Veganism, Twitter, and the Politics That Shaped Me | Sara Ninh

For many teenagers, creating a Twitter (X) account and joining a fandom – whether for a K-pop band, TV show or Draco Malfoy – was an almost inevitable “canon event” during the COVID-19 lockdowns. For me, what began as an appreciation blog for the YouTube musicians TwoSetViolin gradually evolved into a gateway to alt-left radical veganism.

It is no surprise that curated content feeds are central to the addictive nature of social media platforms. As an 11-year-old with unrestricted internet access, I had already encountered veganism as an ideology through my deep dive into PETA’s (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) website and its affiliate, PETA Kids. I vividly remember playing one of PETA’s online games – a parody of Pokémon Black and White titled 'Black and Blue: Gotta Free ‘Em All.' (For the curious, it’s still out there on the internet.)

Naturally, alongside following others who shared my interest in TwoSetViolin, I also followed PETA on Twitter. This set off a chain reaction, leading me down a rabbit hole of increasingly radical content advocating for the abolition of "speciesism" and the total liberation of non-human animals. My feed soon became a mix of wholesome “Friends, not food” slogans and graphic, illegally obtained footage from abattoirs and animal testing facilities.

I resonated with this content deeply, driven by the strong sense of empathy I’ve always had and still carry with me. The images and videos evoked a profound emotional response that felt impossible to ignore. At that age, I was particularly vulnerable to the pull of such raw, unfiltered depictions of animal suffering. The idea of harm being inflicted on sentient beings was unbearable, and it fuelled a strong moral conviction within me.

The more I absorbed, the more becoming vegan seemed like the right thing to do. I felt empowered by the sense of purpose that came with being part of a larger movement, especially one that promised to right the wrongs of the world. This wasn’t just a diet change; it was a way of aligning myself with a cause that, to me, was about justice and compassion.

But this sense of purpose, however righteous it seemed at the time, came with its own complexities. As my online life increasingly revolved around radical messages, I found myself alienated from my own family, who did not understand it. I began to see the world in a binary way: those who supported the cause and those who were part of the problem. This dualism wasn’t just about food or ethics; it extended to everything.

Although I never fully embraced veganism, I did adopt a vegetarian lifestyle (that I still plan on keeping for the rest of my life), feeling it was a more manageable compromise. I found that eliminating all animal products didn't align with my daily life, especially in a Vietnamese family where food is deeply intertwined with culture and tradition. Being vegetarian felt like a more feasible way to reduce harm while still maintaining a connection to the foods that had been part of my upbringing.

However, even with this change, people online viewed vegetarianism it as a half-measure, and my family, who found it difficult to understand why I was rejecting certain traditional dishes. Vietnamese food – rich in flavours and centred around meat – was something that brought us together as a family, and my decision to cut out some of these foods created tension. My family saw my choice as a challenge to our shared cultural identity, and I felt torn between my newfound beliefs and my connection to the food and values of my heritage.

In many ways, I found the online vegan space to be disconnected from my Vietnamese identity. It was overwhelmingly Eurocentric, and the arguments for veganism often didn’t consider how food is integral to cultural practices and familial bonds. It made me question how to reconcile my personal beliefs with my cultural and familial ties.

My empathy for animals began to extend to a broader concern for human rights and social justice, which naturally drew me to left-leaning political ideologies. At the time, I believed that addressing systemic inequality, advocating for environmental action, and supporting marginalized groups were integral to creating a more compassionate world. My empathy, which had initially been directed toward animals, became a defining force in shaping my political beliefs and my desire for systemic change.

However, as I have gained more perspective, particularly as a 16-year-old, I’ve started to recognize the complexities and nuances inherent in political ideologies. What once seemed like clear-cut solutions now feels more ambiguous. I have shifted towards a more centrist outlook, realizing that while the pursuit of justice is essential, the means to achieve it often require compromise and pragmatism. My understanding of politics has evolved, as I have come to appreciate that progress is not always linear and that idealism must sometimes give way to practical, achievable goals.

One realization that has shaped my views is the understanding that a sustainable vegan lifestyle, though an admirable choice, is a privilege. The ability to consistently maintain a vegan diet is often dependent on socioeconomic factors such as income, location, and access to resources. For many, a sustainable vegan lifestyle is not a viable option due to economic constraints, cultural practices, or limited availability of plant-based alternatives. This awareness has shifted my perspective, helping me understand that compassion and empathy must extend beyond just the ethical treatment of animals to include considerations of accessibility, fairness, and the diverse circumstances that shape people’s lives.

Despite this shift in my political views, my underlying commitment to empathy remains steadfast. While I may no longer fully adhere to the more radical positions I once held, my sense of compassion continues to inform my perspective on both social and environmental issues. This ongoing journey of political maturation has taught me that empathy is not confined to a single ideology. It is about understanding the complexities of the world and striving for meaningful and thoughtful progress.