Why I don't eat Meat
Hello friends!
I haven't posted in AGES but I'd like to make a small update! I am alive!!! Over the past little while I have been really occupied with school and choosing a new major. I also found a job and I've been saving up to hopefully go on a small trip later this summer. But today, we're going to talk about how I came to a vegan lifestyle. My story is kind of funny and strange but I hope it at least inspires someone reading this.
I stopped eating meat about 8 years ago. Crazy, I know!! A very small amount of people know the real story behind why I became vegetarian so I thought I would share it on here because looking back, it sounds sort of embarrassing but I am finally coming to terms with it several years later.
It all started at this summer camp I went to one year, where they invited everyone for an end of summer sleepover at the camp's community centre. My friends from the camp and I all went and we were really excited! The night's activities were fun up until one of the counsellors suggested we rent a movie to watch. And guess what film they decided on? Texas Chainsaw Massacre. That's right, they chose to show a rated R film to a group of kids between the ages of 10 and 12. Showing us that film was inappropriate and potentially scarring to people of that age group especially because at that time, I know I was certainly impressionable. I remember leaving the room after about half an hour into the movie because I was feeling uncomfortable due to the graphic scenes of a man who murdered humans along with innocent farm animals. It got even worse because it showed the same man cooking the meat he captured for his dinner. Apologies for the spoiler alerts, by the way. I felt absolutely sick to my stomach at all of the graphic footage. I was so traumatized from it that the next day, when my mom picked me up I told her,
"I'm not eating meat anymore starting today. I'll never look at it the same!"
Luckily she didn't really question why and on our drive home we made a stop at the grocery store where we bought some veggie burgers that I later cooked for dinner that evening.
Fast forward to the summer of 2015; I was curious about veganism. I had seen all of the big Youtube channels like Freelee the Banana Girl and Hotforfood as well as hearing a few of my classmates talk about this movement. I did some research on my own and came across the "holy grail of documentaries that every vegan must see": Cowspiracy, Forks Over Knives and Earthlings. All of this new, shocking information really stuck with me. I couldn't believe I had supported an industry that was so complex and scary for all of those years.
What really resonated with me most was learning about how strongly animal agriculture impacts the environment. I try to be very conscious about what I consume nowadays and thanks to this lifestyle I have learned how to be more cautious and how to think outside of the box when it comes to global issues that happen on a larger scale.
A message to those of you who are interested in trying out a plant based or vegan/vegan friendly lifestyle: Though it may seem daunting, it will be worth it in the long run. You are contributing to a better environment as well as doing something healthy for your own body. I know that not every individual has the means to go fully vegan or even intends to, but if you are at the very least aware of what you are consuming, I think that's a great start! Incorporating "meatless Mondays" or "tofu Tuesdays" in your household is also great. By reducing your intake of animal products whenever you can, you are already making a large difference. Also, don't feel discouraged by the stereotypical vegans who are angry and overly passionate. Not everyone in the vegan community reacts with hatred toward non vegans (or even vegetarians). I have met vegans from all walks of life. Once you find your "people", you will feel more comfortable within the community as a whole. And lastly, if you are finding it difficult to be involved with animal activism for whatever reason, remember that it is totally okay to take some time for yourself to practice self care. Being on social media groups with other vegans can be fun but also a source and cause of stress once in a while (which is why I am a firm believer in reinforcing safe online spaces and promoting intersectionality when it comes to this lifestyle).
Anyway, I hope this helps/inspires you all. I'm going to sign off now because I have an early class tomorrow morning.
Until next time,
Ebony <3
I haven't posted in AGES but I'd like to make a small update! I am alive!!! Over the past little while I have been really occupied with school and choosing a new major. I also found a job and I've been saving up to hopefully go on a small trip later this summer. But today, we're going to talk about how I came to a vegan lifestyle. My story is kind of funny and strange but I hope it at least inspires someone reading this.
I stopped eating meat about 8 years ago. Crazy, I know!! A very small amount of people know the real story behind why I became vegetarian so I thought I would share it on here because looking back, it sounds sort of embarrassing but I am finally coming to terms with it several years later.
It all started at this summer camp I went to one year, where they invited everyone for an end of summer sleepover at the camp's community centre. My friends from the camp and I all went and we were really excited! The night's activities were fun up until one of the counsellors suggested we rent a movie to watch. And guess what film they decided on? Texas Chainsaw Massacre. That's right, they chose to show a rated R film to a group of kids between the ages of 10 and 12. Showing us that film was inappropriate and potentially scarring to people of that age group especially because at that time, I know I was certainly impressionable. I remember leaving the room after about half an hour into the movie because I was feeling uncomfortable due to the graphic scenes of a man who murdered humans along with innocent farm animals. It got even worse because it showed the same man cooking the meat he captured for his dinner. Apologies for the spoiler alerts, by the way. I felt absolutely sick to my stomach at all of the graphic footage. I was so traumatized from it that the next day, when my mom picked me up I told her,
"I'm not eating meat anymore starting today. I'll never look at it the same!"
Luckily she didn't really question why and on our drive home we made a stop at the grocery store where we bought some veggie burgers that I later cooked for dinner that evening.
Fast forward to the summer of 2015; I was curious about veganism. I had seen all of the big Youtube channels like Freelee the Banana Girl and Hotforfood as well as hearing a few of my classmates talk about this movement. I did some research on my own and came across the "holy grail of documentaries that every vegan must see": Cowspiracy, Forks Over Knives and Earthlings. All of this new, shocking information really stuck with me. I couldn't believe I had supported an industry that was so complex and scary for all of those years.
What really resonated with me most was learning about how strongly animal agriculture impacts the environment. I try to be very conscious about what I consume nowadays and thanks to this lifestyle I have learned how to be more cautious and how to think outside of the box when it comes to global issues that happen on a larger scale.
A message to those of you who are interested in trying out a plant based or vegan/vegan friendly lifestyle: Though it may seem daunting, it will be worth it in the long run. You are contributing to a better environment as well as doing something healthy for your own body. I know that not every individual has the means to go fully vegan or even intends to, but if you are at the very least aware of what you are consuming, I think that's a great start! Incorporating "meatless Mondays" or "tofu Tuesdays" in your household is also great. By reducing your intake of animal products whenever you can, you are already making a large difference. Also, don't feel discouraged by the stereotypical vegans who are angry and overly passionate. Not everyone in the vegan community reacts with hatred toward non vegans (or even vegetarians). I have met vegans from all walks of life. Once you find your "people", you will feel more comfortable within the community as a whole. And lastly, if you are finding it difficult to be involved with animal activism for whatever reason, remember that it is totally okay to take some time for yourself to practice self care. Being on social media groups with other vegans can be fun but also a source and cause of stress once in a while (which is why I am a firm believer in reinforcing safe online spaces and promoting intersectionality when it comes to this lifestyle).
Anyway, I hope this helps/inspires you all. I'm going to sign off now because I have an early class tomorrow morning.
Until next time,
Ebony <3
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