One could very well claim that veganism would be more popular if vegan people were a little tolerant and patient, and were not quick to burst into a temper regardless of the situation. In a recent debacle that took place in Australia, a vegan family decided enough was enough when their neighbor was cooking meat and they could smell it. The upset family had earlier sent a polite letter to the neighbor, asking them to close their windows while cooking- which is quite impossible unless someone wants the fumes to be all over their house. And when the neighbor didn’t pay heed to the letter, they sent another- which was a little less polite and a lot more intimidating. The letter was sent by a woman named Sarah, who passed it to her neighbor Kylie, where it was addressing some of the concerns that Sarah had regarding Kylie’s cooking.
The woman, who hails from Burns Beach, claimed that the smell was quite revolting for her, and she wanted it gone. The note that she sent was posted on a Facebook page, and at first glance- looked quite polite. The letter read, “Hello, Neighbour. Could you please shut your side window when cooking, please? My family are vegan (we eat only plant-based foods) and the smell of the meat you cook makes us feel sick and upset. We would appreciate your understanding. Thanks. Sarah, Wayne & Kids.” While one could not adhere to it- for it is frankly dangerous to keep the windows closed while cooking, no one could deny it was quite polite.
Vegan Family Upset By Smell Of Cooked Meat
But the people on the Facebook page decided that the vegan family was displaying quite a sense of arrogance regarding their veganism. One user commented, “They should go live in the bush. Everyone cooks and some smells I can’t stand but that is outrageous.” But another user called out the hyperbole and stated, “Why all the nasty comments? I’m a meat eater, but she was polite and respectful in her request and it’s not hard to close a window. Why not just be a considerate neighbor and close the window, rather than turning it into a big issue?“
When the first letter went viral, the vegan family sent another note. And this time, they apparently meant business. The writer mentioned that enough was enough and the social media poster had taken Mickey out of a serious situation. And they would have to pay if things went in a similar manner.
Social Media Were Less Understanding The Second Time Around
The letter read, “I raised my concerns of the smell of meat making my family feel sick and upset and you go and have a BBQ on Saturday night inviting lots of people, and you knew this would affect me and my family. My friend Tina told me you took my letter to social media and it backfired on you which is ‘just desserts’. Please no more BBQs and please keep that window closed when cooking otherwise I’m going to report you and go to social media too.“
Now, when this letter was posted on social media, the comments lambasted the vegan family for being entitled. One comment wrote, “Vegan people think they are entitled, always trying to push their way of life onto everyone.” Another comment wrote, “Wow I would cook a BBQ for my family every night if I received this and I don’t eat meat.” A third comment perfectly encapsulated what we are all thinking. “Get over yourself love, who made you the ruler of the world[?] It is not your house, not your right to tell someone what they can and can’t do. You don’t like the smell, so close your own bloody windows and doors.” Looks like the vegan family bit off more than they could chew. Let’s hope it wasn’t BBQ!