ADVERTISEMENT

Gatekeeping is the activity during which someone takes it upon themselves to decide who does or does not have access or rights to an identity and its goods.

Like the time when a guy said watching Star Wars movies and liking them does not make you a Star Wars fan.

But instead of telling you about this phenomenon, we decided to show you more examples of it.

After doing a bit of research, we landed on a subreddit of the same name (r/gatekeeping) and quickly realized that probably all communities have their "guardians."

This time, however, we'll focus on vegans. Not because we have something against them or anything. It's just that their gatekeepers are as funny as they are popular on Reddit.

#1

Because Heaven Forbid Non-Vegans Eat Vegan Foods

Because Heaven Forbid Non-Vegans Eat Vegan Foods

ajd011394 Report

Add photo comments
POST
saragregory0508 avatar
NsG
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"with all due respect, since you are showing me none..."

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#2

Apparently I'm Not A Vegan, Even Though I Don't Buy Animal Products. There Are Toxic People In Every Community

Apparently I'm Not A Vegan, Even Though I Don't Buy Animal Products. There Are Toxic People In Every Community

khaoskxnd Report

Add photo comments
POST
keith-johnson avatar
KJ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope orange doesn't drink water, it's essentially stealing fish habitat, lets see how long they last until they are craving it.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

But even if we disregard, let's call them, extreme vegans such as the ones we see in the pictures, many people are still wary of this community. To understand them a little better, let's look at the situation from their perspective.

"The caution around our dietary requirements is arguably warranted," Dejan Jotanovic wrote in The Guardian. "Many assert that veganism just isn’t an option to a large chunk of the population. The labour and cost of sifting through nutritional requirements, alongside inflated pricing for plant-based meat alternatives, is often too great."

Jotanovic also raised the issue of food accessibility. "Many live in areas – popularly termed 'food deserts' – where access to fresh produce or even supermarkets is difficult. Meat, dairy and other animal products are also staples to a variety of cultural and religious groups. In Australia, for example, our overtly masculine and sunburnt culture has a real appetite for red meat, namely beef, as per the annual promotional campaigns. The intersections of class, race, culture and veganism makes for a recipe that’s pretty damn hard to swallow."

#3

Gatekeeping Being Vegan

Gatekeeping Being Vegan

wood_jablomi69 Report

Add photo comments
POST
nathaniel avatar
Nathaniel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You also need to stop using the letters a e, m and t because they can be used to spell meat.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#4

Eat Dairy? You're A Misogynist

Eat Dairy? You're A Misogynist

Fxlyre Report

Add photo comments
POST
makaylargardner avatar
Black Pearl
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Me: *Looks at this while drinking milk and eating scrambled eggs* Also me: Guess I'm not really a feminist

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

However, Jotanovic argues that most people find vegans annoying because "it's one of the only social justice causes whose point of entry is entirely negotiated by real, quantifiable, fundamental behavior change."

"Everyone thinks of themselves as a good person. But it's much easier to slap 'Feminist as F**k' on your T-shirt and #BlackLivesMatter in your Twitter bio than it is to actively support animal welfare and the climate through an upheaval of your current lifestyle."

#6

Vegan Gatekeeping

Vegan Gatekeeping

SirBallBag Report

#7

Apparently You Have To Be A Vegan To Post About An Animal Rescue

Apparently You Have To Be A Vegan To Post About An Animal Rescue

Pappy_Smith Report

Add photo comments
POST
vanburensupernova44 avatar
Buren
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I enjoy bacon and seafood, but I fed more strays and rescued more animals than you, broccoli and lettuce murderers

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#8

Hypocrites vs. Real Vegans

Hypocrites vs. Real Vegans

hoopsilly Report

Add photo comments
POST
carolyngerbrands avatar
Caro Caro
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wrong. You're a hypocrite for being vegan and wanting people to know you don't want to hurt living creatures but don't mind hurting humans by not getting vaccinated. Idiot.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Vegan Gatekeeping

Vegan Gatekeeping

J_S_M_K Report

Add photo comments
POST
nathaniel avatar
Nathaniel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder how many vegans are volunteering to replace blind peoples guide dogs?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

However, Jotanovic understands that vegans are constantly splashing around in their own hypocrisy too.

"What we need to do instead is look internally and reconsider what it means to care," he said. "I can, for example, say that I care about labour exploitation around the world, but it's obviously not bountiful enough considering my current purchasing habits. Saying that we care for absolutely everything – because we want to be deemed as fundamentally good – just isn’t sustainable or done with any real integrity."

