You’re on yer own

1309: 

Being liked by others might be highly valued, especially if you’re on the outer, as a vegan – most vegans have experienced how it feels to be socially isolated.  But, if popularity were the aim, then it would mean we still value other people’s good opinion of us.  However, if other people are ethically compromised, their opinion of us might not be so valuable after all.  If their acceptance of us is conditional on keeping our mouths closed about ‘meat-eating’, when the subject comes up or when we’re all eating together, then their approval isn’t worth very much.  For us, the question always arises - should we keep the peace or put up a challenge?  Even through no fault of our own, simply by being discovered to be vegan, it can be enough to close down our social acceptability.  We aren't included because of our 'funny ideas about food'.

This is often the testing point, when we might have to face being alone, having to do without others’ approval, especially if it interferes with our being proactive as Animal Rights advocates.

To NOT need the approval of our friends over this one matter might seem a bit cavalier, but it is also a sign of thinking for oneself.  And this in turn signals a strength of conviction that is largely coming from within.

Animal Rights (which is really about being non-violent) is a great cause and shouldn’t be weakened by our personal need for outside guidance and encouragement.  Our conviction must comes from knowing that we are, unlike many of our friends and family, in a position of ethical safety, and that should be enough to compensate us for what might be the loss of others’ regard for us.