Responses to ‘I’m Vegan’ and How to Reply
Even though I address a number of typical responses and excuses in previous podcast episodes, I felt it was important to return to this topic, because there really is such an interesting dynamic that takes place when someone says “I’m vegan.” Some responses can throw the vegan for a loop, including: “I’m vegan, too, but I eat chicken, fish, and eggs” or “I tried being vegan, but I felt tired and lethargic” or “I used to be vegan, but now I buy ‘humane’ meat, dairy, and eggs and feel good being connected to my food” or “I used to be vegan, but my acupuncturist told me I had to start eating (animal) meat again, and so I have.” Take a listen, and hopefully some of my suggestions will help when replying to such statements.
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10 Comments for this Post
May 23, 2012 at 4:04 pm
This was EXACTLY the podcast episode that I needed. I work at a co op here in Portand, and I have the amazing job of interacting with some truly wonderful people. Everyone is so conversational, intelligent, and open to learning. But lately I have been getting stuck in “conversations” with people who claim to eat humane meats, or “so and so is telling me I need meat in my diet”. And I thought I knew how to respond to them, but I continue to receive some intense and difficult questions/comments, and I feel as though I haven not been leaving as strong of an impression as I would like. I rarely ever argue, I always opt for conversation, logos, discourse.. but more often than not I feel challenged into some kind of vegetarian vs. non vegetarian lifestyle debate. I know others can relate to this kind of interaction.
I find myself now refortified, the issues are fresh for me again, I may even listen to the episode one more time for good measure. Thank you!
May 24, 2012 at 8:06 pm
Hi Colleen,
This podcast is so helpful to those of us who want to handle the things that people say to us because we say we are vegan. I love having some of your simple ideas on how we can respond to some of the subjects that people bring up as I feel we need to be open, honest and direct on how we handle these situations.
Thank you for sharing your viewpoints because I know you do it from your heart so we can hone our skills in these areas and become better advocates for the animals.
Congratulations on your new place. It sounds delightful.
See you when you come to CO in a couple of months.
Warm regards ~ Rhonda
May 28, 2012 at 12:11 am
Fantastic episode! I hear the “humane meat, dairy, and eggs” often here in the Seattle area where I live. Most people that I encounter are aware of the problems with factory farming, so they make *some* effort to buy organic, free-range, or otherwise labeled “humane” products, when it is convenient for them. And when it comes right down to it, these efforts are occasional at best – because these same people don’t seem to stick to this ideal when it comes to eating out at a restaurant, or even processed forms of the animal product. I know families who are very particular about the farm that their milk comes from, but don’t blink at buying boxed macaroni and cheese mixes or even packages of string cheese. Truly, it is less about actually making a difference for the animals, and more about soothing their conscience occasionally when they do pick up that package of “free-range” eggs or organic milk.
I have a really hard time with confrontation of any kind and usually when people tell me about their “better” choices I tend to say, “that’s good” or something to that effect, just like you talked about in the episode.
I like the idea of saying, “I used to do the same thing, but then I found out that _____” because it does take the focus off of them for a moment, and removes any judgment while not condoning their choice.
June 4, 2012 at 1:47 am
[MARKED AS SPAM BY ANTISPAM BEE | Server IP]
hi Colleen, we really do appreciate your podcasts. and we do listen to them. we are the “silent” listeners you mentioned.
June 5, 2012 at 11:21 am
A few months ago, I had a strange experience with a collegue. He offered me a yoghurt, I declined politely, and he asked why. I told him that I am vegan. He just stood silently for a few seconds, looking at me, and then just walked away
No response was needed, but I still wonder what I could have done to make it less awkward.
June 11, 2012 at 1:53 pm
Thanks for another great episode! I currently live in MI where hunting and fishing are quite popular. I often find defending my vegan lifestyle challenging, especially at work, of all places. Most people are respectful and curious. My boss likes to introduce my as the resident vegan to anyone new, which I used to find it somewhat annoying before I realized that it seems to be a point of pride for him. Even though he likes to tease me about my food saying it smells good, but probably tastes terrible. I have gone so far as to offer to cook for him to show him how tasty my food is. He has so far not taken me up on the offer.
I understand and sympathise with you when you talk about feeling shaken by people who are proud of the fact that they kill the animals they eat. One woman in my department (Graphic Design) seems to delight in rubbing my face in the fact that she kills deer and turkeys. I find confronting her about this quite challenging, especially since I am not the confrontational type and like to keep the peace whenever possible. This is a work in progress for me, hopefully your helpful words in this podcast will encourage me to stand me ground in the face of someone who kills for fun.
June 14, 2012 at 10:00 am
Hi Colleen,
I am a new vegan (this week). And I’ve already run into the awkward questions and responses to the “I’m vegan” conversation with people who knew me as a omnivore. This podcast was incredibly helpful, and I can’t wait for additional podcasts on this topic. My biggest problem so far has been the “…make sure you eat enough/get enough nutrients, Sam” response. I’m lucky to have co-workers and friends who are concerned, but it’s hard when I’m still learning myself and haven’t built up an arsenal of information to answer their questions intelligently. Sites like yours are really helping with this. Thank you!
All the best,
Sam
June 25, 2012 at 1:11 pm
I love you.
November 27, 2012 at 12:09 pm
Thank you so much for this podcast. I have been vegan 6 months now and like you said in one of your other talks” I am often the the only vegan in the room” . Your podcast is incredibly helpful and I admire all that you do. Thank you so much for all the inspiration and support. I love you.
November 27, 2012 at 4:40 pm
Colleen, thank you for sharing your wisdom, compassion and ideas. I’m a loyal fan for life and so grateful to have such a wonderful resource in you for inspiration and confident speaking. LOVE your podcasts and all your great work making the world a better place. You are a gift!