There’s no denying that the media likes to portray veganism as the mother of all band-wagon trends. But why? SOMETHING is speaking to millennials, because studies show there’s been a 350% increase in veganism in Britain over the last decade, with 42% of those aged 15-24. A new generation of worshippers of all things plant-based is emerging!
This being said, like many band-wagon trends, veganism continues to be presented as very short-lived. Just look at Beyonce – she lasted a whole 22 days! But that doesn’t prove that high-profile celebrities can’t be committed to the cause; consider the successful efforts of Gwyneth Paltrow, Jared Leto and Miley Cyrus. I’ve never seen an Instagram account more saturated with pro-vegan memes and food pics than Miley’s. You go girl!
But can we really pinpoint a universal trend that made these stars scream “Eureka!” and submit to the power of the avocado? Finding a common cause seems nearly impossible. Beyonce and Jay-Z claimed their 22-day streak proved to be a ‘spiritual and physical cleanse’. Ellen Degeneres, on the other hand, claimed it was for ethical reasons, specifically after watching the harrowing vegan documentary that could sway even the most committed of bacon-lovers, Earthlings.
The biggest debate across the internet has to be whether they’re clearly in it for the cause (whether that be moral, environmental, or health related) or if they’ve been led to believe that it will make them look better on the red carpet or the catwalk, like various Victoria’s secret models (such as Bridget Malcolm) who have been said to indulge in the diet to stay slim.
I’m not out to criminalize celebrities who are, regardless of reasoning, at least making an effort. Plus, there are some genuinely inspirational stories that have guided celebrities towards a vegan lifestyle, such as retired boxer Mike Tyson who, after years of alcohol and drug abuse, believed being vegan for 4 years gave him “another opportunity to live a healthy life”.
Even if it is just for health reasons, I can’t complain that celebrities are using their fame to get the word ‘vegan’ on people’s minds. Sure, it’s definitely a philosophy based on much more than health, but even vegans tend to forget that everyone is on their own personal journey, with their own problems that they are trying to solve, and those problems must come first.
If deciding to become vegan helps them reach their goals (and helping the cause in the process), then it’s a win-win. Even if they weren’t necessarily thinking of cute little piggies when they made the decision.
So, if you’ve ever thought about becoming vegan, have been considering it for a long time or simply wondering whether it’s all it’s cracked up to be, it may be because some of your favourite celebrities have explored veganism. Whether they stuck with it or not, it’s a fantastic way of challenging yourself and practising self-love – whatever you consider self-love to be. Feeling healthier and happier, contributing to the wellbeing of the environment you live in, or becoming more ethically aware as you go through life helping save animals.
Celebrities can be both good and bad role models, it all depends on interpretation. They can get messages such as veganism out there, but not always in the best ways. You don’t have to be an activist, or love animals more than you love yourself; what’s most important is to do what feels right!
Edited by Isabelle Walker
Sources:
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/sandy-pukel/vegan_b_4453334.html
https://munchies.vice.com/en_uk/article/9a8gve/this-is-why-millennials-are-all-turning-vegan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc-DeGEXAmM
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/photos/19-vegan-celebrities-18922261/image-21096279
http://grist.org/living/the-case-for-imperfect-veganism/
http://nubry.com/wellness/food/the-vegan-diet-that-victorias-secret-models-eat-to-stay-slim-sakara/
http://blog.nativefoods.com/nativefoods/2013/12/jay-z-gives-himself-the-gift-of-veganism.html