Oprah: Media Mogul, Philanthropist, Vegan(?)
I love Oprah. Let me just make that loud and clear in case you thought otherwise.
This month she along with 378 of her staff members (willingly) decided to go vegan for a week. I think its wonderful that someone of Oprah’s status and importance (you may not like it, but it’s true) is teaching millions of people about Veganism.
I am not a vegan, nor do I see myself ever becoming one. BUT that being said, I am interested in it, and respect it. Please don’t confuse me with those weird smelly activists that are judgmental and usually yelling- no one likes those guys. The thing that interests me most about veganism is the way it forces one to be creative given the limitations while cooking. That part, to me, is fun.(though no cheeseburgers doesn’t sound very fun)
I am EXTREMELY BUTTHURT that I have not seen the episode(s) relating to this, but look forward to watching clips of it on her site.
I immediately emailed my sisters & a select group of (non O hating) vegetarian friends to share the news with them, and my sister said something really well put and touching that I’m going to share with you all:
“Rachel, I know we have talked about this before, but something like this is really awesome for a number of reasons!! I love love love that Oprah has normalized vegetarianism and veganism for stay at home parents and millions of ‘worried and concerned moms’! I know all of us can remember bringing home vegan friends or telling mom you were vegetarian [DB and Laura i am looking at you two] and them thinking it was just a phase, or you or your friends were acting out/were freaks, or would ‘get over it’…and here is the most influential person in America not only making it seem like great idea health wise, but interesting, challenging, and FUN! Maybe the stigma that all vegans must be crazy [no offense behole] will begin to fade! And maybe Chilis/Fridays/Applebees will offer ONE item besides chips and salsa on their menu that you can eat, Josh.
Its also worth noting that Lynell and Fred have began to do “meatless mondays” for the past month- how fucking cute is that?!
Thanks for sharing rachie”
How good is that?
Anyway, intrigued by Oprah, her staff, and my sisters all “taking the plunge” or whatever (note- my sisters did not go veg because of Oprah) I peeped O’s site for some ideas. This Vegan Starter Kit is filled with a ton of information, recipes, and even a grocery shopping list! It’s making me consider eating less meat. Let me reiterate- I do not see me going full-on-vegan anytime soon. However, that does not mean I have to eat meat, seafood, or cheese with every single meal.
I appreciate Oprah helping people like me realize a vegan diet does not mean the end of the world, or boring food, or even that much extra time to make a great meal.
