Since I announced my pregnancy last year, I’ve been asked quite often whether we would raise our baby vegan. If I saw the question on my blog or social media, I would respond by saying that we decided not to label her diet or lifestyle and I explained why if I had the time. Since I was asked this question so frequently I recently decided to write a blog post on the topic to be transparent about our decision (see: Will you raise your daughter a vegan?). I’ve always been an open book on the blog and figured I could share our thoughts and also ask you to share your own experiences. I enjoy hearing other perspectives because I’ve never been someone who thinks that there is one correct way to do anything. What works for one family might not work for others.
As I expected, there was a wide range of opinions on the topic. Many of you left thought-provoking and respectful comments (whether you agreed or not), and I greatly enjoyed reading them. They led to some wonderful discussions with friends and family this week. However, there were some hateful and threatening comments attacking me, my family, and our decision. According to some, I’m no longer welcome to call myself vegan. This wasn’t entirely surprising; over the past 6 years I’ve often been accused of not being “vegan enough”, being “too mainstream”, or not “doing enough for the vegan movement”, yet here I was receiving hundreds of comments and emails each month from readers telling me my recipes changed their lives, that they were happy to be helping animals, reducing their carbon footprint, and getting healthy even if they weren’t “perfect”. Apparently, my welcoming and non-judgmental approach was indeed the catalyst for major change.
I realize that the scrutiny I’ve faced over the years is from a small percentage of vegans. Tearing each other down is never conducive to furthering the movement though. The majority of vegans I know are incredibly kind and compassionate both to animals and humans alike. However, the personal attacks have made me reflect greatly about whether this label continues to be right for me. Do I want to live my life striving for an elusive perfection that I know I’m too flawed to ever achieve? Or can I do it my way? While some of you will say “don’t let it bother you” and “don’t let them win” I’ll be honest in telling you that experiencing hate on a public forum from your own community wears you down over time. It’s a distraction from my overall purpose and you know what, it sure as hell takes the fun out of the journey.
In the end, I will keep on doing my thing, but without a personal label on my diet or lifestyle. Going forward you can expect to see the same types of crowd-pleasing plant-based recipes on this blog and in my next cookbook; this is how I love to eat and what makes me happy. My goal has always been to encourage others to reduce their animal consumption and embrace more plants in their diet. This is my passion in life not only because of how it has greatly improved my own and those close to me, but for countless other reasons. I still believe that the greatest change happens when we elevate one another, celebrate progress, and of course, share delicious food that challenges the norms of the standard diet. So that’s exactly what I intend to keep doing. There are many ways in which compassionate individuals can spread their message and this is what speaks to my heart. I have no doubt there is something out there for everyone.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years, and also, for reminding me why it’s important to remain authentic even in spite of criticism.
Angela
Please note comments are now closed – May 20/15
I loved your post on how you will raise your daughter, and wholeheartedly agree with your decision. I am pregnant, expecting in August, and hope I have the grace to allow our child to experience life and make his own decisions without putting too many of my personal decisions on him.
I have read your blog for years- and while I’m not vegan, and don’t feel it’s the right choice for me, I’ve been inspired by your recipes, and have gotten my husband to move to a much more plant based diet, although he would never give up meat.
By why should perfection be the only choice? Even giving up animal products one meal, one day, a week, has a positive impact- especially if people have a resource such as OhSheGlows and are inspired to eat more plants and enjoy healthy foods, without feeling the pressure to completely change one’s lifestyle.
Label or not, I love your recipes and reading about your life, and will continue to do so in the future :)
Follow your passion and don’t let hate influence you. I enjoy your blog and your recipes. Labels aren’t necessary for me to know you make food and health appealing. Rock on!! :-)
I’m another vote for how excited I am to get your recipes (that help me gently shift my eating habits) done in your wonderful voice. Being an energy healer people have LOTS of images and expectations about how I should occur in the world. No matter what we’re doing it’s about the joyful expression of life as it moves through us. Cheers for you Angela. We’re behind you all the way.
As Taylor Swift said “haters will hate”.
You are a kind and loving person…end of story!
I think everything you do is amazing. As a blogger and a parent! Your recipes even blow my husband’s mind (he’s a meat and potatoes man). Keep doing what you’re doing…because there are so many people who support you!
Angela, I NEVER comment on blogs but your article moved me so much I had to write in support!!!!! I love your cook book and cook from it regularly. I have given it as a gift a few times and everyone loves it. Please don’t pay any mind to the naysayers. It is completely unfair and ridiculous for people like you to be receiving hate mail. The next time you receive one just know there are legions of supporters like me who never comment and yet we are all silently supporting you and love what you do.Deb
There is no surer way to cut to the core of a mother than question how she raises her child.
It hurts. I totally admire the honesty and strength of your response. It is sad there are so many that lash out in judgement and hurt. But I have finally learned to try hard to have empathy and understand they can’t be in a good place themselves – we’re all a project in progress. Love your recipes, your writings, your great light.
What makes me sad about this is you feel the need to “unlabel” your personal diet. Don’t let the haters take away something that is important to you. The people who follow you and know who you are, know that you are vegan. And if you want to call yourself vegan then you should. This reminds me of when Lindsey Nixon was bullied and decided to stop calling herself vegan. Its just a bummer. We need strong charismatic people with the label vegan so that others see that it isn’t a wacky diet for hippies:)
I’m not saying that all labels are a good thing all the time but if you intend to remain vegan then to hell with the internet trolls. You are the queen of vegan blogging & you should feel free to call yourself a vegan.
