Yes I understand why vegans use the word murder, so that they get a strong emotional reaction to something they consider abhorrent. And I get it. But I think precision in language is important, and I think using that kind of language actually pushes people away from a better understanding of what veganism is all about. Although it shows how passionate vegans are, it can push people away with what some might consider vitriolic hyperbole.
That fact that a mod removed my post about the dictionary definition of an english word kinda illustrates my point. Despite my calm, clear, and nonconfrontational language, I expect this post to get removed as well.
I do agree that this harsh language can push people away. I rarely use it myself for that reason. But whether to use it or not, is their personal decision.
As for your dictionary definition comment, I am absolutely on board with it being removed. It was extremely tone-deaf.
You do not need to answer me, but ask yourself the following: Did you really think, they were not aware of the dictionary definition?
They were purposefully using a non-standard word. You could have argued their decision to use that word, if you really felt that strongly about it, although frankly, just don’t do that either. They’ve almost certainly thought about this more than you have, and there’s also just no need to discuss something like that all the time.
The way I interpreted your comment is that you personally felt uncomfortable with their use of language, so you felt an urge to react to it in any way whatsoever. Absolutely understandable.
But that is precisely what this whole post is about. People, who eat meat, will feel uncomfortable with the discussions we have here and then they respond to argue things that really do not need arguing.
Like, if you notice a factual mistake in a post, I welcome you to correct that. Intentional different usage of language is not a mistake, though.
I understand your viewpoint and I would offer you mine (I did not comment out of discomfort) but based on the mod activity in this post I don’t think it would be well received. It seems this is a community by vegans for vegans only, and other viewpoints, even non-antagonistic ones, are not welcome. Nothing wrong with that, but it means I will show myself the door rather than irritate the community members.
I can’t speak for the people that made the community but I don’t think that places like this are necessarily made by vegans for vegans as you describe. Personally I can attest that it’s just extremely frustrating to be made to feel like an out group in the ONE community where you shouldn’t be made to feel like that. I personally welcome nonvegans to participate in discussion so long as they come with the understanding that they are a guest in our community and should respect the community as such which does include taking care to not come across as tone deaf. I’m not religious and in fact actively oppose religion but if I found myself at a church for whatever reason I’m not going to go in there and start a bunch of arguments and whatnot. I would be respectful because I understand that going to their place of worship and causing a commotion is uncalled for and doesn’t benefit anyone. To be clear, I’m not trying to say that veganism is a religion because it is not and it is not viewed in the same way as religion is by its followers. I am merely using the analogy to illustrate how you should act when going into a community that you are not a part of.
Yes I understand why vegans use the word murder, so that they get a strong emotional reaction to something they consider abhorrent. And I get it. But I think precision in language is important, and I think using that kind of language actually pushes people away from a better understanding of what veganism is all about. Although it shows how passionate vegans are, it can push people away with what some might consider vitriolic hyperbole.
That fact that a mod removed my post about the dictionary definition of an english word kinda illustrates my point. Despite my calm, clear, and nonconfrontational language, I expect this post to get removed as well.
I do agree that this harsh language can push people away. I rarely use it myself for that reason. But whether to use it or not, is their personal decision.
As for your dictionary definition comment, I am absolutely on board with it being removed. It was extremely tone-deaf.
You do not need to answer me, but ask yourself the following: Did you really think, they were not aware of the dictionary definition?
They were purposefully using a non-standard word. You could have argued their decision to use that word, if you really felt that strongly about it, although frankly, just don’t do that either. They’ve almost certainly thought about this more than you have, and there’s also just no need to discuss something like that all the time.
The way I interpreted your comment is that you personally felt uncomfortable with their use of language, so you felt an urge to react to it in any way whatsoever. Absolutely understandable.
But that is precisely what this whole post is about. People, who eat meat, will feel uncomfortable with the discussions we have here and then they respond to argue things that really do not need arguing.
Like, if you notice a factual mistake in a post, I welcome you to correct that. Intentional different usage of language is not a mistake, though.
I understand your viewpoint and I would offer you mine (I did not comment out of discomfort) but based on the mod activity in this post I don’t think it would be well received. It seems this is a community by vegans for vegans only, and other viewpoints, even non-antagonistic ones, are not welcome. Nothing wrong with that, but it means I will show myself the door rather than irritate the community members.
I can’t speak for the people that made the community but I don’t think that places like this are necessarily made by vegans for vegans as you describe. Personally I can attest that it’s just extremely frustrating to be made to feel like an out group in the ONE community where you shouldn’t be made to feel like that. I personally welcome nonvegans to participate in discussion so long as they come with the understanding that they are a guest in our community and should respect the community as such which does include taking care to not come across as tone deaf. I’m not religious and in fact actively oppose religion but if I found myself at a church for whatever reason I’m not going to go in there and start a bunch of arguments and whatnot. I would be respectful because I understand that going to their place of worship and causing a commotion is uncalled for and doesn’t benefit anyone. To be clear, I’m not trying to say that veganism is a religion because it is not and it is not viewed in the same way as religion is by its followers. I am merely using the analogy to illustrate how you should act when going into a community that you are not a part of.
Politeness is often used as a mask for horrible ideas and actions.