Being vegan is one of those things—it comes up. It’s controversial, it’s unavoidable, it makes being a guest really awkward.
When people first find out that I am vegan, they often ask me why. Some seem determined to sway me back to the "dark side." Most of the arguments I’ve heard against a plant-based diet center around the deliciousness of cheese (a topic for another time). But another reason that occasionally surfaces is that "veganism is for trendy, privileged white people."
To these people I say... You’re right.
The consideration of white as the default or "normal" in our culture is pervasive. Here is a short list of the ways it extends into and is perpetuated by vegan culture:
1. Vegan 'How-to' books and blogs often cater to a white audience.
Non-white vegans do exist, and they have plenty to say on the subject.
2. When used as a diet, veganism can contribute to the promotion of white standards of size and beauty.
People who try veganism to lose weight are often associated with or a product of the skinny-obsessed dieting fads that make people feel like one size should fit all. It is important to respect the diversity of bodies and health needs out there.
3. The argument that animals face ‘species-ism’ is often criticized for essentially comparing black people to animals.
The idea that animals have fewer rights just because they are animals uses the rights of privileged people as their basis of comparison. Those who subscribe to species-ism have been accused of ignoring the fact that people around the world are still fighting for basic human rights.
4. A puritanical focus on the rights of animals as the only reason for veganism alienates those who would use it for other purposes.
Veganism has been shown to be an effective tool for empowering at-risk youth and improving their mental and physical health, but these programs are then criticized by some members of the vegan community for not being "about the animals."
5. Just because a product is vegan does not ensure it is "cruelty-free."
Feeling morally superior for using "cruelty-free" products falls a little flat when many products and clothing are the result of appalling, dangerous working conditions to which humans around the world are subject. It is important to remember that being vegan should not mean being more willing to fight for animal’s rights than the rights of underrepresented and sidelined human populations that face discrimination every day.
6. Veganism is designed for those who can afford it.
The idea that everyone should be vegan assumes access to healthy food, time for meal preparation and spare funds to throw down at organic markets. It is important to recognize your privilege. Having choices about what to eat is an enormous privilege, and many people simply do not have that luxury.
While the culture surrounding veganism might want to reevaluate its priorities, the lifestyle has a lot to offer. Being vegan is incredible for the environment, your health and yes—animals. Changing the culture surrounding veganism doesn’t have to mean throwing the baby out with the bathwater. I would argue that part of acknowledging your privilege is using the advantages you’ve been given to make a difference. Being vegan is one way of using the privilege of food security and variety to minimize your carbon footprint, be more sustainable and contribute to a better future for our planet.
We can argue until the cows come home about whether or not veganism is a good idea. However, the important takeaway here is that recognizing your privilege is not about apologizing for it. Recognizing your privilege is about acknowledging that you are able to live a certain way because of the advantages you have been afforded, then using those advantages to affect positive change.
