A Guide to Being Vegan in Arab and Middle Eastern Cultures
Vegan struggles are often universal, particularly in Arab and Middle Eastern cultures. In this article, we will be showcasing tips on how to handle family and community. Here are 6 tips for handling parents and friends as a Middle Eastern vegan.
These tips are also helpful for people transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, especially those from cultures where food is emphasized at gatherings.
1 - Hold off on labeling and announcing your veganism right away.
For individuals with traditional parents and friends, labels can be intimidating and cause concern. Consider acceptance a journey and start small, like politely declining meat at dinner and having hummus instead. Normal-sounding responses won't raise red flags while quietly laying the groundwork.
2 - Be Prepared for Questions
Middle Easterners are keen on asking a lot of questions and always wonder why. The concept of privacy is not always accepted. This being said, be prepared for a lot of questions and curiosity from your loved ones. Everyone will be interested in knowing about your dietary choices. It is helpful to be knowledgeable about the subject and have statistics and information readily available. This will enable you to answer common questions like “where you get your protein from” or “why you would refuse meat, which is a blessing from God”
3 - Educate through discussion and resources.
Instead of imposing your “vegan agenda," engage in open and non-confrontational discussions. Encourage people to embrace the vegan lifestyle by suggesting they watch documentaries like Forks Over Knives or Vegucated, share articles or memes about the topic on social media, or do so in groups. Present information in an approachable and accessible manner for a positive response.
4 - Taking Charge of Your Vegan Lifestyle through Cooking
It is helpful to be self-sufficient and able to prepare your meals, especially during communal mealtimes. This not only shows your commitment to your vegan choices but also enables you to participate in significant cultural rituals without being singled out. Cooking can also be a powerful way to demonstrate the delicious and satisfying nature of a vegan diet. If you're already a confident cook, try preparing extra servings of your meals to share with others. If cooking isn't your thing, look for vegan recipes online or in cookbooks and bring them to your next family gathering. Baked goods like brownies, chocolate chip cookies, and muffins are always crowd-pleasers. Using food as a way to educate and inspire others can be a great way to build support for your vegan lifestyle. By showing others how easy and tasty vegan food can be, you may just open their minds to considering vegan diet themselves.
5 - Practice Understanding and Respect
When making the transition to a vegan lifestyle, it's imperative to avoid negative or aggressive reactions or comments towards those around you. Instead, approach it as a personal choice that aligns with your health and ethics. Refrain from imposing your choice on others and be open to answering questions and having conversations about veganism, but only when they are initiated. Demonstrating understanding and respect for others can foster a positive and inclusive environment.
6 - Allow time for adjustment.
Understandably, a significant change in your dietary choices may take some time for your family to fully understand and accept. Food is not just nourishment in many cultures, but a representation of one's culture, heritage, and memories. Family gatherings, celebrations, and religious rituals are often centered on traditional dishes, making the transition to a vegan lifestyle a significant shift. Give your family the time and space they need to adjust and understand your choices and try to approach the situation with patience and empathy.
In conclusion, approaching a vegan lifestyle with empathy and patience can help family and friends accept your choices. Remember to stay positive, respectful, and firm in your principles, and understand that acceptance takes time. With persistence and understanding, veganism will eventually become an accepted part of Arab and Middle Eastern cultures.