hey Michael. i think that’s one of the first questions many people who consider taking the Pledge have, and i’m glad you asked it.
a negative example: an uncle i haven’t seen in years was passing through new york city, and invited me out to dinner. i first noted my excitement to see and share a meal with him, second noted my commitment to never eat around those consuming animal-based foods, and finally asked if he’d prefer grabbing some vegan food with me or would rather just grab drinks. he elected to just get drinks.
while far from ideal, i was still able to connect with my uncle, and ended up having a positive conversation with him over drinks (a MUCH more healthy and positive conversation than i could have had if he were instead eating animal-based foods in front of me). however, the vast majority of my requests are responses to with immediate excitement (e.g., “of course i’d be happy to eat vegan with you,” “i didn’t know how much being around meat impacted you. yes, i’ll be happy to try a vegan meal with you,” etc.).
note that in all of these cases, i prioritize having these conversations in advance of a meal, away from the act of eating animal-based foods. i find this to always be the most effective space to have these conversations.
regardless, my goal is to always to pursue the same relationships, just away from animal-based foods. i.e., i don’t just want to cut myself off from non-vegan tables, but invite my relationships to eat at a vegan table with me.
[fwiw, i 100% agree regarding the importance of focussing on institutional reform over individual change. as i responded to PabloAMC above, i advocate for the Pledge because i think it is an important action individuals can take to enable structural change moving forward]
hey Michael. i think that’s one of the first questions many people who consider taking the Pledge have, and i’m glad you asked it.
a negative example: an uncle i haven’t seen in years was passing through new york city, and invited me out to dinner. i first noted my excitement to see and share a meal with him, second noted my commitment to never eat around those consuming animal-based foods, and finally asked if he’d prefer grabbing some vegan food with me or would rather just grab drinks. he elected to just get drinks.
while far from ideal, i was still able to connect with my uncle, and ended up having a positive conversation with him over drinks (a MUCH more healthy and positive conversation than i could have had if he were instead eating animal-based foods in front of me).
however, the vast majority of my requests are responses to with immediate excitement (e.g., “of course i’d be happy to eat vegan with you,” “i didn’t know how much being around meat impacted you. yes, i’ll be happy to try a vegan meal with you,” etc.).
note that in all of these cases, i prioritize having these conversations in advance of a meal, away from the act of eating animal-based foods. i find this to always be the most effective space to have these conversations.
regardless, my goal is to always to pursue the same relationships, just away from animal-based foods. i.e., i don’t just want to cut myself off from non-vegan tables, but invite my relationships to eat at a vegan table with me.
[fwiw, i 100% agree regarding the importance of focussing on institutional reform over individual change. as i responded to PabloAMC above, i advocate for the Pledge because i think it is an important action individuals can take to enable structural change moving forward]