One could argue that veganism might gain more followers if its proponents were more tolerant and patient, rather than displaying quick tempers in various situations. A recent incident in Australia illustrates this point, where a vegan family reached their breaking point after repeatedly smelling meat cooking from their neighbor’s home. The vexed family initially sent a polite note to the neighbors, requesting they close their windows while cooking—a near-impossible task unless one wishes to flood their home with kitchen fumes. When the neighbor ignored this request, the family sent a second, markedly less polite and more intimidating letter. Written by a woman named Sarah and addressed to her neighbor Kylie, the letter outlined Sarah’s grievances over Kylie’s cooking practices.
Sarah, a resident of Burns Beach, found the smell of cooking meat to be repulsive and wanted it eradicated. The letter, which Sarah posted on Facebook, seemed courteous at first glance. It 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 impractical for safety reasons, the initial tone of the letter was undeniably polite.
Community Reacts to Initial Complaint
However, the polite demeanor didn’t sway public opinion. Comments on Facebook suggested that the vegan family was displaying a sense of arrogance. One user commented, “They should go live in the bush. Everyone cooks, and some smells I can’t stand but that is outrageous.” Another user offered a contrasting opinion, writing, “Why all the nasty comments? I’m a meat eater, but she was polite and respectful in her request. Why not just be a considerate neighbor and close the window, rather than making it an issue?”
Following the viral spread of the first letter, the vegan family escalated their approach with a second note, making it clear they were serious. Sarah expressed frustration over what she saw as social media mockery and implied consequences if their terms weren’t met.
Second Complaint Sparks Outrage
The second letter read, “I raised my concerns about 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. You knew this would affect me and my family. My friend Tina told me you posted my letter on social media, and it backfired on you, which is ‘just desserts’. Please no more BBQs and keep that window closed when cooking. Otherwise, I will report you and go to social media too.”
The social media reaction to this second note was far from supportive. Many comments slammed the vegan family for their perceived entitlement. One remarked, “Vegan people think they are entitled, always trying to push their way of life onto everyone.” Another 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 captured the general sentiment: “Get over yourself. It is not your house, not your right to tell someone what they can and can’t do. You don’t like the smell? Close your own bloody windows and doors.”
This altercation suggests that the vegan family might have overstepped, igniting a community backlash that emphasized personal freedom over neighborly accommodation. Let’s hope this skirmish wasn’t too hard to digest!