10 myths about vegans

List of myths

1. "Vegans are the pale anemic bunch"

No way Jose! Olympic champion Carl Lewis, gorgeous Alicia Silverstone and hot Joaquin Phoenix are amongst famous vegan hotties.

2. "If you want to know what's in fashion, don't bother asking a vegan"

The best fashion accessory for Vegans is the one matching their beliefs. The mainstream has now caught on that "Green is the new Black" and compassionate fashion is in vogue. Stella McCartney is one among many designers who refuses to use fur or leather in any of her prêt-a-porter collections.

3. "Vegans are Fruit loops"

There may be a few fruit loops amongst them but there are a few rather brilliant minds too. Mr Janez Drnovsek, president of Slovenia, is vegan, and just to name few reveredveggie brains - Albert Einstein and Leonardo Da Vinci. Maybe tofu is the next brain food.

4. "Vegans live on rabbit food"

5. "Vegan = Stylish footwear = Oxymoron"

Not anymore! Happy Vegan feet can now step out in style with stores like Bourgeois Boheme. Footwear and accessories for both men and women are ethically sourced from around the world. Look out for the new collection under their own label coming out in the vegan month of November.

6. "Vegans love animals more than people"

The furry, scaly and warty ones are their passion but high on their priorities too is the welfare of their fellow 2-legged Homo sapiens variety too. Wherever possible, vegans look out for fair trade produce; see The Fair Trade Foundation for further information.

7. "Vegans will not rest until they convert the entire world into Vegans"

They would love everyone to be vegan of course but they do understand that this is the real world. Another way around is to set up a little country of vegans!

8. "Vegans are all humourless, angry extremists"

You can speak out for animals and to have fun at the same time too. One such "cheeky" way is getting your gear off and running nude along the streets of Pamplona. Intrigued? Go to PETA's (People for the Ethical treatment of Animals) runningofthenudes.com for more details.

9. "Vegans are tree huggers"

Indeed they are and they love hugging lots of other things too! Actually, veganism and environmentalism go hand in hand. Did you know that farmed animals, cow's flatulence for one, produce more greenhouse gas emissions (18%) than the world's entire transport system (13.5%)?

10. "Vegans have a chip on their shoulders"

"Let's say you were stranded on a deserted island and your only food source was a turtle, would you eat it…?" As a counterbalance to these myths, here are 20 health benefits of going vegan according to science.

This article is part of a series on falsities and demagogy.
Some arguments used in debate on the topics in the title simply are invalid. That goes for pro and contra. We selected a few of the most rigid arguments from different situations and placed an appropriate counterargument. Because a more clear and honest way of reasoning helps improve the circumstances animals live in. Mail us if you encounter other or new (counter)-arguments. Apart from the specific issues there are the types of arguments in general. Fallacies are deliberately or accidentally used in a debate. So be aware of the principles and the integrity of an opponent. Click here for tips on how to react to animal-unfriendly behavior of others.

Non-valid arguments (deceptive arguments) for different groups