What if vegans stopped saying they're vegans?
We met at the airport, a Brasilian and two Russians. Shook hands. One of us looked at his watch: “Two hours to departure. Mind if we wait in a cafe?” When we were seated, I explained to a waitress that I ate only fruits and vegetables and asked what on the menu was suitable. Both my companions, Russian and Brasilian, looked at me with refreshed curiosity and one asked: “So you're a vegan?” “Actually, I am,” I replied, “albeit usually I prefer not to use the word.” “Why?” both looked intrigued. Why indeed? Simply put, telling people that you’re a vegan is risky for relationship. I recall being assigned to work with a new teammate. He was a nice bloke until lunch, then I mentioned being a vegan and he had turned into a troll. The change was so immediate as if I cast a spell on him by saying the word ‘vegan’. Of course, most people keep being fine and corteous. Yet, it’s easy to notice how they get hold together as if they were whispered in the ear: “Nevermind. Usually, he’s not dange...