Getting People to Go Vegan: Harder Than We Think?
As vegans, we would love to see the entire world undergo a vegan transformation. To do our part, many of us are on a constant crusade to get people to go vegan, especially those close to us such as friends, family, and coworkers. There is no denying that vegans are a passionate and dedicated bunch, but this battle, even on a small scale, can be frustrating.
So how do you get people to go vegan?
Emanate Peace
Hone Your Cooking Skills
Establish a Common Interest
If they have a history of heart problems in their family, suggest that they look into health risks for omnivores versus vegans and direct them to watch Forks Over Knives. When people can personally relate to what you’re telling them, you are more likely to get people to go vegan.
TehJoosh says
Step 1: Don’t! We’re perfectly happy living life how we are, and we enjoy meats. I won’t try to force you to eat non-vegan, you don’t try to force me to eat vegan.
Anonymous Pseudonym says
Did you read the article?
“Remember, when people make changes they want to think its their idea, not an idea you pushed on them. So really, you’re just planting a seed, then being as patient and peaceful as possible.”
No one’s ‘forcing’ anyone.
Keka says
Don’t,
unless someone expressly shows intrest. Even if you just want to “plant the seed”.
You are a vegan, I am not and that’s fine but don’t try and persuade me, the same way I wont force you to eat non-vegan food.
it is an insult to one’s intelligence be me manipulated like that.
Scott says
To be fair, that’s pretty much how people change their minds. We see some information, internalize it, and act on it when we’re ready. There’s nothing wrong with open exchange, or being honest with how someone’s mind changes over time.
The flipside, however, is that I do agree. The best thing, I think, that some vegans (read: badgerers) could remember is that they’re lifestyle is akin to a religion. No one likes it when a catholic continues to try and save them, regardless of whether they want to hear it.
I believe that many vegans chose that path for a number of reasons (health, ethics, etc). When they achieved their goal, they felt great. They wanted to share that greatness with others, the awesomeness of being vegan and ‘wholesome’. That’s really cool that you have that!
The problem comes in with questions like “How do I get people to convert to veganism?” because the answer *IS* don’t. They will if they want. “Plant the seed” by being a healthy person, talk about your lifestyle if asked, but otherwise don’t. We omnivores, the good ones anyway, don’t spew about the boons of eating meat/the joys of being omnivores normally.
Most of us tend to feel that, regardless of your beliefs, you have no right to tell us what we should do, or should want to do. If we don’t want to be vegan, we don’t want to. That doesn’t make us inherently wrong, just because you don’t understand our reasons.