Why vegans cause tension

To The Guardian

George Reynolds’s article may have overlooked the main reason that vegans upset people. Preparing and sharing food is so central to human culture that it has ritual significance. Strict veganism undermines the fundamental social rite of eating together.

When vegans cook for omnivores, the interaction is generally successful. The guests eat what they are given and compliment the cooking. The etiquette of food-sharing has been preserved. But when strict vegans are fed by omnivores, there is tension. The hosts face a daunting list of exclusion and must try new recipes. For practical reasons, the vegan menu may be imposed on the whole gathering. This offends our deep-rooted belief that guests should adapt to the host’s culture, gratefully accepting whatever food they are given. The alternative option of the vegans bringing their own food is even more offensive: the social bond of food-sharing will not be achieved.

Historically, religious dietary taboos were used as a tool to prevent social interaction with others outside the sect. Unconsciously, vegans may be causing grave offence by “othering” their families and community. This has implications for the best strategy to reduce meat-eating and save the planet. Rather than undermining traditional foodsharing culture, adopting gradualism, flexitarianism and reinforcement will result in greater societal change.

Dr Quentin Shaw, Shrewsbury, Shropshire