Deadly Affection

2033:

There are those conversations, calmer ones, which allow both sides to say their piece whilst showing respect towards each other.

As vegans, if we are questioned about veganism, we might expect to be asked out of a genuine respect for our principles. But why is a question being asked in the first place? Maybe the other person is ‘showing an interest’ but not necessarily asking because they’re desperate to know what we think. It could be a show of good manners.

If we’re not sure who we’re talking with (on this oh-so-sensitive subject) it’s not until after our first words are out of our mouths that we get to know at what level we should be ‘pitching’ them.

The question remains: why would an omnivore want to discuss ‘veganism’ with a vegan? That is such a central question for vegans, but inside the vegan head we might have a question for ourselves - why do we want to talk about it? Are we needing to recruit? Are we needing their admiration? Do we want others for company? Maybe for all those reasons, but also for the animals’ sake, altruistically advocating their case.

If we want to be all-round effective, we have to learn to present our arguments affectionately, if only to show the benefit s. We may have personal reasons for wanting to talk but this is like no other subject, it is the do-or-don’t in everybody’s daily life. Talking about not using animals guarantees a hostile reception. We can be ignored, vilified or ridiculed, and none of that should matter a jot. Vegans must be ego-less. All we should do is try, advocate, show a good example and be patient - knowing that you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.