I’ve seen veganism negatively stereotyped on TV many times. The latest hit was on the Tonight Show when Jimmy Fallon joked about feeling sorry for the spouses of vegetarians because they’d have to eat yam-burgers. It was about vegetarians, not vegans, but I think the public lumps us all together.
I couldn’t find Fallon’s statement online, but I did find this:
No wonder people assume that vegan food is crappy – that’s what the media is selling! Vegans know differently, but it’s hard to compete with Hollywood.
Or maybe we can…
Celeb plant-based chef known for The Great Food Truck Race and owner of Seabirds Kitchen, Stephanie Morgan, and I want to get on the Tonight Show and blow Fallon’s socks off with amazing vegan food.
Here’s a photo of the lovely Stephanie.
Celeb chef and owner of Seabirds Kitchen, Stephanie Morgan
But we need your help!
We need BUZZ to for this to fly. So let’s make some noise and get vegan on the Tonight Show. You can help by sharing this through your blog and on all of your social networking sites. With your help, maybe we really can get vegan on the tonight show.
Let’s show the world how great vegan food really is!
Honk If You're Vegan 
Good luck with that! I just don’t get why non-vegetarians think veggies are gross, just because you eat meat doesn’t mean you DON’T eat vegetables. It’s fashionable and easy to knock vegetarians/vegans.
I don’t get it either! A couple of weeks ago I went to a vegan Meetup group and we hung out by a big fire pit on the beach. A family, not part of our group, was there roasting marshmallows and we offered them some of our vegan goodies. The looks of disgust they got on their faces about the thought of eating vegan goodies was almost comical. Did they think our cookies were gonna taste like spinach or what? Anyway, thanks so much for your comment – I appreciate it!! Celeste 🙂
I think perhaps considering and accepting plant based food from a vegan feels like looking in the mirror and questioning one’s own values. I have a friend, a very good friend who will make vegan treats for me when I go over to her house for bridge, but at the same time has told me not to try to convert her because she loves to eat meat. And it is not like I talk about my veganism all the time, even though I would love to shout it from the rooftops, every day, every moment.
The other day, I brought up the topic of palm oil and what I am learning about the devastation it is causing. I said that palm oil is found in so many packaged products. That is why I had bought. Coconut coffee creamer this time instead of a soy creamer.
My friends face had simply turned to stone at the mention of any kind of change we could make for the sake of nonhuman animals and our planet, and by extension, us. She feels so threatened. Could it be that she is a caring person and knows deep down that what we do to nonhuman animals in the name of inherited traditions and pleasures, is , well, wrong?
Those who are even the slightest bit open to their true feelings will likely accept the cookie, the snacks and as they are chewing, use what they are eating as for food for thought. Our strength lies in our willingness to keep offering in a non judgemental way. Many thanks to everyone for continuing to do that!
Great comment Annie! I think there is a lot to what you shared. In addition, however; I think that people assume that if it’s vegan that it’s going to taste crappy. Asking if someone wants a ‘vegan’ cookie is kind of like asking if someone wants a ‘healthy’ cookie. I think people assume that if it’s vegan it’s going to taste like spinach or something. Even I assumed that vegan meant crappy before I became vegan. I’d really like to change this perception. Anywho, thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! Celeste 🙂
Hi Celeste, I agree. We often think we can’t live without the things to which we have learned to be accustomed. That is why I believe that information, education, understanding and inclusion is the way to go in challenging people to make the choice of freedom for nonhuman animals. It just makes is so hard to be patient when I know that the suffering of nonhuman animals is ongoing and immense. I want it to stop now-right now!
Take care. Anne
I hear you Annie!!! I find it hard to be patient too. But what else can we do?
Reblogged this on Coconut craze and commented:
Vegan or vegetarian diet is catching up faster and no one can deny it. Soon those who shut their eyes will open up and look at it realizing what they missed.
Thank you soooo much for the reblog – I really appreciate it!! Celeste 🙂
Good luck!!
Thanks Elaine!! We need lots and lots of luck to make this happen, so keep sending positive energy our way. Celeste 🙂
It’s coming….;)
Reblogged this on Wild Juggling and commented:
With the help of Stephanie and Celeste, they won’t be laughing at us vegans ever again.
