The Vegan Relationship Survey

The Vegan Relationship Survey; A Study Of Vegans

In later 2008, 750 people united in cyberspace to respond to a Vegan Relationship Survey conducted by M. Butterflies Katz (www.veganpoet.com) Here is a summary of the questions and findings. The overall conclusion of the survey is that there is no stereotypical vegan There are abolitionists, raw-food vegans, straight-edge vegans, Jain, Christian, Jewish, and Atheist vegans, and so on. Vegans think differently on different topics. To see the complete survey and the bountiful assortment of quotes from responders the world over, see: http://www.veganpoet.com/SurveyResults/Results.html

Vegans cited location and education as the biggest factors determining the reaction their veganism elicits from others. Responders from the United States agreed that typically now the general population is conscious of the word ‘vegan’ and what it means. The survey revealed some often humorous quotes in response to the question: ‘How do people you know or meet react towards your veganism?’

The great majority of responders answered ‘no’ (for various reasons) in response to the question ‘Do you date only vegans?’; many said because it limits the pool too much or they don’t ever meet vegans. Others felt dating is a good way to educate non-vegans. Some thought dating non-vegans was fine, but they would not get seriously involved with a non-vegan. Others are happily married to non-vegans, while others opened up and revealed their great difficulty in living with a non-vegan spouse. As was seen in many of the questions, there was a diversity of thought on this question.

With the question: ‘Would you object to being romantically involved with someone who is not vegan?’ the responses boiled down to three categories of responses: Yes, they object, No, they don’t object, or they could be with a vegetarian; but not a meat-eater. The recently converted vegans tend to object less than the long time vegans, in many cases. Many of the responders who did not object were actually not totally vegan themselves, I noted. Just a few responders identified themselves as vegan-sexual.

There was a bit of a “Fun Break” with the question: ‘What is your sexual orientation?’ The majority of the responders, by far, were heterosexual; same as in society. There seemed to be a generational divide in this question. Older responders answered “Man and Wife” or “Normal” while younger responders said “Equal opportunity”. Perhaps this question didn’t have much relevance to veganism, but it had some fun answers!

Surprisingly, many responders answered ‘no’, ‘not at all’ and even ‘definitely not’ to the question ‘Does being vegan influence how you relate to others?’ More than half of the responders said yes, though. Most responders felt they could be closer with vegans; that there’s an immediate bond, and choose the company of other vegans over non-vegans. The word ‘judgmental’ was seen A LOT with this question, as vegans are often perceived by people as elitists or acting ‘holier than though’. Many vegans explain that they can’t help but being judgmental towards non-vegans, but most of them keep those judgments to themselves and are kind to all.

Some responders said they would not associate with persons involved in blood sports, hunting, rodeos, circuses, slaughterhouse workers, and some won’t sit at the table with meat-eaters. Many responders eloquently explained their feeling of isolation or alienation from society, while others consciously choose to be a part of society in order to influence others. Plenty of responders explained that becoming vegan has made them a kinder, gentler, more compassionate and better person towards all human and non-human animals. Some vegans are careful in their approach so as to dispel the stereotype of the preachy, condescending vegan.

There were plentiful good responses to the question: ‘Is your veganism directly related to the influence of a relationship?’ Many of the responders came to their veganism from a relationship’s influence (whether it be a parent, sibling, spouse, lover, friend, child, activist or a non-human animal.) But even more said they made the choice all on their own or that they ‘self-educated themselves’. Numerous responders mentioned their relationship to animals as the major influence. Others said it was their relationship to the planet, to logic, to the Great Spirit, etc.

