Melinda wrote:Jeff, in your experience, why do you think some people feel so threatened by a vegan diet? Certainly not all, but some. Any thoughts?
Hi Melinda,
Psychology is not my areas of expertise though I am fascinated by human behavior.
Many people are threatened by anything that challenges their status quo though this may not be a bad thing. Our status quo, as long as it seems to be working for us in our eyes, is our status quo and comfort zone, and changing our status quo or comfort zone can be challenging and often difficult and even often seen and/or felt as a "loss." Hence, the threat. I am sure each one of us has belief systems or principles (religious, political, dietary, economic, etc) we follow that we have become comfortable with, which we would feel threatened if someone challenged them.
I also do not like labels and do not use them. There is no label that can clearly identify my overriding philosophy, lifestyle, and beliefs so I don't try to use one. I have personally found labels such as vegan, vegetarian, natural hygienist, raw fooder, etc etc more limiting than beneficial though I do understand that they can be of benefit to many by providing a connection point for those of like minds.
Personally, I have also found several topics much more volatile than others and therefore, I try to avoid them unless I know I am in a situation where the people involved are truly interested in having an open minded discussion. These include religion, politics and especially animal rights and diet. I do not discuss my lifestyle or philosophy with others, unless I can sense a real sincere desire from them, and even then, I will only do so in the proper circumstances and environment (of which, while eating is rarely one of them).
For those who are interested, much of my philosophy is espoused in my writings and I can always just direct someone to them.
I have also found that when people feel threatened in my presence, I also have to ask myself what it is about me that may be contributing to the situation. Am I coming off as threatening in any way?
I also don't let others engage me in their arguments/debates.
I have always found Ghandi's approach interesting...(and let us remember, he was able to change a whole nation with it)
A reporter once asked Gandhi, "Bapu (Ghandi), give me your message for the people." He instantly replied from a moving train, "My life is my message." I have always tried to live by these words.
Also, the words on his own funeral pyre were: "Those who believe in the simple truths I have laid out can propagate them only by living them."
Those are (just) my thoughts.
In Health
Jeff