Thanks soooo much Chris – I really appreciate your help with this!!!
Got you on my Twitter and Facebook. Hope it helps!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I really appreciate your support with this. The odds are against us, but who knows. Celeste 🙂
Reblogged this on Our Compass.
Yea Stacey!!! Thank you so much chica – I really appreciate the share. Celeste 🙂
Reblogged this on Vegan Lynx.
Thank you!!!!! I soooo appreciate that you shared this. You rock! I hope we can get enough buzz around this to really get on the Tonight Show. Celeste 🙂
I’ll keep my fingers crossed. 🙂
When I told people that I was going to cook an entirely vegan Thanksgiving dinner last year, they were shocked and wondered what I could POSSIBLY be cooking. I responded saying, “mashed potatoes, squash, gravy, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie…” People never realize how much of their favorite foods are actually vegan (or could easily be made vegan by subbing out the butter or beef broth). Glad you’re trying to get the word out about delicious foods that just happen to be vegan!
Hehe – been there!! I’ve hosted to successful vegan Thanksgiving meals. The first one had only 4 people, but I convinced a lot more people to come the second year. It is funny how people don’t even realize how much vegan food they eat on a regular basis. And yet, if you put the ‘vegan’ label in front of a food, a lot of people turn their noses up at it. Strange and sad. Thanks so much for your comment – I really appreciate it!! Celeste 🙂
I shared on facebook.
Thanks Ivonne – much appreciated!! How’s life been treating you in Palmdale these days chica?
Busy with various aspects of party biz—got booked to face paint at dodger stadium throughout the season–almost done with moving and arranging the home—–
It’s great to be busy when you work for yourself. I’m thinking about starting a psychotherapy practice again, but I’m worried about getting clients. Anyway, glad you’re almost done with moving. Paul and I are planning to put our house on the market in a few weeks. We’re not moving far, just to San Clemente. Take care chica!
OMG–San Clemente is nice–well I’m just going to have to take a plane to come see you then—-
Reblogged this on Home of the Compassionate Tummies and commented:
I fully support this mission and I believe we can make this happen. I love Jimmy Fallon, but these celebrity endorsed negative comments about the delicious food we eat needs to be squashed. He should know better so let’s spread the word and make him eat scrumptious veggies on air for all to see!
I don’t have a whole lot of followers on my FB page, but I shared it on there too. You go girls, let’s do this!
I wouldn’t care if you just had one facebook follower, I’d still appreciate the shout out. Every voice counts, so THANKS!
Thank you so much!!! And what a wonderful intro you added. I especially like the part where you say, “I believe we can make this happen.” I sure hope you’re right – that would be soooooo cool. Celeste 🙂
Absolutely, good luck!
And why did Jay Z and Beyonce go vegan for a while? Because they knew that they would look and feel great on it….:-) I hope you get to go on the show (even though as a Brit I don’t know who he is! )
Thanks soooo much for your support!! If we do get on The Tonight Show, I’ll find a way for you to watch. Celeste 🙂
Hi Celeste 😀 I reckon you’re hitting the wrong show. The audience would be tough with their locked in beliefs of what to eat. Whereas if you got on Sesame Street with a young audience. I mean who would want to eat Miss Piggy ? Just my opinion. Ralph xox ❤
What a great idea Ralph! Get ’em while they’re young, or at least until their parents send the vegan police on me. I seriously think you’re the one who should have your own show Ralphie – you’ve got the wit. And hey, maybe Mrs. Piggy can be your sidekick. Then maybe I can come on your show. What do ya think? Celeste 🙂
I like to support the vegan or vegetarian way and I mention often that my youngest daughter has chosen this lifestyle. I will include reasons and also examples of horrible situations for animals that are being raised to be part of people’s food, instead of having a life of their own. I agree, but hope it is okay, I don’t reblog anyone’s stories on my wordpress! You may come over to my site and add any comments to your heart’s content, though, Celeste! Smiles, Robin
Hey Robin! I so appreciate any support you can give us and the animals chica. I understand about not reblogging on your blog and I respect that. Doing your own writeup for this cause would mean the world to me. Just let me know when you post so I can make sure I don’t miss it. Smiles back at you! Celeste 🙂
Reblogged this on Mary J Melange and commented:
Help out Vegan chica Celeste by sharing this on your social networking sites or by reposting this blog. Let’s help her get on the Tonight Show!
