Why I am not a vegan

[Shemaya]

I don't know if vegan is divisive.  But I guess it is because the definition is based on excluding, so rather than inclusion which is unifying, it excludes, which causes separation.  I am just talking about the word itself, not necessarily the philosophy or ideals, or ideology.

Plant based diet can include people who eat anything.  It describes a way of living that is mostly based on plants, but leaves room to include anyone who eats yogurt for instance, or fish.   Or even meat.

The word vegan is triggering and emotionally activating which is not necessarily bad, because that can be catalyst for change.  However, it is unrealistic to expect all "spiritual "people and communities to become vegan ( not that anyone expects that).

Part of it is an identification thing.  Identifying as vegan , or omnivore will guide choices.  Saying I eat a plant based diet describes more what I do instead of identifying as a specific group.  And being something I do, rather than what I am.....it flows more, has less boundary and is not as limiting.