Feminism and Vegetarianism: Opinion Etiquette

I am a feminist and vegetarian. Two aspects of my character and life that I take pride in and work on daily. However, in our society, these identities too often find me pigeon holed as “just another bra burner looking for an argument” or “just another cow loving hippy.” This is because a select few others who also identify with my opinions or lifestyle choices feel the need to be dogmatic in their beliefs; which unfortunately means the entire community is easily written off by those who disagree with us.

Today, in an era of increasingly ‘alternative’ diets – it has become easier and easier for those who choose to stick to ‘traditional’ diets to dismiss or belittle those of us who decide to either not eat meat or any animal products all together. I am passionate and confident in my moral based decision to no longer eat meat. I have no issue with discussing it with someone who is genuine in their inquiries as to the benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle. However, as with most things in life, there is a time and place for when it is appropriate to have such discussions; something that seemingly some other non-meat eaters do not appreciate as much as I do. It is not acceptable to explain the cruelty of the meat industry to a meat eater as they bite into a ham burger. It is also not acceptable to launch into a monologue about the atrocities associated with the dairy industry while someone is drinking a whole- milk latte. Shaming people into agreeing with your lifestyle very rarely has positive results.

Veganism and vegetarianism is something that one should come to on their own. It takes great personal restraint, especially for those who are coming off a meat inclusive diet, and so those who decide to undertake such a large lifestyle change need to be genuinely passionate and dedicated. Therefore, it doesn’t make sense to obnoxiously profess the brilliance of vegetarianism. Those who agree with you or those who want to discuss a plant based diet, will not need to be shouted at. They will not need to be shown videos of animal cruelty over a plate of steak and potatoes. And those that you do feel the need to shout at, most likely will not agree with you and will therefore place you in the “cow loving hippy” category. It’s a vicious and tiresome circle.

With an increase in the need for feminist action due to the current political climate in the West, ‘feminism’ has become a topic that’s more openly up for discussion than perhaps it was in the past. Recently, even in the last year, I have found that people are much more vocal about their position in relation to feminism. Although feminism has achieved great things for women (and men) throughout its history, it is no secret that the movement and the identity of a ‘feminist’ has often faced great negativity from those who do not engage with the cause. I, as with most people who openly identify as feminists, have become accustomed to facing those who have opposing views to mine. This is where my opinions on my approach to feminism and vegetarianism differ. When faced with someone who does not agree with my vegetarian lifestyle, there is no real threat, except perhaps to animals. I am quite happy to sit and eat a plate of vegetables opposite someone who is eating a steak. I feel no need to shame them, and I hopefully they will feel no need to shame me either. I can stay true to my opinions and my moral compass whilst remaining civilised.

However, when it comes to those that openly disagree with my ‘feminist’ opinions it is not such an easy or straight forward path. Disagreeing with feminism insinuates that one sees no issue with the oppression of women. This is obviously far more serious, and honestly frightening, than the scenario in which my friend orders pepperoni on their pizza. Luckily, I live in a society in which, although many may not openly identify as a feminist, most people will agree with the majority of feminist ideals.

Some battles are worth fighting, some are not. We must also prioritise our battles. For example, I would prefer to put effort into spreading my feminist beliefs rather than trying to convert a meat eater to vegetarianism. I believe the former is far more essential for the benefit of society as a whole. So, be considerate in your life. Accept that people will always have differing opinions. Be able to recognise the difference between the opportunity to educate someone on a specific issue and forcing your opinions down someone’s throat. As long as others are being respectful of your right to an opinion, and are in no way oppressing others through their opinions, be happy in your own choices and allow others to feel the same way.