This is a rant. Hold on to your seats. It’s been sparked by two recent scuffles/tiffs: one in the freenode #linguistics IRC channel and one on the Costa Rica Living Yahoo! Group. And I’m not at all pleased so I’m going to have me a little bitch session.

I am a vegan (”veggie” is also an acceptable term, but it does not differentiate between vegans and vegetarians). Being vegan means that I do not eat meat, fish, eggs, cheese, or honey. I don’t drink milk or cream. I don’t buy leather clothing, shoes, or accessories. I try to buy products that are not tested on animals. It’s not just a diet (in the “this is what I eat” meaning, not the “I’m trying to lose weight” sense), but also a lifestyle choice.

I know that some veggies can be self-righteous about their choices. Like with any cause, people can get caught up in their passion for what they believe. They can be preachy and they can nurse massive superiority complexes. But this is a minority. An outspoken minority that makes sure their voices are heard, but a minority nonetheless. They do not represent the voice of all veggies.

And who cares, anyway!? I’m not “all veggies”. I’m Erin, and the last thing you’ll catch me doing is proselytizing about going veg. If you’re interested in hearing about what I eat (or about anything veg), I’m more than happy to share my thoughts. But I don’t turn my nose up at meat, I don’t make people feel bad when they eat it (in fact, a very common comment from my mouth is “Oh yum! That looks good!”), and I don’t shun people who wear leather. Because my choices have nothing to do with anyone else’s choices. So — once and for all! — cut the goddamn defense crap with me because this vegan is not on the offense.

People go veg for so many reasons. If you’re interested, my reasons are mostly psychological, nutritional, and ethical. But a lot of veggies couldn’t care less about these reasons; they’re veg to help the environment or because they don’t believe that humans were ever meant to eat meat or what-have-you. But regardless of our reasons, going veg is a deeply personal choice. For me, it took a lot of introspection to decide that I wanted to do it.

It is not politically correct to attack someone’s religion or faith and we therefore do not do it. Vegetarianism/veganism is like my religion. The idea of hurting an animal or making it suffer for my own selfish pleasure brings tears to my eyes. So when people question or challenge my decision, it pisses me off. Not just in the Erin-is-getting-steamed-up sense, but in the Erin’s-chest-is-puffing-out-in-great-indignation-and-she-is-getting-ready-to-declare-war sense (be very afraid). To say it really sets me off is putting it mildly. Do not question my life choices when a) I do not question yours, b) they have nothing to do with you and c) they don’t affect you.

The thing that really gets me is how defensive people can be. I don’t have to say anything, but at the mere mention that I am vegan, people start their attack. Let’s discuss:

• “But humans are meant to eat meat. We have sharp teeth and stomach enzymes and all this other good stuff.”
• “But meat tastes goooooood!”
• “But humans need to eat meat. Where else would we get our protein?’
• “But even if you don’t need meat, your kids will! A kid has to have meat and milk to grow strong!”
• “But you can’t get all your nutrients without eating meat and drinking milk!”
• etc. etc.

First of all, just to get this very, VERY clear: Humans DO NOT need meat or dairy to be healthy. Period. It’s a scientific fact. We may or may not be meant to eat meat, but we certainly don’t need it. I get plenty protein from nuts, beans, and soy. I get all of my vitamins and minerals from the foods that I eat and the multivitamin that I take. And my children, when I have them, will be the same way. When I had my physical, I had a full nutrition panel run and I got a glowing stamp of approval from my doctor. Healthy as I’ll ever be. So there!

But what it comes down to is that my food choices are none of your business. I’m happy to discuss them with you — if the discussion will be free of judgment — but I will not justify them. Because I don’t need to justify why I choose not to eat an animal. And furthermore, we should all remember the Golden Rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. If you don’t want a veggie attacking your eating habits, don’t attack his. Reciprocity, karma, whatever you want to call it… you get what you give. If thou giveth patience, tolerance, and openness, so shall ye receiveth.