Brenda: What is your name? Vegetarian or Vegan?
Hi there, my name's Marc. I'm a vegetarian with vegan aspirations. I say
this because I've noticed nowadays that people go vegetarian with no
intention of going vegan. It's too hard; they love cheese. Basically
similar comments given by those who aren't vegetarian. I have the desire
and ethical beliefs towards a vegan future.
When did you decide to become vegetarian/vegan? Who or how or what
motivated you? Why?
I had many interactions with it in the underground scene. Then good
friends of mine went vegan. I did it because of animal rights, not health.
I still eat pretty [bad] for a vegetarian, but what concerned me was the
unnecessary taking of non-human animal life.
What were some difficulties you faced when you were becoming veg?
The biases and insecurities of family members and general mainstream
society. Of course being an American, fast food was the main source of
food, and there isn't much out there for us other than greasy potato
products. But that was because I didn't know where to look. I've found
many places since, and most places have become rather conscious of the
vegetarian culture.
Do you have any advice for young vegs today?
Take the vegetarian/vegan diet seriously. If you stop eating meat and
simply try to sustain your body with french fries, it won't work, and
your body will suffer. Then you might get the impression that
vegetarianism doesn't work or is unhealthy. Educate yourself and do it
right so that you can sustain your diet 'til the end of your days and show
others it can be done.
How do your friends and family feel about you being veg? Do they support
you? Have you experienced any conflict with your family, friends, and/or
the general public about your choice to live a cruelty-free lifestyle? If
so, how do you deal with the criticism? How do you handle social
activities with non-vegs? Have you received any criticism for being veg?
Well, I was the first vegetarian in my family, and since then both of my
brothers have gone vegetarian, and my mom and dad both have heavily cut down
on their meat consumption. Of course there are incidents with others and
criticisms that do come up. But you learn to deal with it. Anyone who's
vegetarian or vegan knows what I mean.
Do you feel society has become more aware of and accepting of vegetarians,
vegans and animal rights activists over the years? If so, how? How would
you like to see it progress from where it stands now? Do you think the
music scene supports it?
I definitely think society is more aware of vegetarianism..it's no longer
so alien or considered freakish/cultish. The fact that Jack in the
Box has adverts with Carnivores vs. Vegans is incredible. Everyone knows
what a vegan is. They must be frightened to try to slam us. I'd like to
see more tofu and soy products introduced into restaruants. That would be
awesome. The underground is very open and accepting of vegetarianism. If a
kid offers to make you food on the road (this just happened today) they
first ask how many vegetarian/vegans...it's a given to them that there's
at least one in every band. That's incredible.
What are your normal eating habits? How does it differ when you are on the
road? Is it difficult to eat on tour?
Not matter what your diet, eating on tour is completely different. I
make a lot of my own food, a lot of rice with tofu and boca burgers. On
the road, I'm reduced to chips and fries. Of course the first thing I ask
when I get to a venue is if there are any good veg places around. And I've
found a load of great veg places all over the USA. Its awesome. There are
some incredible places to feast for vegs all over. The best so far was in
(believe it or not) Fort Worth, TX. My mouth is watering just thinking
about their food.
Is Modesto veg friendly?
Eh, a veg can survive. Though we aren't spoiled. The Bay Area has all the
good food, and Santa Cruz can't be beat.
How do you get by in life making sure even the little things are
cruelty-free? Are there specific cruelty-free companies you prefer?
Tom's of Maine is a solid line. I'm really hoping for some kind of universal
cruelty-free symbol that products have to put on their products if they
are. I'm sick of not knowing when you look at a product. I know that at
times, the little things aren't paid attention to. You do what you can.
Do you guys have any companion animals?
My family has a miniture schnauzer named Sophie. She's a hyper little
princess that's spoiled rotten. haha.
How has being veg affected your life - physically, socially, mentally, and
emotionally?
I love it and will never go back and hope to one day take that step into
veganism. I feel much better about myself and the way I relate to my
environment.
What are some of your favorite veg foods? Veg restaurants/stores?
I love tofu items. Veg Thai is the best...hands down. Asian Rose and
Saturn Cafe in Santa Cruz, CA, and Satay House in Berkeley, CA are great
places to eat.
Are any of the other members in Thought Riot vegan or vegetarian?
Both Kelley and Mike are vegetarians.
Have any of your fans become veg because of you?
Some have said things to that effect. And it's great to hear. My worry is
that they don't do it right and then feel justified in saying that
vegetarianism doesn't work.
Have you ever talked to your fans about veg?
Yes, not very often on stage... because two members are not and when I'm on
stage, I am speaking for the band. However, I try to promote it in one
on one conversations and have an open invitation to any animal rights/veg
groups to table at shows.
What motivated you to write "Not Our Property" (which, by the way, is my
fave song!)?
The In Defense of Animals (IDA) campaign of the same name. It's a tactic
of looking at language, seeing how it reinforces our beliefs and the way
we view the world. Having studied the Philosophy of Language, I believe
the campaign has a lot of potential and merit. It sickens me to see such
disregard of non-human animal pain that one can see on the TV show Animal
Precinct on Animal Planet. It's horrid and twists my stomach. You don't
have to be a veg to know that is cruelty to no end.
Any last words?
Thank you for this interview and for working for those who can't speak
for themselves.
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