I was one of those who had negative criticism, although I never attacked your … veganness :) I only talked about how you framed veganism as solely a diet. Never your imperfections as a vegans, because let’s face it: we all have them.
I accidentally bought a silk shirt not so long ago.
I received a free pack of non vegan tooth paste today.
I once finished a soup with lactose free milk in it although I knew what it contained.
I can’t imagine how it feels to get critique on that massive scale that you did. I see it quite differently though. My position was never to exclude or hate, just to inform an put the focus back at the animals, because that’s what veganism is all about. The animals.
Please consider wearing your vegan label proudly. It will help the animals a huge deal.
Love,
Asa
We are given life before we are given (and/or choose) a title, label etc so how about we keep this in mind before shooting from the lip. Sure, have and share your views with the world. We all have them and they all matter. But why the hate, why the bile, why the nasty?! What about connecting with the world from a place of love, compassion, authenticity, kindness and respect? And no, this ain’t woo-woo talkin’. This is about treating all animals (including humans) with the love and respect they deserve. If you need to pop a label on Angela, try these on for size: culinary goddess, mother, daughter, wife, friend, authentic firestarter, skilled communicator avec GSOH. Plus, she’s someone who maintains grace under fire and makes time in her life to share health and wellbeing with the world. If OSG ain’t your thing, perhaps it’s time for you to find another pasture to chew in?
The type of vegans who send you hate mail are the same ones that put many people off from becoming vegan in the first place. By giving the term “vegan” such a negative (and militant) connotation they end up hurting their cause more than helping it. Luckily there are people like you who encourage others to eat more plant based without delivering a heavy dose of politics. Thanks for what you’re doing and continue not to accept labels! You’ve got to live your life for you, not anyone else.
I never comment on here, and I have been following since 2011, but this post begs it! I love your blog and I’m not even vegan, more an aspiring vegetarian. During my pregnancies (2 in 2 years!) I was unable to keep up my vegetarianism, and my husband is a meat eater and i aim to serve my family well rounded meals and love your cookbook and blog recipes SO MUCH!
I digress. I sincerely hope you don’t share less on your blog. I absolutely love reading it every week, and I can relate so much to your baby posts. Your breastfeeding posts have been a source of inspiration for me during my own experience (my second baby is a few months younger!)
I always say the internet (TROLLS-you know who you are!) gives people a voice who don’t deserve it. Personally, I felt your post about not raising your daughter with any diet labels was perfect and made me feel more comfortable with my own decisions.
Anyway, you’re fabulous, screw labels, do you.
I was so glad to come across your website and then purchase your cookbook. As I continue my (mostly, I can’t entirely give up sushi) plant based diet I’ve finally found some fabulous recipes and good, practical tips. I feel like you’re helping me a little bit every day and I don’t want you to stop.
Please don’t let any hate filled dribble affect you in any way. Hit delete as fast as possible and get back to your happy place. You rock so keep on rockin
Please be encouraged! We are so thankful for your blog! Your number of readers, subscribers, and book purchasers should speak louder than anything. Thank you for all of the time and energy you have poured into your recipes and blog. :) May you be blessed!
Keep on with your OWN path. Feel pity for those who are critical because the criticism is about themselves.
Beautifully written Ang!
It is so fantastic to see someone respond to others peoples hurtful and negative comments with steadfast positivity and understanding. This post really shows how you apply critical thinking towards your life choices and not simply reactive anger. It’s also so beautiful to see all these lovely supporting comments!
So sorry to hear about the negative, hurtful comments. Being a momma is tough work and you are constantly questioning your own decisions. The last thing you need is a bunch of strangers doing it for you! I love your blog and your recipes no matter what you do or don’t label yourself.
Your work is a gift and my family appreciates it!
Kindly,
Meggan
I am not going to attempt to read 180 comments here so forgive me if I rehash what others have said. One thing that you said stood out to me “the greatest change happens when we elevate each other”. As hard as it is to be publicly criticised and abused in public (that negativity speaks more about the person writing it than you) it is sometimes needed to help you to find a better way. I don’t believe that anybody needs a label for their lifestyle. What you do, who you are, how you care, shines through in all you write. Why do/did you need a label? If others want to label you then let them. You just be your own authentic self and remain true to your own values and beliefs. Who said “it’s not what you say that people will remember, it’s how you make them feel” making the decision not to label yourself has, in my opinion, elevated you to another level in this journey called life. If that came about thanks to some small minority of people who saw fit to criticise then embrace it. If they stick around then they may learn something, if they don’t then their time isn’t right.
I rarely comment but always read. I am inspired each time I read. I am not fully vegan but striving for that lifestyle. In the meantime I continue to learn. Thank you
Angela you rock. I love your attitude and this blog always makes me feel so positive about food!
Good for you. You just keep on doing what you love because we love your blog, love your recipes and the very real way you share yourself in your stories. And while I am not vegan, or even vegetarian, your recipes are so good I find myself some weeks an “accidental vegetarian” eating mainly super yummy vegan and vegetarian recipes. You *are* making a difference to me and to my family. Mean people suck.