research it more though.” I don’t think it is the goal to “convert” everyone we come into contact with, but to just make people aware and let them decide for themselves.

Wonderful post and amazing comments as well!
.-= wendy´s last blog ..Herbed Tofu Filets with Tartar Sauce =-.

Everything has changed now! There is so much riding on what I say and how I say it. Things matter more – for the animals and for the Earth I hold dear.

Granted I still get frustrated – more so now because the issues are so dire… But I make efforts with each encounter to remain civil, and even “nice” when people tell me they “can’t” give up meat/dairy, etc. It’s very simple; If I remain civil I still hold their attention. I give their view credibility. They know I’ve heard them… They are more likely then to hear what I have to say. BUT I never hold back on the truth- and if hearing the *facts* presented in a non-accusatory way distresses them… They need to figure out the source of that anger themselves. I’m not to be held responsible if reality “offends” their “sensibilities”.

…And in this very strange way – being vegan has made me a “better person” — Go figure!
.-= Bea Elliott´s last blog ..Have a REAL Happy Easter – Decorate Your World – Say NO to Eggs! =-.

Your thoughts resonated with me today especially since I just had to delete a comment on one of my facebook status updates. A friend, who is not vegan but is trying to make more ethical choices, made an honest comment about one of those choices. Someone else jumped in and corrected her in a very rude and unkind way. She could have just as easily made the same point in a way that would have been less hurtful and therefore most likely more impactful. It’s hard of course, to always feel called upon to be non-judgmental and non-angry when dealing with people who are contributing to animal abuse. But we have to stick with what works for the animals, whether it’s fair or not. I can’t say I’m always good at this, so thank you for the reminder.
.-= Ginny ´s last blog ..More on Low-Fat Diets and an Update on Heart-Healthy Fats =-.

Blech. I have no need for it.

I live my life, and if someone wouldn’t become vegan b/c of something I said or did, then I don’t think they really have it in them to be vegan, anyway. I think a lot of vegans are pretentious, perfectionists, and police other vegan’s behavior looking to expose every misstep. I didn’t become vegan in order to part of a group, especially since a lot of the members of the group are jerks. I did it for the animals. And if I can overlook boorish behavior to do what is right, so can other people.

I’ve heard people say that PETA pisses them off so much that they go out and eat a hamburger to spite them. That’s so irrational. You’re not hurting PETA by doing that, you’re hurting the cow.
.-= veganprimate´s last blog ..In a classical mood =-.

“First. My mother,… noticed that whenever she ordered vegetarian food at a non-vegetarian oriented restaurant, other people paid attention – including her sisters, the server, and other patrons nearby.”

Many of my friends often feel compelled to let me know what veggies they have for lunch at work. I am not sure exactly why this is. But, my guess is that they are either just trying to relate or they admire you for it.

“Second. I declined a cookie in my French class, and a simple “Merci beaucoup, mais non – je suis végétalienne,” turned into a half-hour long conversation about why I chose to be vegan,”

A similar thing happens when some other trade brings donuts ‘for the guys’.I have even had the pleasure of my friends offering me natural apple juice. while they explain to ME why being organic and/or, at least, why a plant based diet is the best. Then they ‘snap off a “Slim JIM”(tm). sorta funny, really.

#3? Well, it is easy to hide behind a computer and ruffle feathers.

The biggest problem I have is defining veganism as a philosophy? or a diet? I say strict vegetarian is the diet. “Vegan” is the philosophy.
.-= VeganZilla (Bill)´s last blog ..Vegan during Lent pt2 Jesus, religion and animal rights =-.

In general, yes, we’re all advocate whether we like it or not. And in general, if we really care about animals, the environment, and human health we ought to be “good ambassadors,” which I think means being honest yet respectful and doing our best to encourage veganism in others.

But I have a few thought experiments:
a) What about children born and raised as vegans? Do they also have this responsibility to represent the animals? Wouldn’t that be an undue burden on them? Aren’t people allowed to just be who they are?

b) What if it turned out that the most effective animal advocates went through a stage in their activism wherein they spent time behaving in ways that some people describe as “counter-productive”? What if it’s really just a sign that someone’s becoming a more effective advocate? What if the rude discussion board vegan is simply stepping up from modeling veganism to actually advocating veganism? What if the next step on their journey is far more productive than any of your three examples above?

c) What if for every one vegan who behaves like the rude discussion board commenter there are three vegans who behave like you and the net result is a “good cop, bad cop” kind of thing that effectively produces social change?