Why Vegan?
In order to understand the reasons for adopting a vegan lifestyle, one must understand the definition of the word vegan. Webster's defines a vegan as: a vegetarian who omits ALL animal products from the diet.
Wikipedia's definition of veganism is closer: a diet and lifestyle that seeks to exclude the use of animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose. However, this definition still falls short by failing to address the principles of freedom and equality that are the motivating force behind veganism. At its core, veganism is the assertion that all sentient species have equal inalienable rights to live free from oppression.
The vegan philosophy is diametrically opposed to speciesism, which is discrimination in favor of one species. Speciesism shares similar ties with racism (discrimination on the basis of race) and sexism (discrimination on the basis of gender). In all instances of discrimination, individuals are oppressed based on their group affiliation. Throughout the history of speciesism, racism, and sexism, discriminatory practices have delegated the subjugated group to the status of property.
The products of animal exploitation are taken from sensitive and intelligent beings, who deserve to live free from oppression. Veganism asserts that other-than-human animals SHOULD LIVE FREE from human exploitation, whether it is in the name of science or sport, exhibition or service, food or fashion.
We can begin to combat speciesism by adopting a vegan lifestyle. Veganism directly challenges speciesism by removing financial support from the dairy, egg, meat, poultry, leather, fur, vivisection and other animal exploitation industries. Living vegan by itself is not enough, but its the first step in tearing down the walls of speciesist thought and the only ethical choice.
Animal Liberation Now!
Learn More:
Challengeing Speciesism- Recognizing Descriminitory Actions (Speciesism, Racism, Sexism)
Chickens
There is NO justice! JUST US!
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