Veganism is the most idiotic lifestyle choice you can possibly make. There are no solid bases for the philosophy of veganism. While its supporters claim that veganism is better for animals and the environment, this is demonstrably false, as I will demonstrate to you.
The Vegan Society defines veganism thusly:
“The word “veganism” denotes a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude — as far as is possible and practical — all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.”
In dietary terms there is no problem. Eat what you want. In terms of philosophy however, vegans just have it wrong. See, vegans attempt to grapple the issue of animal cruelty on a purely personal level. Simply put, they don’t wish to be morally responsible for cruelty to an animal. This is understandable, but I do not think vegans realise what changes would occur, were their philosophy to become shared by a majority of the species.
There are many situations in which killing an animal for its inherent resources is the moral high ground. Here’s one example: leather. According to veganism, we should not use animal products. According to veganism, it is better for the environment to use non-animal products. Well. I have a pair of Doc Marten boots and a leather jacket. I’ve had them for over five years. I still wear them and they are still in good nick. I defy vegans to name one synthetic or plant-based product that, when taking into consideration the chemicals required to produce it and the non-organic rubbish left when it disintegrates, produces less pollution and lasts longer than leather.
So there’s that. Then of course, we have to ask ourselves: “If everyone’s a vegetarian, what happens to the cows?” Do we let them loose? We sure as hell won’t do that in Australia, because they will cause terrible damage to our ecology. Put them in zoos? Find people to take them in as pets? Or do we just do what PETA does in the US, and kill all the animals we rescue, because we lack the resources to do anything else. “Perhaps there’d be more polar bears around if somebody wanted one for breakfast.”
Recently a philosopher suggested we genetically engineer the pain response out of animals used for meat. His idea was that this reduces, or does away with entirely, the moral culpability of humans. This raises some questions that I cannot possibly answer here, so I’ll just ask them.
Is pain meaningful without consciousness to reflect upon it?
Do animals have consciousness?
If not, is there any moral culpability?
If so, then how do you know that vegetables do not possess consciousness?
Do you hear the cries of the carrots?
Hunter/Gatherer societies had no moral confusion when dealing with the death of an animal. They knew the animal had given up its life to serve their own. They knew this and apologised, and thanked the animal for its sacrifice. This is necessary. Life feeds on life feeds on life feeds on life. Vegans are stupid.
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