ADVERTISEMENT
#10

Ok So Called Vegan

Ok So Called Vegan

limeyptwo Report

Add photo comments
POST
rspanther avatar
rspanther
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Trying to impose a vegan diet on a non vegan animal is just straight up cruel.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#11

Faker Than The Fake Tofu Meat They Make

Faker Than The Fake Tofu Meat They Make

thatspicyb0i Report

#12

Non Vegans Cant Make Salads

Non Vegans Cant Make Salads

theRealOminogi Report

Add photo comments
POST
antonkider avatar
Anton Kider
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not quite true. I make beautifully coloured salads with many taste matching ingredients.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#13

Only Vegans Are Allowed To Care About The Environment

Only Vegans Are Allowed To Care About The Environment

Markonikoff Report

Add photo comments
POST
kenneyjohnsson avatar
TyrantrumGogoat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But methane coming from cow farts is causing global warming. So isn't eating the cows so there'd be less a good thing?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Regardless of their diet, most people recognize that factory farming is a moral problem. Nearly 70% of Americans have "some discomfort with the way animals are used in the food industry."

Things is, many simply believe that going vegetarian or vegan is too demanding — and too annoying — to be sustainable.

#14

My Sister Is Eating My Vegan Ice Cream... But She's Not Vegan?

My Sister Is Eating My Vegan Ice Cream... But She's Not Vegan?

fieryblowhog Report

Add photo comments
POST
nathaniel avatar
Nathaniel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But.... the more people eat vegan ice cream, the more gets produced. And production costs drop.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

Gatekeeping Being Vegan

Gatekeeping Being Vegan

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
saragregory0508 avatar
NsG
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is that because of the lesser known salt wasp that's involved in the processing of table salt? I facepalmed so hard at this one I think I punched last week. I'm done.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#16

These People Give Vegans A Bad Rep

These People Give Vegans A Bad Rep

spoondadude Report

Add photo comments
POST
master_minds9_1 avatar
DennyS (denzoren)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I share my chicken dinner with my cat...so you're saying I don't love my cat? Are you ready to defend that because Mr. Fuzzyboots would disagree.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#17

Vegan Gatekeeping

Vegan Gatekeeping

trinitymonkey Report

Add photo comments
POST
bloodywilliamsgirlfriend avatar
Nunya Bus
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Its like it's never good enough. And there's a difference between veganism for ethical reasons and veganism for health reasons. What I personally see on the right is a health nut using "veganism" as righteous fury. The left side tells me that they'll eat whatever is available to keep themselves from eating animals.

beth_landers avatar
Beth L
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This isn't an example of the Vegan Police; it is a "clean eating" fanatic...

Load More Replies...
livlisbon84 avatar
Olivia Lisbon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What is that white stuff? Rice? How do you pronounce that? Is it only available at mystical shops that only truly good people can see?

aileengrist avatar
Aileen Grist
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is a big differnce between whole food plant based and vegan. Just because a food is labelled vegan doesn't mean it's healthy. I eat meat alternatives because I used to love meat - I didn't stop eating it because I don't like it, but for the animals, the planet - and lastly my health. My hubby is a vegan and doesn't eat vegetables unless they're curried.

shopgirl012974 avatar
Alicia M
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see the items on the left as being convenient. If you have the time and skill to make everything from scratch, good for you.

moiyahackett avatar
Moiya Hackett
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

IF YOU DONT WANNA EAT MEAT THEN WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO MAKE A SUBSTITUTE FOR SAUSAGES ANYWAY

monicahoughton avatar
Monica Houghton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought this one was just anti-vegan, lol. I eat like thw pic on the right, but with fish/meat. And most of my vegetarian friends hate vegetables and eat like the pic on the left.

sueuser avatar
Sue User
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I sorta understand what they mean. I wanted to try dome plant based foods. Every single one of them came in loads of plastic packaging and seemed highly processed. Now just add some noce meat in butchers paper.

sos-des-sureault avatar
Sophie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it quite common.... vegan being proud to not eat animal related product and looking down on people that does but then you see what they eat and it's like the picture on the left and you look at the ingredients and it's not healtier... it's way worst when you see the amount of crap they put in it... .at least I know a vegan like this...

matthewmikell avatar
Yoinks!
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Oh, I'm not *just* holier-than-thou. I'm holier-than-God-Himself!!"

gantas avatar
Ganta S
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you ever see any vegan products with 'organic' on the label, don't treat it seriously, it's this or that, not both at the same time. Organic products can't be made using plants/vegetables etc which were fertilised with artificial stuff, while vegans can't really eat anything fertilised with animal based products, like slurry.

kieleahar_1 avatar
KieLeaHar
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m beginning to notice there’s such a MASSIVE superiority complex with vegans and most of them have no brain cells lol…. 🤔

mayrenechester avatar
Mayrene Chester
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seriously what's with the holier than thou attitude that some vegans have? It's diet-ism, being discriminated for your diet.

erinwitzke avatar
Erin Witzke
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am totally a “vegan” then. I actually can’t stand most veggies. The many options now available for vegans is awesome and always getting better. Also making it easier for those who don’t want to forgo comfort foods and maintain ethics for animals.

mpandgp79 avatar
MalP
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I much prefer the less processed food on the right.

emanuelsudiman avatar
Emanuel Theodorus Sudiman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't understand the need to compete against other vegans just so you can feel superior towards others. It's food. Get over it.

ryandeschanel avatar
Ryan Deschanel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All I see is "I am great, I am better than you losers!"

