Advocating for Vegetarianism

Posted by Jill Harris May 20, 2008

Advocacy is a topic I guiltily avoid while convincing myself that I do my part for the vegetarian cause in other ways. Like, being vegetarian. But this morning I found mysefl reading a National Post article entitled "Dear Omnivore" whose author seems to be in the same boat.

Like her (him?) I deliberately do not tell others about my dietary choices, lest I be associated with granola-crunching hippies. I like to promote a modern image of the vegetarian who fits in, and who is fit. Nothing like telling the trainers at the gym I don’t eat tuna after my workouts and yes, I’m still strong.

At work, I never mentioned the fact that I was vegetarian. About six months in, I finally let it slip when our company ordered a catered lunch. Am I neglecting my vegetarian-ista duty to spread the Good Word of meatless meals?

After nearly a decade of vegetarianism, my answer is still "no". I try not to preach. I know that meat-eaters can get defensive around vegetarians, so I let them get to know me before casually mentioning my diet. By then, most people are comfortable enough to ask questions and actually re-consider the idea of vegetarianism, especially when they see how “normal” I seem.

It feels bad to be attacked for personal choices, dietary or otherwise. By advocating for a healthy, meat-free diet covertly, I influence more people in more meaningful ways. While only one or two of my friends have become vegetarian since I gave up meat, nearly everyone I know has reduced their meat consumption by education, familiarity and proximity. I feel like through social networking, I make a bigger difference.

Do you stand up for what you believe in? Rally against KFC? Support PETA? Share your experiences with the latest poll on Vegetarian Advocacy.