Vegan Shirts - Is it right to wear them?

Question

I am just wondering if it is right to wear shirts that promote veganism. Will this make it seem like a cult? Will it make me look like I am some hardcore animal rights activist? Will I get bombarded with negative comments?

I would appreciate insight from fellow vegans. Thank you.

Answer 1

I personally wouldn't wear a shirt that says vegan.  It's funny though because I am an animal rights activist...Hardcore, I haven't gotten an opportunity, but who knows.

The thing is that I don't really like labels, well maybe I do but I don't want them to be in people's faces.  If you want to wear a shirt that says your vegan, try getting a shirt that doesn't directly come out and say your vegan.  There are really cool slogans and logos that will get the point across...That way people will know you are, but it won't be like a beakon, it will be lighter and they won't be so quick to defend their own meat eating ways.

That is the only reason anyone every insults us or wants to start things with us.  They feel like they have to be defensive of their own eating habits.  I personally think they feel guilty and think they will feel better if they take you down a few notches.  Arguing with vegans and vegetarians is no way to feel better about themselves though and so the situation continuously repeats itself.

Answer 2

Why would you care about what other people think? If you're not a stupid faker, then wear it. Other people's opinions shouldn't ever mean anything to you. I've made my number of snide comments too, but in all truth, your opinion is the only one that matters. Cult? I think not. Try adding a "ure." That's your way of life.

Answer 3

you can wear wjat ever you want as long as you are comfortable with it

Answer 4

It's a totally personal call.  Like bumper stickers.

I don't have any hardcore message shirts or anything, but I do have an Herbivore t-shirt (which, strangely enough, just says "Herbivore.")  Nobody seems to notice it particularly.  I've never gotten any sort of comment.  Maybe people are privately thinking I'm part of a terrorist cult, but probably not.  Most people probably don't stop to think about what it means.  

I have seen some, however, that I personally wouldn't consider wearing because it's just not in my personality to draw a lot of attention to myself.  I saw one, for example, that said "Go Vegan or Die."  Not my taste.

Answer 5

it's basically an advertising type of shirt and it is perfectly okay to wear one unless otherwise specified such as in a school or office.

Whether it would make it look like a cult or you a hardcore animal rights activist is immaterial. There is really nothing wrong with either one. Again unless otherwise specified, cults and activism are generally legally acceptable.

Comments, negative or otherwise, are also an integral part of making a statement. If you want to advertise, then make sure you can handle both. Your shirt is making an opinion. Expect others to do the same even if some are contrary to your own. But you don't have to argue back either.

Answer 6

I think it's great to promote veganism through clothing... it makes you a walking billboard. Many people wear shirts with the name of their college or favorite sports team. Why not have a veg message instead, right?

I'd just be a little cautious about the kind of message you choose.... some are a little too abrasive and offensive. I'd go with something cute, friendly, non-threatening, etc. (For example, I have a shirt that says "Chicks Dig Vegans" with little yellow chicks. Contrast that to a shirt that says "Go Vegan or Die" or something to that effect.)

If you choose to wear clothing with veg messages, you should definitely be prepared for some people to ask you about it and possibly argue with you. But I don't think you'll be bombarded with negative comments unless you live in a town that is really anti-vegetarian.

(And even if lots of people DO give you negative feedback, at least they're actively thinking about the issues. Anything is better than apathy, in my opinion.)

Hope this helps :)

Answer 7

Go for it! I wear shirts that promote what and who I am! Do it! Send me one and I will wear it with you! :D

Answer 8

You can always tell a question by a new account.

Wear the shirt, you'll be fine.

Answer 9

What's wrong with wearing a t-shirt bearing a message about something that's important to you?  If you're feeling it, do it.  :-)

As for what other people think/say/feel.... sorry, but so what?  If strangers can't deal with the fact that you're vegan (and wicked-cool cuz you're sporting that awesomeness on a t-shirt), then f*** them.

Answer 10

Much better than many shirts that I have seen people wear.

"Seem like a cult?"  Don't think so.  "Hardcore animal rights activist?"  Don't think so.

I know that if you wore it in Texas - the first thing that people would ask is if you are one of those people that 'toss paint on people'.  Not written to offend - just telling the truth as I have experienced it when people find out that I don't eat meat.

After that - opens up the line of communication - and if you really take the time and effort - you actually will have a really great exchange with someone about the choice that you have made and the benefits of that choice.  

NEVER have I had anyone make negative comments to me from those that were not vegetarian/vegan about vegetarianism/veganism when speaking about not eating or using animal products.

I wear t-shirts - but not really into the name thing or messages on my shirts.  Just me.  But if I did - I know that I wouldn't have problems.  Haven't had problems with people when they find out that I don't eat or use animal products.

But then at my age - people don't tend to make rude comments to me either.

Answer 11

You stand up for your rights.  if you believe in what you are doing there is nothing wrong with promoting your feelings.  no you will not look like a hard core animal activist.  You can live on a ranch raise cattle, for slaughter.  that is a business, and you can still be a vegan.  if you get bombarded by negative comments, someone does not have an open mind.

Answer 12

there is nothing wrong with wearing a shirt just as long as you are true to yourself. don't wear the shirt then eat cheese.

cult? no

looks? most likely

hardcore actvist? depends on the message

negative comments? 1 in 20 ppl you bump into. most retarded questions.

Answer 13

Hey they wear GAP t-shirts and there not promoting the poor little kids that made them....I say support what you believe in and wear it proudly.....

Answer 14

It depends on where you wear it. On the beach, or park, a tea shirt that says "meat is murder" is fine, but if your working at a supermarket it will not go over very well. You will draw attention to yourself, but if this is what you want go for it.