Reblogged and tweeted, just for you chica!
http://maryjmelange.wordpress.com/2014/05/13/lets-get-vegan-on-the-tonight-show/
You’re such a sweetheart!!! Thank you sooooo much! Celeste 🙂
I was watching Top Chef Canada about a week or so ago and the chefs were put into teams of two and had to make a healthy and kid-friendly meal for school-aged children at a cafeteria. One of the teams made some Mac & Cheese and “hid” carrots in the cheese. They also used whole wheat pasta for the Mac. Aside from that, they made some veggies skewers with a ranch-style dipping sauce and another item which I can’t remember. They actually opted to NOT use any meat as they had a very limited budget. When time for judgement came, one of the judges criticized them and said “if you served my child that I and I saw there was no protein, I’d be pissed”. WHAT?! No protein!? Open your eyes!!! Just because there was no MEAT on the plate does NOT mean there is no protein! I was beyond offended at this judge! I really hope you get enough exposure to get on tv and promote a healthy meat-free way of life!
Thank you so much for sharing this. It really goes to show you how clueless people are about nutrition. I suppose I’m not one to talk because I was just as clueless before going vegan. Thankfully I’ve educated myself and am so much healthier now than I’ve ever been in my life. And not just healthier, I also love eating this way. Healthy food tastes great once you learn how to prepare it properly. Anyway, thank you so much for your support – I really appreciate it. I know it’s a long shot for us to get on the Tonight Show, but you never know unless you try. Celeste 🙂
The protein question is one of the first issues brought up when I tell people that I am vegan. That is the power of marketing over common sense and knowledge. I am happy to know now that humans need only five % of our daily calories from protein sources and that plants contain all the protein we need. The moment I was able to confirm this info for myself, I never gave getting adequate protein another thought.
Comedians are looking for a laugh and very few subjects are off limits. Making people see that laughing about and mocking the imprisonment, torture and murder of nonhuman animals for our own pleasure is so wrong, could go a long way to changing the tide.
Long shots have often paid off on very important social issues-maybe not the first time, but with repetition.
I applaud all of you for your dedication -willingness to keep trying to get the word out.
Anne
Hey ya, you go girl. You can count on me to my part. And can I just say a big WOW that you and the Seabirds girl are going together on this. I’m sure she could make some awesome food that would blow their socks off eh. I would looooovvvvveee to try her food. Going to reblog this and send it out on facebook and twitter.
🙂
Thank you so much staci! If you ever come to visit the first place we’ll go it to Seabirds Kitchen (it’s just 25 minutes from my house). Stephanie is one awesome vegan chef, in fact; Seabirds is my hubby’s favorite restaurant. So now you’re just gonna have to figure out when you’re gonna come out. 🙂
Oh ya! I would love to try Seabirds Kitchen. I think I told you once that I saw them on some food show. I immediately thought of you.
Hmmm, let me see when I can come… I’ll be there tomorrow, right in time for lunch. I just need to run out and get my plane ticket now. You’ll have to pick me up at the airport…
🙂
Reblogged this on A God Coloured Girl in a Grey World and commented:
Hey all, I’m reblogging this for my awesome vegan blogger friend Celeste. She and Stephanie Morgan, the owner of “Seabirds Kitchen” are trying to get on the Tonight Show to let the world know just how great vegan food really is. Check it out…
I hope you and Stephanie Morgan get your shot on The Tonight Show. I would only caution that the focus of the show is entertainment (mostly via comedy) rather than enlightenment through education. Thus, you run the risk of becoming the butt of jokes that could backfire on the cause, even if inadvertently. If Jimmy Fallon were truly won over by vegan items, it would be a huge media boost for the vegan movement.
I think it is true that the majority of Americans are woefully ignorant when it comes to nutrition. Even nutritionists are often poorly informed in their own field because of how nutrition is taught. However, time is on your side. While only 2% of Americans identified themselves as vegans (Gallup 2012), that is over 7 million people. Meat substitute products doubled in sales between from 1998-2003 ($1.6 billion).
