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Food is a necessary substance for survival. Although we can consider it as a basic need, it actually means more than that. Different cultures have unique food, as do their histories, languages, traditions, and value systems. These and several others are the elements that shape a culture and differentiate one from another.
Yes, food is an important part of a culture, but it can also serves other purposes.
Why do you think some people are concerned about what they eat? If it is just our basic need, why do so many people prefer specific foods such as organic, locally grown, or vegan? There could be many reasons behind this, related to health, religion, the environment, and ethics. Even food preferences can become a part of an individual’s identity.
So, food means more. Let’s explore.
Plant-based as a Rising Culture
Plant-based is used as an umbrella term for several diets, including vegan and vegetarian. This article will mostly cover the vegan diet/lifestyle as the least known but most exposed to prejudice with strong ethical emphasis.
The culturally based vegetarian diet has always been present in various cultures. Apart from these cultures, an increasing number of people are embracing plant-based diets worldwide because raising environmental and ethical awareness has pushed people to adopt more sustainable alternatives instead of continuing their traditional diets.
Since individuals’ eating preferences originate from meaning and purpose, this becomes a part of their identity. So, people start to define themselves as vegans or vegetarians. These cultures are spreading in many societies, bringing people together as members of the same social group. For instance, vegan people might come from diverse backgrounds, yet they share a similar mindset and sensitivity regarding their consumption choices, which gives them the same vegan identity.
However, these rapidly extended cultures bring along various discussions.
What Do We Know About Plant-based Lifestyles?
Plant-based cultures were not widely known by many people a few years ago. When people are exposed to a new concept, they may think that “it is a trend”. Yet, beyond being a trend, the vegetarian lifestyle for example, existed already 2000 years ago in Ancient Greece and Asia. Veganism, which generally opposes all animal use, was first used by Donald Watson in 1944. So, neither concepts nor lifestyles are new.
Nevertheless, the increasing interest and awareness of ethical and environmental issues has brought these more sustainable lifestyles to the fore. So, more or less, every person has heard things about vegans/vegetarians either in social media or in social life. But hearing does not mean knowing. Often, various stereotypes that do not reflect the truth about these people and their lives are thought to be the truth.
- For some, veganism is an extreme lifestyle that blocks them from making sense of vegan reasoning.
- Others believe vegans are trying to do good, but they are unable to embrace a vegan lifestyle because of their passion for food and unwillingness to limit it.
- Consuming vegan burgers, schnitzel, cheese, and meatless balls are on the criticism target because of their connotation of animal-derived origins. People may interpret the consumption of these replacements as a paradox and consider that they still crave their originals.
- Another belief is that vegan food is expensive, and only rich people can adopt this lifestyle.
A Closer Look To Common Arguments
You might have thought about or discussed before the arguments we highlighted. How about re-looking the topic?
Is Veganism Extreme?
A vegan lifestyle is not narrow to food preferences. It is a movement that represents a general stance against speciesism, eliminating the use of animals everywhere. It obviously seems against the general system in which the use of animals is an ordinary part of our lives. Yet, extremism does not mean doing something “uncommon,” instead supporting an idea that is offensive without respect for other opinions.
Speciesism is the idea that humans are superior to other animals and therefore have the right to exploit them for human benefit. This can lead to prejudice and discrimination against animals, as well as the justification of harmful practices like factory farming and animal testing.
How can such an inclusive lifestyle, emphasising nature and the environment and defending the rights of all living things to live in decent conditions, be defined as extreme?
Vegans advocate for what they believe, and many of them do not criticise or judge those who hold views different from their own. The other way of activism can damage an entire thought and lead to different prejudices towards the whole system and group. Vegans’ speaking about veganism, their experiences, and reasons for change is crucial to show that it is not an extreme lifestyle. People need to know more about all sides of the topic.
Maybe the most important aspect is the way to convey the message. Sometimes, our strong emotions reflect on our speeches and explanations, causing guilty tripping for some. Here, perhaps it is better to talk about the situation rather than using accusatory “you” language. This can be, for example:
- How the livestock systems work.
- How vegan preferences benefit everyone: individuals and animals.
- Why is this lifestyle more sustainable and urgent for environmental protection?
Do You Really Have To Limit Yourself to a Vegan Diet?
I wouldn’t say “limiting yourself” when there are plenty of meat and cheese alternatives on the market. Rather than a limitation, it is a change. All vegan mince, meat, burgers, yoghurt, or whatever comes to mind is available in the same way as their animal-sourced originals. Especially in some countries, accessing vegan products is easier due to a variety of options and reasonable prices. Depending on where we live, some difficulties may be more apparent; however, I believe the limits come from us and the way we think.
