I have a question for the true vegans.

[peacebuzzard]

And pardon my ignorance, as I am in a slow process of the vegan learning curve.

But, do "all" true vegans also worry about other species of animals and their rights as living creatures, or is it possible that a vegan adopts the eating habits because of their disgust of eating animals, or animal byproducts w/o much of a concern for the animals welfare?

Just wondering what this board thought as a group. I guess I could google the subject and find other answers, but I was just wondering why this board was christianed it's title as a group. More than likely, the two groups are primarily synergistic, but to rephrase, can someone be a vegan w/o a concern or much compassion about animals rights?

[shockra]

1. I'm hardly the expert here.

But, no. The concern for living without cruelty is the central issue.

Last month I found a great book called Being Vegan at the used bookstore by Joanne Stepaniak, who writes an advice column for Vegetarian Voice. Here is the explanation of being Vegan on her site:

http://www.vegsource.com/jo/vegan.htm

I liked the way she answered the question in her Q & A book better, so here's some of that:

Veganism is more than what a person does or doesn't *eat* -- it comprises who a person *is*.

Until one's commitment extends beyond the scope of food, the word vegan does not apply, regardless of how the media or certain individuals or groups wish to employ it. Unlike vegetarianism, being vegan does not entail simply what a person does or doesn't *eat* -- it comprises who a person *is*.

People who are vegan attempt to imbue every aspect of their lives with an ethic of compassion. This influences their day-to-day choices and colors their political perspectives, social attitudes, and personal relationships. This is not to say that all vegans think alike, act the same, or view the world and their place in it identically. Nevertheless, vegans do subscribe to a shared tenet that builds a collective awareness. It is this coalescence of consciousness that creates a bond among vegans and has the power to transcend cursory distinctions. In the final analysis, despite our diversity, there is only one time of vegan -- a person who is committed to and practices reverence and respect for all life.

[livinginphotographs]

7. Very well said.

:)

[Elad]

2. Veganism is more than a diet

...it's a lifestyle. To call yourself vegan you have to be concerned with more than just food. Vegans don't wear leather, wool, buy products tested on animals, etc, because the concern for vegans is the suffering of animals.

People who simply don't like animal foods and therefore avoid all animal foods, but don't extend that to other parts of their lifestyle, are considered "strict vegetarians."

Vegetarianism is a diet which people choose for many reasons (sometimes compassion for animals, sometimes health, sometimes to help the environment, etc), but veganism is a lifestyle based on compassion.

[Ilsa]

8. Thanks for explaining it.

I am not a vegan, but I appreciate the choice vegans have made. I'm working toward adopting more of those traits, but I fear I can't do it all at once. Just one thing at a time. (Food first. WOrking on the rest as I go.)

[flvegan]

3. The only possible example I could think of in this instance

would be a straight-edger that couldn't care less about the animals. Many do it because they refuse to "pollute" their bodies. They live a vegan lifestyle, so to speak, but they don't really relate to vegans (in that vegans, as far as I know) have animal, environmental and health concerns in relation.

You can be vegan, but not be a vegan at the same time. To be vegan can define your lifestyle, but to be a vegan defines you(r mindset towards it). I guess.

[expatriot]

4. I can't see a rationale for veganism w/o animal issues as a driving force

While not eating redmeat can very easily be a dietary preference, making the conscious choice to avoid the purchase or consumption of any animal products or bi-products requires a lot of motivation. Keep in mind that the vegan lifestyle also extends beyond diet and into the decisions you make as consumers in regards to nearly all products: clothing, cleanin agents, etc.

It is definitely theoretically possible, but I can't think of any real-world examples. Most religious and philosophical traditions that dissuade the consumption of animal products has compassion as the principle behind it.

[Dastard Stepchild]

5. I have known two people who eschewed animal products for health reasons

No meat, no dairy... nothing. They did it for their own bodies, not for the animal bodies. I don't think they cared much at all about the animals, actually.

[livinginphotographs]

6. I'd say both.

My disgust with eating animal products comes (and originally came) from the knowledge of how those animals are treated.

It really is a matter of changing how you view the world: I won't even eat free-range eggs or honey (some people I've talked to don't view insects as "animals) simply because I believe that animals were not put here to serve man (just like a feminist male doesn't believe in dominating a woman).

