Thread by @Son_of_Space

Vegan versus ‘Normal’ A Thread
Contemporarily, vegans in Western societies are often seen as fair game for criticism and verbal abuse. I’d argue that this phenomenon in part relies upon the notion that being vegan is not ‘normal’, and rides on the premise that if most people do

something, then that’s eternally the correct way to continue. But, how then do we believe that humans have made any progress in social/ethical justice? By blinkeredly repeating everything unquestioningly? Are we arguing that obediently conforming without exercising any cognitive

critical analysis is somehow virtuous? I’d argue the opposite, it’s cowardly & reprehensible.
Developmental psychologist Robert Kegan argues that society is quick to regard as ‘right’ or ‘true’ that which is merely familiar, and to dismiss anything unusual as ‘bad’ or ‘wrong’,

when indeed it is merely different. People look to the actions and behaviours of others to determine their own actions, especially when they are uncertain. We respond automatically to the world around us, rather than making informed, independent decisions. Surely it is better to

develop a relationship with our perceptions, rather than be captive to them?
Alongside this we have the idea that if you extend empathy & compassion to nonhumans you are somehow not just not normal, but ‘over sensitive’, ‘soft’ or ‘weak’. Conversely, it actually requires

more courage to go against accepted norms. For to reject social norms and go instead with your considered beliefs and values, is to inevitably lay yourself vulnerable to criticism and ridicule. It is to be regarded as somehow suspicious or deviant even. Also, in reality, actually

not having empathy or exercising compassion surely denotes that you’re an insensitive, unfeeling person, or wilfully refusing to see things from another’s perspective. Surely this behaviour can be regarded as moral bankruptcy, socio/psychopathic even.
Authenticity & integrity

are deemed commendable personality traits in society. A key factor of authenticity or integrity is ensuring that your actions are in harmony with your stated beliefs. Psychologist Carl Rogers talks about this in terms of congruence and describes how its measure is the degree to

to which one’s ideal self, which is a mental picture of who you wish to be, is in line with your actual self, or how you actually are and how you are perceived. So, if you claim to be an animal lover & object to animal cruelty & suffering, yet consume

meat & dairy, I’m sorry but you lack congruence, authenticity & integrity.
Social norms are fluid- they change over place and time. What is considered normal in one place or at one time is not necessarily normal in another place or in another age. Those who dare to be different

and stand up for what they believe are often condemned in their time, but often come to be later considered heroes.
The desire to fit in, to belong, on the other hand is often driven by a fear of rejection. But to fit in may come at a price too high, for it may require the

compromising of your integrity to the point of adopting the values & beliefs of others, ones that contradict your own. Noam Chomsky’s advice is useful here. He argues that we will be wise to conform sufficiently so that we aren’t incarcerated, but rebel sufficiently that we don’t

lose our integrity.
Some may state that our motivation as vegans is to be morally superior, to feel better than others, when actually it is driven by compassion for humans & nonhumans alike, and a desire to be true to our beliefs and values. The moral comparison is theirs,

not ours. We are driven by empathy, integrity & a desire to be congruent. We do this despite the backlash & being made to feel like outsiders.

#GoVegan #EndSpeciesism