RE: show respect - name things correctly A while back, Ava wrote a post that I enjoyed (as always), but at times offered a perspective that didn't entirely sit right with me. Ava's issue of concern is a lack of precision around labeling, using "vegan", "almost vegan" and "basically vegan" as examples. If you haven't read that post yet, definitely go do that. Ava is a great writer, and the post is well worth reading. I'll wait. https://blog.avas.space/name-things-right/ Ok, good, you're back. So...what's my problem? (Note to self: is this a judgmental post about being judgmental? Oh sweet irony.) Don't label me My opinion on labels is: I generally don't like them. However, if I must wear a label, it should be one of my choosing. If I want to self-identify as "a total gym-bro", "an introvert", "bi and proud", "they/them", or "basically vegan", that should be my choice. Please respect it. Does my choice of label affect you? It really shouldn't. If you feel that it does, then with all due respect, you may want to take a step back and get in touch with your motivations and your priorities. I won't label you In return, I'm happy to extend you the same courtesy. I don't and won't have anything to say about the labels (or lack of labels) that you choose to apply to yourself. I understand that it's really none of my business, and I'm happy to respect your wishes. Easy peasy, end of story. Encourage, don't judge This next part really isn't about vegans or veganism. I'll stick to that example in keeping with Ava's post, but this can apply to anything, really. Please: if you're good at something hard, don't judge or discourage others who are not as successful as you are. You are not cheapened by their shortcomings. You can be understanding and gracious towards others while still maintaining a high regard for yourself, your own commitments, and your own accomplishments. For example: As a vegan, I have some pretty strong ideals. Being a vegan is extremely challenging at times, and without these ideals, I'd never be able to stick with it. I know I'm not perfect, and I do mess up, sometimes more than I'd like to admit. I like to think of veganism as dot on the horizon that I'm constantly chasing. It's a journey, or maybe it's more like yoga: a practice. It's not a binary status. In fact, it's not a status at all. I'm not big on moralizing, and I don't consider myself to be superior to anyone who has different professed or lived values than I have. Look, I have a lot of friends who - to be honest - are not quite as good as I am at the follow-through part. I don't let it bother me; it's their business, not mine, and I know that the best way to encourage them is to set a good example. When one of my friends claims to be 95% "almost" vegan, my inclination is to thank them for that 95%. You saw it coming In summary: think about the message you're sending. Don't be the person that says or implies "you are not good enough" or "you can't play in my club". Don't be the level 5 vegan: https://youtu.be/RtuMIaOGRy8 ~nullish Reply to this post via email --- email blog index website