There are currently over 5,600 restaurants in the U.S. serving 100% exclusively vegetarian or vegan menu items, and that number is constantly growing. California, always the trendsetter, leads the states with over 20% of these restaurants.
I can hardly wait to pick your brain and learn as much as I can about vegan food preparation so that I can not only live healthier, but I can also spread the word through my blog. As much as I have enjoyed meat and dairy products, I seldom eat them nowadays. You see how much you have influenced me? Keep up the good work! 🙂 – Mike
You’ve been doing your homework Mike! It’s wonderful to hear that vegan restaurants are on the rise. I’ve never researched the number of vegan restaurants in the US, but in the two and a half years that Paul and I have lived in Laguna Beach the number of vegan restaurants in Southern Orange County has almost doubled. What’s more, they all seem to be making it.
Americans really are ignorant when it comes to nutrition. I know I was clueless before going vegan. With obesity and diabetes rates skyrocketing, I hope that more people look to nutrition instead of fad diets and pills for answers. Unfortunately, however; I know that you are correct in saying that even many nutritionists are not giving the best nutritional advice.
And yea, getting on the Tonight Show might backfire for the movement, but since we probably won’t get on anyway I’m not going to worry about it.
See you soon! Celeste 🙂
Happily shared! 🙂
Thank you so, so much Marina – I really appreciate it!! Celeste 🙂
Hi Celeste, I shared your post on Twitter and Facebook and will mention it on my blog. Many thanks for all that you do for nonhuman animals!
Anne
Thank you, thank you, thank you Annie!! I appreciate your sharing this as well as all you do for animals chica. You rock! Celeste 🙂
Hi Celeste, why thank you and back at you! Anne
Loved this post!!!! 🙂 My husband and I eat better tasting and a bigger variety of food that we ever did as vegetarians, and when we give people things like homemade seitan nuggets and sunflower mac and cheese every person is like, “but this tastes good.” Of course it tastes good! Everyone seems to expect me just to eat hummus and salads and to become sickly. I have heard, “Oh you’re a vegan? I’m sorry,” more than once. I haven’t changed as a person, save for the fact that I eat better and may live longer, and now I actually line up with what I wanted to do anyway in not hurting animals. The stereotypes are ridiculous, though, and for my husband, who lifts weights and is pretty big, it’s worse because he gets cracks at the motorcycle shop he works at and he gets cracks at the gym. He takes them in good humor and I do too as I don’t want to walk around pissed all of the time, but really… it’s pretty insulting when I stop to look at it.
I really appreciate your thoughtful comment! The stereotypes really are ridiculous, but I bought into them before going vegan too. When my husband and I first learned about a plant-based diet, we thought it meant a life of denial. It was at first because I was clueless of how to cook that way, but it’s so not anymore! We feel the same way that you and your hubby do, that we eat better tasting and a bigger variety of food now than we did as omnivores. I just want the world to know this, but it’s really hard to convince people that this is true. Oh well, I’ll just keep at it. Have a lovely day! Celeste 🙂
Best of luck, Celeste!! I feel the same way about Anthony Bourdain who seems to bash vegans at every turn. Meanwhile, he’s eating brains and offal… I find it very difficult to believe that both Fallon and Bourdain can’t find delicious vegan food in either New York or L.A. I mean, c’mon, guys! Even OKC has a fantastic vegan restaurant!
Hey Annie! I suppose these guys have just bought into the stereotypes that vegan food is blah, blah, blah. They don’t even want to go there. That’s why someone needs to bring them there and force them to try delicious vegan food. I don’t know that I’ll get my chance to feed Fallon, but who knows. Anywho, thanks for all your support chica. I appreciate it! Celeste 🙂
By the way Annie, I’ve been having trouble leaving comments on your blog lately. They just don’t seem to be going through. It’s probably on my end, but I just thought I’d mention it in case it’s on your end.
Hmmm, that’s annoying! I did do an update recently, but haven’t heard from anyone else that they’ve had issues. Thanks for the heads up!
