The Danger of Judgement

In the Animal Rights field, vegans have taken steps to stop using animal products and we feel proud of the major lifestyle change we’ve undertaken. But maybe we can get a bit “up ourselves” about it all.
We’ve taken up ‘veganism’ and found ourselves in a perfect position to criticise others who haven’t. By making value judgements about omnivores, we strengthen our own stand on important issues. But when it comes to using animals (food, clothing, experimentation) non-vegans think we’re all a bit “#@%**+#” (which just about covers every negative judgement of veganism!)
To the omnivore, a vegan’s diet, lifestyle and principles must appear ignoble; otherwise they’d be asking more questions, debating the subject, maybe even changing to a more ethical lifestyle! For vegans having made the jump, it’s different. The things we most worried about, now feel okay. The next problem on the list appears: There just aren’t that many vegans around yet, especially in rural areas or countries where “veganism” is unheard-of. A vegan not only needs company (other vegans preferably) but for all the best reasons wants to inspire others to have confidence in veganism.
This aim, at this moment, is wishful thinking. There just aren’t even enough people dipping their toes in the water, let alone committed and active. The numbers of (totally comfortable) vegans is not rapidly increasing! Perhaps that can be put down to “bad press”. But there’s another force working against us – Ourselves! The effect of our (vegans’) spectacular unattractiveness is in part due to our image - as morally judgemental people.