I have to say, I agree with Dixielou to a point. Actually, I see the point you are making as well, Jess. I believe your point has much more to do with Minimalism and living a simple, yet meaningful life than it does what type of food we eat. But, I think what turns off a lot of people to the very idea of veganism, is the political overtones that accompany it.

I hope I don't seem confrontational, because that isn't my intention. But I would like to make my point. I don't believe Capitalism is a cult. We are certainly influenced by advertising and what others around us are doing, but that doesn't make the system a cult.

While it is frustrating to me that so much of our enterprise system seems to be a monopoly(few companies owning everything), we as people choose to rely on these companies for their services. We aren't forced. I don't have to buy my vegetables at the grocery store in a can. I have the option of growing them in my backyard. I don't have to buy anything at Walmart or Target, I can choose to spend a little more money and support the individually owned businesses in my town. So while they have strong influence with their price-cutting, advertising ways, they don't own us. People tend to live like those around them live, and take the cheapest and/or easiest route in most situations. I believe that's how we got to the point of a few companies controlling most industries.

On the other side of the coin, the government is much more powerful than any corporation. They pretend they are regulating companies to protect you, when in reality they are seeking more and more control. Every few years they raise taxes, and your only option is to pay them. Just like what Obamacare is, in MY opinion. Again, that's just MY opinion.

I think all people are different. They choose a plant-based diet for different reasons. If those reasons are for better health, why would some one who is an animal rights activist turn up their nose at that like that's not a good enough reason.
When you read about veganism, it always has the animal rights issue tagging along. Believe it or not, that's a major turn-off for a lot of people. Not because they have no compassion for animals, but because they don't want someone telling them how they should feel about that or any other issue. Obviously, we all have different convictions. I respect those who are passionate about protecting animals, but that doesn't mean I have to have that same passion to choose to eat a healthier diet. Both diet and animal protection issues don't have to be, and shouldn't be one and the same.

Sorry for going off topic a bit.