Reblogged this on ONE HOT VEGGIE and commented:
This is a wonderful idea!! It’s all about education and demystifying veganism and vegetarianism.
Thank you sooooo much for sharing this – I really appreciate it!! Celeste 🙂
Good luck! Might I suggest reaching out to some other famous vegan celebrities? I actually think vegan cooking is getting more positive feedback now than ever before. I remember being a vegetarian in the late 90s and never even seeing a veggie burger on a menu, you also couldn’t buy tofu or soy milk in regular grocery stores, now they’re everywhere! Natalie Portman, Ellen DeGeneres, Alicia Silverstone, Usher, Joaquin Phoenix, Woody Harrelson, Russel Brand, the list goes on of big name celebs who are speaking out in favor of a vegan lifestyle, so don’t despair and good luck!
I think you are right that veganism is getting more positive feedback these days. It’s certainly not mainstream, and the negative stereotypes are still there, but things are improving. As you say, there are a lot of vegan celebs out there. I actually read that Alicia Silverstone cooked vegan food for Jimmy Fallon on his previous show. I tried to find the clip so I could watch it, but I couldn’t find it. I don’t have a clue as to how to contact a celeb, but it’s a great idea and I’ll look into it. Thanks so much for your support! Celeste 🙂
Such a great initiative! Will share!!
Oh thanks Poppy – I really appreciate it!! 🙂
May I just start by saying that I have the utmost respect for vegans and vegetarians. I’m really interested in health and nutrition. From what I’ve found, vegan is the way to go, along with physical fitness, to keep optimal health. I’m not there yet. I’m not even 100% vegetarian, yet, but I really hope to get there some day. One of my biggest hurdles, though, is all my friends and family who can’t understand how a meal can exist without meat. People think it’s somehow missing something. Some of my favorite meals are vegetarian and vegan. I wish more vegetarian and vegan chefs would do spots on T.V. I could really use some more great recipes.
I wish more veg chefs would do spots on T.V. too!!! Maybe someday. Thanks so much for your comment. 🙂
Hi Celeste, I just reblogged your post on http://vegangrammieannie.blogspot.ca/2014/05/celeste-my-vegan-blogging-friend.html#more
What a great way to spread to word about veganism! Keep up the good work and best of luck!
Thanks sooooo much for your support! 🙂
That’s such a silly comment, with all the high profile vegans out there you would think they would have more of a clue. Fellow talk show host Ellen comes to mind immediately! Good luck with this, I think it’s a great idea. I know people say Ewwww to vegan food but when they have the good stuff, they gobble it up and ask for more!
Reblogged this on VIOLET'S EVERYDAY ADVENTURE and commented:
Help out Vegan enthusiast & foodie Celeste by sharing this on your social networking sites or by reposting this blog. Let’s help her get on the Tonight Show!! 🙂 Thank you!
This is so awesome Celeste! I just reposted it on my blog: http://violetseverydayadventure.wordpress.com/2014/05/18/lets-get-vegan-on-the-tonight-show/
Best of luck!!!!! 🙂
Just tweeted. Good luck, and you never know! 🙂
I always like to remind people who say that they would NEVER eat vegan food that they ate vegan the last time they munched on an apple, or had a banana, or a P&J sandwich, or beans, or pasta, etc., and they’re always surprised. Because their focus is on what they can’t eat, they don’t realize all the vegan foods they’re already eating! And maybe it would work better if we offered food to non-vegans and THEN let them know it was vegan. 😉
Thanks soooo much for sharing – I appreciate it!! Lovely comment too and I totally agree that it’s better to offer non-vegans food and then let them know it was vegan. It’s hard for me to do that with friends and family, however; since they already know it will be vegan. Have a lovely week! Celeste 🙂
Amazing idea!!! Twitting it 😉
Thanks for sharing – I really appreciate it!!
There are a lot of famous people who do eat carefully and usually they are quiet about it. But if they share it, they make it sound so fascinating and I admire this quality. There are many I could list, but the silly thing is, that the ones who are kidding about this, like Jimmy Fallon, probably feel all subjects are ‘fair game.’ Not funny, Jimmy!
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Reblogged this on veggiewitch and commented:
I really hope you achieve this! #vegan4life