A social media influencer named Nikki recently found herself at the center of a heated online debate after sharing a post that was intended to promote her vegetarian lifestyle. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Nikki shared an image of her traditional Indian thali — featuring rotis, a bowl of curry, and a serving of yogurt — along with a caption that read, "I'm proud to be a vegetarian. My plate is free from tears, cruelty and guilt." What she may have thought was a wholesome statement quickly turned into a firestorm of criticism.
The response from netizens was swift and unforgiving. Many users accused Nikki of being tone-deaf and unaware of the broader implications of her statement. Critics argued that her post romanticized vegetarianism in a way that dismissed the ethical complexities behind food production. One user strongly challenged her assumptions, writing, “Go read the entire process of how vegetables are grown to how they land on your plate. And stop romanticizing your so-called ethical choices. Chances are you're already deficient in B12, iron, and zinc. Do yourself a favor and start supplementing instead.”
Others pointed out the irony of including dairy in a supposedly "cruelty-free" meal. A second user wrote, “Well, if you must insist, then technically your plate is not as kind as you claim. All those milk products also cause tears and suffering — to both the calf and the cow or buffalo.” The comment brought attention to the controversial practices within the dairy industry, challenging Nikki’s assertion that her meal was free of harm.
Some responses took a more philosophical route, debating the deeper human instinct behind dietary choices. One particularly striking comment read, “The more I think about it, the more I feel that not eating meat is one step below being celibate. Extremely difficult and, unless you’re a monk or a seeker, not recommended for laypeople. The bloodlust is a form of lust — and it can only be grown out of, not suppressed. Suppressing it leads to all kinds of unintended consequences.”
While Nikki has not yet responded to the backlash, the incident has sparked broader conversations about ethical consumption, the privilege behind food choices, and the complexities of dietary morality. What began as a celebration of a personal lifestyle choice quickly evolved into a heated ethical debate, illustrating just how sensitive — and divisive — food politics can be in the digital age.
The response from netizens was swift and unforgiving. Many users accused Nikki of being tone-deaf and unaware of the broader implications of her statement. Critics argued that her post romanticized vegetarianism in a way that dismissed the ethical complexities behind food production. One user strongly challenged her assumptions, writing, “Go read the entire process of how vegetables are grown to how they land on your plate. And stop romanticizing your so-called ethical choices. Chances are you're already deficient in B12, iron, and zinc. Do yourself a favor and start supplementing instead.”
Others pointed out the irony of including dairy in a supposedly "cruelty-free" meal. A second user wrote, “Well, if you must insist, then technically your plate is not as kind as you claim. All those milk products also cause tears and suffering — to both the calf and the cow or buffalo.” The comment brought attention to the controversial practices within the dairy industry, challenging Nikki’s assertion that her meal was free of harm.
I'm proud to be a vegetarian. My plate is free from tears, cruelty and guilt. pic.twitter.com/iV7EYkvdFz
— N (@Nikkiiee_d) May 16, 2025
Some responses took a more philosophical route, debating the deeper human instinct behind dietary choices. One particularly striking comment read, “The more I think about it, the more I feel that not eating meat is one step below being celibate. Extremely difficult and, unless you’re a monk or a seeker, not recommended for laypeople. The bloodlust is a form of lust — and it can only be grown out of, not suppressed. Suppressing it leads to all kinds of unintended consequences.”
While Nikki has not yet responded to the backlash, the incident has sparked broader conversations about ethical consumption, the privilege behind food choices, and the complexities of dietary morality. What began as a celebration of a personal lifestyle choice quickly evolved into a heated ethical debate, illustrating just how sensitive — and divisive — food politics can be in the digital age.
You may also like
Waqf Amendment Act: AIMPLB to resume protests, starting from Telangana
7 Best Post-Workout Snacks To Have During Fitness Journey
Yamal's contract extension already agreed, signature pending: Barca president Laporta
Late Queen 'dismayed' by Prince Harry's actions right before and after marrying Meghan
CJI BR Gavai Expresses Displeasure Over Absence Of Top Maharashtra Officials At His First Public Event In State (VIDEO)