Vegan food does not rely on substitutes. If we only focus on ready-to-eat food products, things may seem limiting for some. This can also consume your money more than necessary. A little extra time spent in the kitchen in a vegan lifestyle will show you the limitlessness. You can prepare vegan cakes, cinnamon rolls, desserts, burgers, burritos, and more.
In fact, it might even be more accurate to say eliminating limits. Limits in our mindset.
Here are our reviews for some vegan cookbooks that you can use in your kitchen.
Is the Consumption of Replacements a Paradox?
The reason why people consume these products could be because they like the taste of these substitutes or want to diversify their meals. Omnivores also consume meat replacements occasionally because they are delicious and contain high protein.
But even if vegans are missing meat, what is wrong with this?
Most vegans did not adopt this lifestyle because they did not like meat or cheese; they were motivated by highly valid reasons behind their decision. How could it be wrong for people who grew up with animal-derived food to seek out the texture or taste of those products? Why wouldn’t the separation they experience from the original products lead them to switch to similar but more sustainable versions?
Is Vegan Food Expensive?
Which vegan food are we talking about? In supermarkets and restaurants, vegan alternatives are always more expensive, which I agree with. The demand usually determines the price. When there are fewer consumers, it increases.
However, when you cook your own vegan food, believe me, you pay less. You can prepare your own homemade plant-based milk, cheese, and burgers with just some basic ingredients like soya beans, nutritional yeast, nuts, etc. What about the core elements of a plant-based diet? Grains, chickpeas, and beans are mainly quite affordable. Vegetables and fruits are the products that can be planted in your garden or balcony as vitals in a plant-based diet.
Sometimes, we find ourselves getting whatever is easy for us due to being busy with work and everything else. The time spent in the kitchen may seem like extra (wasted) time. But in fact, it can be an enjoyable activity rather than boring and tiring, especially when we realize our goals and several other benefits of vegan life.
Maybe this belief comes from the perspective taken, so why not try to change it and see the whole picture?
Vegan Life in Different Cultures
There are many cultures in the world, and of course, experiences are not the same everywhere. While acquiring a plant-based diet is considered ordinary in certain countries, it may cause a kind of struggle somewhere else.
The Impact of Belief Systems
- Indian cuisine and point of view are more open to a vegan transition than other cultures, already having many vegetarians due to their belief systems. If someone decides to go vegan, they will probably experience no issues in social life and maybe receive much support and appreciation.
- In some countries, religious practices which encourage animal consumption are applicable. In a special religious celebration, animals are sacrificed for the sake of god every year. Here, the main purpose is sharing animal-derived foods with people in need, meaning solidarity. So, people from those countries may be somewhat distanced from a vegan life and may think that a plant-based life contradicts their ongoing beliefs and traditions. However, many people from these countries are also adopting a plant-based diet at an increased level after comprehending the meaning and the logic. Their circumstances may create compulsory activism for them in order to explain themselves to others in society.
Interpersonal Relationships
Living in individualistic cultures vs collectivistic cultures can impact people’s experiences with their diet. In individualistic cultures, members usually have less interest in what others do, resulting in fewer conversations about their lives and preferences. On the contrary, in a collectivistic culture, individuals tend to wonder more about others, which creates more engagement between people, either positive or negative.
Here, the advantage of a collectivistic culture is that a vegan may cook and share food with others, which opens up space for interaction and influence.
Eating Patterns
In the US, the widespread consumption of junk food and fast food may cause vegans in the country to frequently consume alternatives to these products when available. In some countries, plant-based alternatives seem to be less accessible. This may feel like a restriction, but it actually encourages people to cook at home, which is more healthy than any diet.
Although the knowledge about plant-based diets is increasing, people with these lifestyles still make up a small percentage of the general population since animal-based food is very deep-rooted in many cultures.
Culture may shape our experiences but does not mainly determine what to do or not to do. The transition from years of habits and what we have been taught may not be easy or immediate. Also, in some cultures, things may seem difficult at first. However, removing the barriers from our thoughts is sometimes all we need. Simply put, be open to learning and innovation.
Cultures and vegan food
Globally known products are generally veganised, ending with the negligence of the plant foods that are essentially vegan in different cultures. Of course, it is amazing to have vegan meat alternatives; nevertheless, vegan cuisine is richer than you imagine. The benefits of plants have been known for centuries, so traditional dishes consisting entirely of plant products are available in every culture, meaning no culture and cuisine is strongly meat-based.
We will talk about these naturally vegan foods belonging to various cultures in another article.
Do you want to celebrate this Christmas with vegan food from various cultures? If so, stay tuned.
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