I guess you can be vegan without concern for compassion, but it seems to me that to make a lifestyle change as drastic as it is to become vegan, one would have to have a greater motivation than just health or environmentalism alone. While it has its own inherent benefits, one of the biggest I've found is feeling that you are one with the rest of the world, as opposed to being a bully to the rest of the world.

[peacebuzzard]

9. Thanks for all these great replies.

I read through shockra's link which gave a great definition. I am so intrigued because through self-awareness and some research and readings it seems like I am becoming more involved w/ life leading to that style. (It is becoming a very high percentage rate)

I have met remarkable individuals along the way who were totally committed dietwise however I do not believe they embraced being compassionate defenders, supporters, participators or even animal welfare sympathizers. I found that curious because the concepts seem to be interlocked, but just like people...it comes in all shapes and sizes.

Thanks for these answers, comments and posts. I will be reviewing these again w/ any other links that you can think of, friends, and I am glad this is a slow moving board because now my work life is gearing up to kick in and I will spend the next 3 weeks working on my day job which is based in NYC.

But guess what? I am going to be rescuing a kitty in Memphis on Wednesday morning and flying the kitty to NYC to help out a poster on the Pets Forum. I by chance was skimming other groups one day and came across this wonderful lady who wanted to help these marvelous creatures. And to imagine on Wednesday I will see one in real life .

Plus travel w/ the the kitty to his or her new home.!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=243x8918

[livinginphotographs]

10. That's cool you're helping that poster out.

I'd be willing to do the Virginia leg if help is still needed.

[peacebuzzard]

12. Thanks! she was just looking for help in the wrong places.

I will certainly tell her about your offer. She is so appreciative and eager to help these kitties out. I am actually going to be able to fly w/ one of the kitties (fingers crossed ) on Wed. I am going to NYC anyway, so it is just a few hours and a detour out of my usual connections, That is what we are working on so far.

[smbolisnch]

11. These are all excellent responses.

I agree with the view that someone who avoids consuming all animal produts, but still wears leather, buys products tested on animals etc. is not a vegan at all. Simply a strict vegetarian.

I think many people are confused with AR vocabulary. How many times have we heard people say "my husband is a vegetarian, he only eats fish." :)

However I have to say, if soemone only eats fish and no red meat, or only chicken and no red meat or fish, they are headed in the right direction and I respect that. :)

[peacebuzzard]

14. "AR" vocabulary? Animal Rescue?

Also, what is the name of the diet that consumes only raw foods?
I did that at the beginning of my diet I am trying to maintain now w/ the exception of rice. I went on a D.A.S.H. diet to try to help my hypertension. It worked. But I really love warm foods.

[livinginphotographs]

17. AR = animal rights

And the raw food diet, I think, is called just that.

[peacebuzzard]

19. Oh, man, I guess I had another mental vacation.

Duh, .....:silly: :dunce:

[CrispyQ]

13. Thought you might enjoy this:

http://www.purewatergazette.net/vclassification.html

[peacebuzzard]

15. Certainly did! I am exploring water purification processes, also.

My one accomplishment this week was to install a faucet water filter.

[CrispyQ]

16. Congrats on your accomplishement!

More & more, I believe filtered water is becoming a necessity & I don't trust most of the bottled water you buy in the stores, since many brands are simply filled from some municipality's water source.

The guy who runs the site is vegan & knows tons about water filtration. I have a countertop filter for my kitchen sink, a chlorine filter for my shower head & a water distiller for our drinking water. I also bought some tablets you toss in your bath water & they neurtralize the chlorine. Many people don't realize you can inhale & absorb more chlorine from a hot shower or bath than by drinking. I bought all of it from Pure Water Products. Gotta support veggies when you can!


A really good book on water is "The Drinking Water Book" by Colin Ingram.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0898154367/qid=1123532113/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/002-2187220-5227244?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

[peacebuzzard]

18. That is going to be my next step.

Filtering the water coming into this home. City water here in Knoxville is probably the nation's worst. I am sure it probably will not help much, but I don't feel good about this water here at all.

Thanks. I am glad I Finally did it. I should have a long time ago.