And then this happens …
Something is posted on social media about veganism, a poster, meme, or a vegan campaign, or about the living conditions of animals in agricultural industry, or maybe you just posted a comment about your experiences while dining out, and comments like ‘mmmmm, steak!‘, ‘I’ll be putting some more on the BBQ tonight‘ or – like in the meme – ‘Bacon!‘ appear. Or someone posts a photo of a hamburger, hotdog or sizzling animal flesh.
‘A vegan posted on facebook. Better coment bacon.’ I did not make this meme. Found it online but don’t know who originally made it.
I always wonder why they post this. Is it simply because they have nothing meaningful to say? Do those posting such comments really think it adds anything to the conversation (or do they simply not think at all 😛 )? That they can somehow ‘win’ the meateaters on their hand? Or do they think it’s funny and a way to provoke vegans? (who then even write a blog about it, tsk 😉)
I think it may point to some form of anxiety to think these issues through. Not daring or not willing to think about the ethical issues surrounding eating animals. And the environmental and health aspects. Falling back on the secure, the familiar and known, transpiring a fear for the unknown. Doubling down: ‘my meat’ and nobody is going to take that away from me! Consciously on uncousciously there’s a conflict of conscience: eating animals somehow feels awry, but one doesn’t want to think about it, talk about it. Don’t go down that road!
Whether or not I will reply to such comments depends on the context. But most of the times I will just leave it for what it is. Or post a witty remark, while at the same time trying to plant a small seed, to make them think about their inner conflict. Or post this blog.
How do you react to such comments. Ignore of reply?
Previously posted in Dutch on my other blog Graswortels.
The Bruges Vegan 
These types of callous memes and comments make me very sad. It makes me realize that some people are heartless. When we didn’t know about the atrocities, when we were deceived by the meat and dairy industries, when we were in ignorance, there was an excuse. However, anyone who knows the misery of factory farming etc. and makes jokes about it must be a sociopath, completely lacking empathy.
❤️carmen
I tend to ignore any confrontation but that’s not to say my way is the right way (for the animals)! I think people that post that kind of thing are just looking for a fight and they’re not ready to change their ‘viewpoint’.
My aunty, who is now 71 years old, has been veggie for most of her life and recently I was witness with the direct peaceful protesting she has been doing really well for so many years. We were at her new assisted living home at the table with the other older people who live there. One man, Cyril, piped up something about how he had been reading about veganism being a new political leaning and how ridiculous it was. My aunty responded at great length – but always keeping perfectly polite – and explained in detail her arguments.
So… a dignified informative response could be the way to go… if you’ve the patience for it!
I ignore ignore ignore. They are like children on the school yard poking at each other to get a reaction. I roll my eyes and don’t entertain them.