Umer
Veganism is a lifestyle and philosophy that a lot of people incorporate into their life. All people who follow veganism are not the same. They do not have the same approach to following the concept. While many vegans only apply their principles and philosophy to themselves on their bodies, there are other vegans who also feel conscious about the utensils that are being used in the house as well as products that have had cross-contamination with non-vegan products. This is something Vegan restaurants take into consideration before building the place and installing working mechanisms. They ensure no non-vegan food and products enter the facility to prevent any kind of cross-contamination.
Unfortunately, some unusual things are still bound to occur. So what happened was, a family brought their own ham along with them and placed it on the plates which were served to them. According to the ‘no non-vegan policy’, they were respectfully asked to leave the premises. The family took it very harshly. They were not aware of the policy and were not expecting to get kicked out. The incident was shared with the public on the internet and it gained a lot of responses.
1. The waiter resorted to the internet to gain a fresh perspective.
I personally agree with this person. The kid’s meal was already on its way, what was the rush? It is understandable that people were mistaken and were not aware that you are not allowed to eat non-vegan food, but once you are being informed and requested to remove your food, it only makes sense for you to follow the orders. I think people do not realize the gravity of the sentiments of vegan people. Veganism is not just a diet, but a way of life. People who follow veganism strongly uphold the belief that the use of animals in your diet and other things is exploitative and cruel. They exclude and eliminate even the slightest form of cruelty towards animals. Any vegan customer in the restaurant would have been infuriated to see a ham being eaten so enjoyably. They would feel disrespected and unsafe because they believed a vegan restaurant would be a safe place for them where they would not experience any form of animal cruelty or exploitation.
2. The rule applies to everyone!
3. Even the carnivores agree!
It does not take vegan principles to understand why it is utterly disrespectful for people to eat non-vegan food in a place that is solely made for vegan people. It is their world and we have to follow their rules.
4. Some people also talked about adding rules to a kid’s life.
The learning and conditioning of a human being start from childhood. Humans are built to follow rules and conform to a new environment. They are very much capable of learning new things. They would not be able to control their urges only if we spoil them on our own. Otherwise, kids are quick learners and they will learn to respect other people and their lifestyles if we train them to. Especially a 4-year old is perfectly capable of avoiding certain foods under special circumstances.
5. Restaurants are not places to hang out!
Spot on! You came into a restaurant to eat their meals, it does not make sense why you would bring food from home. It is not a public park where you take out your picnic bag. Plus, whatever new place you go in, you have to follow their rules. It is only fair!
6. The kid was not eating the sandwich anyway.
What do you all think? I am with the restaurant server on this one. You do not need to have the same principles and ideology as the other person to respect their lifestyle. We cannot expect to impose our lifestyle everywhere we go. We need to respect everyone’s choices and their way of living. Especially when sentiments are involved and it would hurt someone’s feelings and values if you do certain things in their presence, those behaviors should be particularly avoided. Above everything, that restaurant was made specifically for Vegan people. Carnivores cannot possibly expect to be catered in such places.
What do you think about this? If you are a vegan, let us know how you would feel if someone eats non-vegan food in a vegan restaurant! Your opinions are most valid here.