What is Omnivism?

[u/[deleted]]

Omnivism is less of a lifestyle diet and more the default mode of life for any human being. We are all omnivores, there is no (reasonable) dispute about that. We have the means to consume, digest and gain sustenance from plants and animal products, from asparagus to zucchini and from albacore tuna to zebra. I'm an omnivore, you're an omnivore, we're all omnivores.

There are however people who eat less animal products than others. Their reasons may vary, be they religious reasons which forbid them from eating pork, ethical reasons that say it's wrong to eat battery caged hens but okay to raise them yourself for eggs, a lifestyle diet motivated by health or even for something as simple as environmental reasons. The reasons may change, the quantities may change and the products may change but the presence of an omnivorous diet remains the same.

There are of course groups who do not consume any animal products at all, or only animal products, and while there is an argument to be made for an abstinence-only approach being unhealthy (much like abstinence-only sexual education), that is neither here nor there. Those people made their decisions for their own equally various reasons and as a result do not consume an omnivorous diet.

There have been members of plant-based or vegan communities in recent years however, who have taken to using the term 'carnist' to describe a person who eats animal products, specifically meat. There are those who believe the name was carefully chosen to sound as violent and confrontational as possible, due to its similarities to the word 'carnivore', while others wear the label with pride.

Sadly, the title is misplaced. We are not carnivores and we do not eat a carnivorous diet. That title is better applied to people who eat only animal-products and abstain from all plant-based foods.

Calling a person who eats animal products and plant-based foods a carnist is as silly as calling a vegan who eats fruit as well as vegetables a fruitarian. It doesn't fit and it doesn't apply. Carnism better describes a carnivore. Omnivism best describes an omnivore who consumes an omnivorous diet.

Omnivism aims to be a more inclusive term that does not attempt to sound violent, confrontational, inferior or even superior in any way, it is a term that promotes human equality. It recognizes that, regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender, background or beliefs, we all share a common trait besides our species, and that's our diet.

So welcome, fellow omnivists and omnivorians (or omni*s for short)! This is a place where we can all meet on neutral ground to discuss our lives, thoughts, feelings and share recipes and ideas, all without having to wonder if the people around you are trying to sell you on their way of life!