To the editor:
Vegans and vegetarians can and mostly do get along just fine, notwithstanding Brian Kateman’s suggestion to the contrary. (“Can't vegans and vegetarians just get along?” Opinion, April 2)
The stereotypical vegan is often described as preachy, judgmental and bombastic. While some of us are those things, I think that most of us try hard to be true to our veganism without alienating all who are not vegan. The contempt described by Kateman really is at odds with trying to live more compassionately—a goal to which many vegans aspire.
Yes, vegans tend to be a passionate bunch. We have to be to maintain our commitment to sparing animals harm and suffering. But like many vegans, I encourage any effort to reduce the slaughter of animals. From “meatless Mondays” to the “vegan before dinner” diet, I believe that small changes can lead to longtime shifts in how we live.
Alienating folks who are not 100 percent vegan only increases the chance that they never will embrace ethical veganism. To suggest any widespread animus toward nonvegans does a disservice to our movement for a kinder, more compassionate world.
Loretta Kane, Quaker Hill, Conn.