A large percentage of survey responders were influenced by books and DVD’s rather than a relationship. It became apparent just how good books and educational materials are at spreading the message. Frequently mentioned materials were: John Robbins’s books, especially DIET FOR A NEW AMERICA, the books: SKINNY BITCH (Rory Freedman), THE CHINA STUDY (T. Colin Campbell), MAD COWBOY (Howard Lyman), and VEGAN FREAK. Also mentioned were the films, EARTHLINGS, THE PEACABLE KINGDOM and THE WITNESS (Tribe of Heart) as well as the video, MEAT YOUR MEAT (P.E.T.A.). Other responders mentioned influences like P.C.R.M. (Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine) and S.A.F.E. (Save Animals from Exploitation) or attending animal rights workshops/camps by organizations like Farm Sanctuary or P.E.T.A., etc.

Another question that was related in that many of the same titles/authors were mentioned was, ‘Have you influenced others to become vegan?’ Here we saw an array of thoughts from ‘It’s my life’s mission’ to ‘I don’t try anymore’. Some responders feel so judged and ridiculed when trying to share the facts, and have thus become quiet about advocating veganism in society. Many let books/DVD’s/ literature/websites do the speaking for them. Many believe just being an example is the best approach. Numerous responders shared their disbelief in people who won’t listen or won’t change, even after hearing about the horrific conditions animals are subjected to. Once again, we see the overall conclusion, there are vegans and there are vegans. Quite a few responders said they had not converted a lot of people (or any) to veganism, but have influenced them to make more ethical choices, or to be vegetarian, at least.

Survey responses to the question ‘How are your friendships with vegans different to your friendships with non-vegans?’ ranged all the way from “I don’t have non-vegan friends” to “they are not different; and it’s absurd to think they are.” Some thoughts repeatedly heard were:

1) Sharing meals with vegans was much easier; eating with non-vegans is difficult or impossible for some vegans.

2) You can talk about animal rights issues or vegan food & shopping, but non-vegans would just roll their eyes at you.

3) And plenty thought vegans talk A LOT, A LOT about veganism or food; lacking in conversational skills.

4) Many described other vegans more like family, than friends. Many said it was easier to be close or intimate with other vegans or of the implicit bond between vegans. Many responders agreed that they respect vegans more than non-vegans and it’s hard to get around that, even if it seems wrong. Quite a few responders used the word “deeper” to describe their friendships with vegans.

5) Vegans can relax more in the company of vegans, because they can chill out from all the explaining and teaching that goes on with non-vegans.

6) Repeatedly I heard from responders that they don’t know other vegans (except for on-line), so had no basis of comparison.

7) A huge portion of responders did not see a difference in their friendships with vegans or non-vegans.

There was a general consensus of ‘yes, very’ to the question ‘Are the vegans you know healthy?’. Common responses to the question were: clearer skin, regular bowel movements, allergies disappearing, and rarely, if ever, getting colds and flu’s. Vegan responders raved of good blood work, lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Apparently, vegans are more active and have more energy. And the adjective “happy” was used quite a bit to describe the health of vegans.

Most agreed that vegans are more informed than the average person about nutritional requirements. Plenty of responders indicated better health since going vegan. Sadly, a couple responders have battled with cancer (ovarian, breast) but have pulled through. Veganism is not a cure-all in and of itself (as far as health). We live in a toxic world. It is important to eat plenty of raw greens, veggies and fruit and a balanced whole foods vegan diet, and live a healthful lifestyle; but not all vegans do that. Some eat loads of processed junk food, especially in vegan-friendly towns, where

options are available.

Several U.K. responders mentioned pallid vegans, or men being too thin. There is far less obesity seen amongst vegans, but there are overweight vegans. I noted several of those responders who reported vitamin deficiencies (B12 and D) were from New Zealand or U.K. Many of the responders were physically fit and enjoyed running, yoga, aerobics, athletics, mountain-climbing, cycling, and working out at the gym. And vegans in their 60’s and 70’s still work and are active.

