Jennifer at AnimalBlawg wonders why does veganism make some people so angry? She quotes from Making a Killing: The Political Economy of Animal Rights which in turn paraphrases The Sexual Politics of Meat: A Feminist-Vegetarian Critical Theory:

“[M]any people don’t want to know about the origins of their food; veganism gets people to think. Carol Adams has referred to this function of veganism as the ‘absent referent:’ namely, that vegans effectively ‘stand in’ for the animal at a table where people are eating animal flesh. It reminds people that they are consuming a someone rather than a something, and it roots the violence done for the dinner plate in a very real and personal context. Because food is more than simple sustenance, because food cuts across our cultures, our emotions, and our lives in complex ways, the symbolic import of being the ‘absent referent’ should not be underestimated–that presence can cut deeper than we initially imagine. By being that referent, by taking a stand, and by denying the products of violence and exploitation that others are engaging in, the vegan asks others to consider their choices, even if the vegan does not actually say anything.“

I think that absolutely describes some people’s anger. Many people do not like to think at all, let alone think about the origins of their food. And vegans makes them think and face the fact that meat and dairy consumption are bad for their health, bad for the planet, bad for agricultural workers, and bad for animals. And that makes them upset and angry.

But omnivores are varied. They have diverse reasons for their anger. Here some other reasons for their anger followed by suggestions with how to deal with that anger:

• Ignorance - There are plenty of omnivores who would readily switch to veganism if the task didn’t seem so daunting to them. Count me in that category. Though I became vegetarian long ago, I rejected veganism for years and years because I thought it was too difficult. I simply didn’t know any better and I didn’t want to work so hard to change my habits. Now, my ignorance never made me angry at vegans, but I can see how someone else might turn their ignorance into anger. This type of omnivore simply needs to be educated. I suggest directing these omnis to vegan blogs, books, and communities. Be sure not to take on too many of the education responsibilities yourself, since a) your veganism may not be the kind they need or want and b) it’s burdensome; don’t let omnivores sap your activist energy.
• Negative Past Experiences – Many omnivores have had a run-in or two with vegans who used a negative approach like name-calling or unwanted, ugly confrontation. For many people, first impressions stick and however someone is first exposed to veganism is likely to leave a lasting impression. Now, I think negative approaches are sometimes necessary and I may use them myself at times, but some omnivores may make a hasty generalization and attribute their negative past vegan interaction with all vegans and with veganism in general. These omnivores simply need to be reminded that vegans are a diverse group of people, just like meat-eaters. I suggest that vegans say something like, “Just like it’s wrong to judge all black people based on experiences with one black person, or all disabled people based on experiences with one disable person, or all wealthy men based on experiences with one wealthy man, it’s wrong to judge any group of people based on limited experiences with some members of a group of diverse people.”
• Maintain the Status Quo – Most people are afraid of change and will resist other’s efforts to change them. They may become angry if they interpret veganism as a movement to change them and their habits. They’d rather not have to change or even think about changing their regular, daily habits. They’re angry at vegans because vegans represent change. More and more people are going vegetarian and more and more restaurants are offering vegetarian options, so vegan people represent major social change. This makes many people uncomfortable and angry. In my opinion, the way to manage these people is to suggest small, gradual changes. Introduce new foods one at a time, not all at once. Or suggest that they try vegan meals one meal a week, then one day a week, and so on. Introduce other vegan people gradually as well. Let them get to know vegans and realize that they’re are just like omnivores in almost every way. Alternatively, don’t worry about these people. Just don’t even try to educate or convert them. They are not movers and shakers. They are not leaders. They are not opinion-makers. They will change when everyone else does. So just politely ignore them and they’ll come around eventually.
• Identity - Diet is often a representation of culture. Omnivores are often very attached to their foods and see veganism as an attack on their culture and identity. To deal with this be sensitive. Try to remind omnis that culture is more about shared meaning than about specific ritual, tradition, diet, music, and so on. Try treating veganism as an allergy or preference. You’re “allergic” to meat or you “just don’t like the taste” of milk. Make veganism seem like a small lifestyle change that doesn’t infringe heavily on culture. And remind them that there are vegans of various cultures and backgrounds. Veganism doesn’t destroy culture or identity.
• Freedom - Some omnivores see vegans as a threat to their freedom. They think veganism is a fine choice for individuals but they don’t want any social or political pressure to become or stay vegan. There are two key things to remember when dealing with these “live free or die” types of folks: One is that the anger they have towards vegans is not matched. For example, would they be angry at a group of people who wanted to outlaw the musical saw? Would they be quite so angry at people who wanted to outlaw unicycles on the freeway? No. It’s because meat-eating is one of their personal habits, not some rare activity only a few people do. They see it as a restriction on their freedom, which puts everything into a much more personal context, a context where it’s easier for them to understand the second thing to remember: discussions about freedom ought to include not just the omnivore’s rights and freedoms, but also the rights and freedoms of vegans, animals, farm workers, future generations, tax payers, and so on. Their perceived freedom to kill and eat and exploit animals does not come from any rational basis. It really just comes down to a “might makes right” type of argument, the type of argument that most freedom-lovers will agree is wrong.

Now, I’m no expert at dealing with angry people. Far from it. In fact, in practice, in person, I tend to shy away from conflict. I’d personally rather not deal with angry omnivores at all and I tend to avoid them. But in case you should find yourself having to confront an angry omni, I hope my suggestions here have helped.

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Sections: Vegan Activism, Vegan Theory
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