kailitva avatar
Kai David
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Photo on left, overly proceßed food made to look, feel, and taste like meat. Isn't the point of being vegan is to eat pure organice non proceßed food like the photo on the right? If you're eating fake meat, are you truly a vegan? 🤣🤔

elizabethacree avatar
Liz
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One side of this is a heck of a lot more expensive than the other side

leighc_ avatar
MyOpinionHasBeenServed
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Buying meat substitutes is expensive and not really a match for a healthy replacement.

jem3 avatar
Lingon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, this is my experience too with today's vegans. Highly processed vegan food. Loads of palm oil.

xolitaire avatar
xolitaire
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If this "me" person only eats the stuff in the right image, they probably spend all their time sitting on a toilet...

marakitsch0 avatar
Candia Lee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Healthy food makes for a healthy gut that evacuates regularly and rarely causes constipation or diarrhea.

Load More Replies...
kayrose avatar
RoseTheMad
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah yes, because everyone can afford your b******t organic farmers market haul, Karen

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda

Subconsciously, people don't hate vegans. In a 2017 study, for instance, researchers tracked the meal purchases of over 300 people at a Stanford University cafe who were asked to fill out a survey while waiting in line.

Some patrons were told that a fixed minority of Americans reduce their meat consumption. Others were told that these people represent an increasing trend in those avoiding meat. Patrons in the second group were almost twice as likely to order vegetarian meals when they reached the cashier.

#18

Only Vegans Have Sweet Smelling Private Parts!

Only Vegans Have Sweet Smelling Private Parts!

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
nathaniel avatar
Nathaniel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Non vegans are also blonde apparently. Just following the logic of this picture.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

You Can't Care Unless You Are Vegan

You Can't Care Unless You Are Vegan

MasterFriendly Report

Add photo comments
POST
de-pieter-baan avatar
User# 6
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so sick and tired of ill informed people calling forests 'the lungs of the planet' They're exactly the sodding opposite of lungs. Lungs absorb oxygen and exhale CO2, you nitwits.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#20

Ohhhhhh Peta

Ohhhhhh Peta

meh-_-21 Report

Add photo comments
POST
makaylargardner avatar
Black Pearl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why can't we apparently eat eggs? Is it because we have eggs inside us? People do realize we aren't eating our own eggs, right?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

If You’re Vegan For Reasons Other Than The Animals I Have News For You... You’re Not Vegan Sorry Bud

If You’re Vegan For Reasons Other Than The Animals I Have News For You... You’re Not Vegan Sorry Bud

_-Andrey-_ Report

Add photo comments
POST
kenneyjohnsson avatar
TyrantrumGogoat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Again! People have there own reasons for being vegan, why does it hurt you if they are vegans for health reasons? They are still helping!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Durably reducing your own consumption of animal products offers “social proof” of its viability. It demonstrates to those around you that a plant-based diet is consistent with being healthy and enjoying the food on your plate.

#22

Til Vegans Have Their Own Language And "Namaste" Is A Part Of It

Til Vegans Have Their Own Language And "Namaste" Is A Part Of It

Bake-Man Report

#23

More Vegan Gatekeeping

More Vegan Gatekeeping

dannyburke03 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#24

Apparently You Can’t Be Vegan If You Believe Domestic Abuse Exists

Apparently You Can’t Be Vegan If You Believe Domestic Abuse Exists

reddit.com Report

#25

You Can't Help The Environment If You Aren't Vegan Silly!

You Can't Help The Environment If You Aren't Vegan Silly!

RunForRuin Report

Add photo comments
POST
nathaniel avatar
Nathaniel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You cannot be Vegan if you are a Jedi as Jedi exploit those poor Midi-chlorians.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

But social influence can quickly stagnate if people start behaving just like we see in these pictures. Moral superiority not only turns us off, but it also makes us defensive.

Studies have shown that negative attitudes toward vegetarians, for example, stem from anticipated moral reproach. In other words, we care so deeply about seeing ourselves as morally just that a mere whiff of virtue signaling or grandstanding puts our guard up.

#27

Peta Gatekeeps How Vegans Should Play Animal Crossing

Peta Gatekeeps How Vegans Should Play Animal Crossing

iridescentsilence Report

Add photo comments
POST
rspanther avatar
rspanther
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey peta is it ethical to kill all the animals that arrive at your shelters?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#28

You’re Not Vegan Until You’ve Done It 7 Years

You’re Not Vegan Until You’ve Done It 7 Years

jmaverick1 Report

Add photo comments
POST
keith-johnson avatar
KJ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I assume the original poster just reached their 7th year of being vegan.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#29

Only Vegans Or Vegetarians Can Feel Bad When An Animal Dies In A Movie

Only Vegans Or Vegetarians Can Feel Bad When An Animal Dies In A Movie

fixthemods Report

#30

Only Vegans Know The Secret Uses Of Ripe Bananas

Only Vegans Know The Secret Uses Of Ripe Bananas

badgia Report

Add photo comments
POST
dremosley avatar
Dre Mosley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, because no non vegan has ever thought to make banana bread with overly ripe bananas. 🙄

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Note: this post originally had 58 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda