The Vegan – Non-Vegan Family Dilemma

The Vegan – Non-Vegan Family Dilemma

 

The realization comes like a slap in the face… you wake up one day after watching something like Farm to Fridge or Earthlings and are literally shocked at how horrifying life is for animals raised on factory farms and in slaughterhouses.  But what is surprising is how on earth everyone else doesn’t know it.  I mean, if they knew, wouldn’t they be just as appalled as you? 

Especially your own family? How can they not comprehend how devastating you feel and go vegan right along with you!? How can they possibly still be eating meat and dairy and all of the things that cause so much pain and suffering to such innocence? You sent them the books and videos, and explained it in some detail, but obviously it fell on deaf ears.  

The majority of vegans, at least in America, have a serious problem dealing with this dilemma.  Families gather for holidays and events, and although they appear to be sympathetic to what you’ve learned and you’ve tried with everything you have to convey the cruelty and insanity, but the fact is – that turkey is still in the middle of the dining room table, or the ham, …you get the idea.  Meat is still on the menu at your family’s home.   

Some family members actually coil at the thought of you even being present- and many of us get left off the guest list.  

Many cut you out of their lives if the word “vegan” is too often spoken because they feel pressured to conform.  Is it guilt we bring to their lives? Or is it just too much for them to bear?

It isn’t as though we are trying to get them to invest in our latest venture. It’s not as if we’re expecting them to like our new mate! This is something that goes so much deeper these trivial matters and it isn’t even about US! These are animals – living breathing loving, beautiful animals that are treated like chattel – like mere rags to be used and disposed of when no longer needed or profits are not high enough.  How could anyone accept this? Why are we so different?

So many of us just suffer in silence.  Suffer, because those we love the most will not even try. They don’t (or won’t) see the suffering that we see, and if they do – they don’t seem to give a crap.  It’s a serious problem that has alienated many families.  

So how do we handle this situation? Do we just accept that the poor turkey that is cooked and stuffed sitting on the table is their own personal choice and we should accept each individual choice? Or do we reject them because we just cannot understand their blatant disregard for the lives of these precious beings?

If you’re anything like me, you bolt… while deeply wishing and hoping that you can at least be understood.  

I’d love to know how to remedy this situation, how to keep that family bond without wanting to throw a tantrum at seeing your loved ones eat that dead animal. 

What you are doing to keep the peace with your families?