The survey question: ‘How do you meet other vegans?’ became an enormous and very interesting list. Another amazing list born of the survey was in response to the question: 'Are there any activists or celebrities that have inspired you? (Joaquin Phoenix made it to number one on that list by a huge majority). You can see both of these lists, as well as links entitled ‘Words from Vegan Activists’, ‘Highlights from Around the World’, and ‘A Spotlight on the under 18 year olds’ with the complete survey results, seen here: http://www.veganpoet.com/SurveyResults/Results.html

The statistics of the extent to which survey responders take their veganism indicated that there are a lot of people identifying with being vegan, but not always adhering to the guidelines of The Vegan Society or the definition of the word ‘vegan’.

A huge percentage of the responders, who think of themselves as vegans, are purchasing and feeding meat/animal products for their companion animals, and some believe it is the right thing to do. Some responders admitted to feeling conflicted or guilty, so for those who want to learn about feeding companion animals a plant-based diet, see photos of vegan dogs, learn about marketed vegan pet products, as well as home-made vegan meal planning for pets, with some collaborating words from a vegan vet, see

http://www.veganpoet.com/articles/dogs-can-be-vegan-too.htm

The question ‘Has being vegan changed your relationship to animals?’ evoked so many heartfelt responses. Many responders think it absolutely has, of course. Many others said no, because they have ALWAYS felt a kinship with animals. One idea was voiced in many different dialects from around the world, and it became apparent that, not all, but most of the responders were vegan because of the animals, first and foremost.

Most of us were not fortunate enough to be born vegan and the majority of survey responders did not know vegan children. However, the ones who did, for the most part, raved of their health and intelligence. I am not personally an advocate of continuing the overpopulation of Earth, but for those who have chosen to have children (unlike myself); the complete survey results reveal an assortment of quotes from vegans worldwide in response to the question: Do you know any children/people that are vegan from birth?

Generally speaking, college towns and metro areas have more vegans. Many vegans are isolated and don’t know any other vegans but themselves. A popular response (from differing locations) was ‘not enough!’ in response to the question ‘Are there many vegans in your area?’ The most responses came in from the United Kingdom, with the state of California following right behind. In the complete survey results, from around the globe, you can see where responses came in from along with remarks from the responders on the vegan population of that area. Survey responders told of cities that are referred to as ‘Vegan Heaven’ or ‘A Vegan Mecca’ or ‘The Vegan Freak Capital of the World’; others revealed their location as the most vegan-unfriendly place in the world.

The question ‘When did you become vegan?’ revealed responses like: “I went vegan as a new year’s resolution”, “I went vegan with F.A.R.M.’s ‘Meat-Out’’, “I went vegan when a P.E.T.A. workshop came to my city” or “I went vegan after reading DIET FOR A NEW AMERICA in the 80’s”. Some were vegetarian prior to becoming vegan, and some had ‘vegan days’ while vegetarian; leading up to their full commitment. Quite a few responders from the U.K. were vegan since the 70’s and 80’s, which had a historical feel to it since the first vegan society was formed in the U.K.

Don’t deprive yourself of the entire results filled with quotes from vegans worldwide. See the results here: http://www.veganpoet.com/SurveyResults/Results.html

M. Butterflies Katz

(Vegan-Environmental poetry/Informative & Inspirational Articles; such as Veganic Gardening, Feeding Pets a Plant-Based Diet and More!/Vegan Relationship Survey Results/Vegan Links Galore!)

VEGAN RELATIONSHIP SURVEY RESULTS:

INTRODUCTION:

http://www.veganpoet.com/SurveyResults/introduction.html

COMPLETE SURVEY RESULTS LINK:

http://www.veganpoet.com/SurveyResults/Results.html

HIGHLIGHTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD:

http://www.veganpoet.com/SurveyResults/highlights.html

WOULD YOU OBJECT TO BEING ROMANTICALLY INVOLVED WITH A NON-VEGAN?

http://www.veganpoet.com/SurveyResults/romancewithnonvegan.html

WORDS FROM VEGAN ACTIVISTS:

http://www.veganpoet.com/SurveyResults/wordsfromactivists.html

>www.gentleworld.org

www.theveganlife.com

ENDS

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