Going Vego

Going Vego

The majority of people who work towards animal rights do not eat meat. The reason for this should be clear. It is an action that both reflects and supports an ideology. The belief that ALL animals should be free from suffering and able to live out their natural lives. That animals such as chickens and pigs have equal consideration to that of dogs and cats. Why the distinction? It's because humans have categorized animals in relation to the use they have for them. Companion animals such as dogs and cats are not seen as being ‘meat’. Although some Asian countries do consider such animals as a meat source, the western view is that they are seen as a furry ‘member of the family’. That the idea of eating their family dog is totally unacceptable. Yet, the same people have no problem in eating a steak. That steak was part of a living, breathing and thinking creature that would have felt pain, fear, discomfort and loss. Don't be surprised that the many people who eat meat do not even make the connection that the flesh on their plate came from a once living animal. How is it that people think of farm animals as things that are meant to be eaten?

There are many reasons for this view ranging from speciesim and religion to diet. In this section we’ll be examining the misdirected viewpoint that meat is a necessary part of our diet in this modern world.

We are taught from a young age of what should be included in our diet, never asking why. And it is this misdirection that continues into adulthood.

When I speak to people about being a vegan the majority are initially surprised with the all too common, “What do you eat?” as if meat is the only thing that humans eat. The second ridiculous comment is, “Oh, but I’m a meat eater”. Well, sorry to surprise you, but we are not exclusively carnivores. The reason for this misdirection is that meat has become the a main part of meals with people eating less vegetables, pasta and grains. Why? One reason is the saturation of fast food market that reflect today’s fast paced lifestyle. Another is the gullability of people believing in multi-million dollar advertising campaigns promoting meat consumption, as well as a limited knowledge based on what they learnt in Senior Biology- that we are omnivores and therefore have to eat meat.