Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude - as far as is possible and practicable - 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 animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.
Welcome to my webpage about veganism. Since going vegan in 2018, veganism has become a personal passion of mine. The goal of this project - which is also my favorite on my website - is to compile, summarize, and spread information about veganism as well as animal liberation and rights.
The Philosophy page is dedicated to ethical arguments for veganism, and includes some information on animal consciousness as well. The Facts page is full of information about animal exploitation that may complement the content of the Philosophy page. The Culture page is mostly for fun for me, but people who are interested in the cultural and historical roles of veganism, plant-based living, animal rights/liberation, and more may also like the page.
I use the definition of veganism listed at the top of this page. When discussing animals, I also use language that may be different from what you are used to. Click below to read more!
"Liberate Your Language" by Noreen Mola and The Blacker Family Animals' Agenda (October 1986); reprinted in in The Sexual Politics of Meat: A Feminist-Vegetarian Critical Theory by Carol J. Adams (1990)
"Referring to a non-human animal as an 'it' strips [them] of dignity and perpetuates the view that other animals are objects, inferior things, or property.
"Referring to people who share their homes and lives with non-human animals as 'owners' or 'masters' connotes slavery, and we should be uncomfortable with the connotation. Friends, companions, or protectors is preferable."
"Avoid calling other animals 'living things.' They are living beings.
"Refer to non-domestic animals as free or free-roaming, not 'wild' or 'wildlife.'"
"When referring to animal suffering and death caused by human action, use painfully explicit words that reveal the true facts. 'Euthanize,' 'put to sleep,' 'sacrifice' and 'destroy' are favorites of animal researchers (and some animal control people) while 'cull,' 'harvest,' 'manage' and 'thin the herd' are favorites of hunters, trappers, and their ilk. These words mean kill, so say kill."
Disclaimers:
Inclusion does not imply endorsement, in whole or in part. This is especially true of the Philosophy page. I prefer veganism grounded in virtue ethics, whereas most other philosophically-minded vegans I meet are more aligned with consequentialist or deontological approaches. However, I try to include multiple perspectives because people should know about a diversity of ideas regardless.
Many sources here have depictions of violence toward animals, as well as other potentially upsetting or triggering content. Although I try my best to add content warnings to these pages, some things may have been accidentally omitted. Please let me know if I have forgotten to add content warnings to something.
If you have any further comments or suggestions, you can email them to me here.