What is veganism? (was Hydroponic Meat for a Sustainable Planet Earth

August 26, 2008

Hi allAfter I read Victor's post, some thoughts came to mind that I thought might be worth sharing ...First Donald Watson defined vegan. Then Peter Singer defined speciesism. I think that anyone who supports speciesism would support veganism. However, I don't necessarily think the converse is true, as there are many reasons for people to become vegan and it may not be for ethical reasons. Therefore, they may describe themselves as vegan in relation to how they eat yet not adhere to the same beliefs as an ethical vegan.

When Victor writes about "disagreement over what veganism is about!" and "a growing number of vegans see veganism as a response to the oppression of all animals, human and non-human", a simple solution came to my mind -- as Donald Watson coined the new word "vegan" to define a vegetarian who does not eat dairy or eggs, I think the same should be done in this case, create a new word.

For anyone interested, an interview with Donald Watson:http://www.foodsforlife.org.uk/people/Donald-Watson-Vegan/Donald-Watson.htmlAt the very bottom, there is a link to The Vegan NewsTHE VEGAN NEWS(QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF THE NON-DAIRY VEGETARIANS.)Issue #1 NOVEMBER 1944I thought this excerpt was interesting ....WANTED - A NAMEWe should all consider carefully what our Group, and our magazine, and ourselves, shall be called. 'Non-dairy' has become established as a generally understood colloquialism, but like 'non-lacto' it is too negative. Moreover it does not imply that we are opposed to the use of eggs as food. We need a name that suggests what we do eat, and if possible one that conveys the idea that even with all animal foods taboo, Nature still offers us a bewildering assortment from which to choose. 'Vegetarian' and 'Fruitarian' are already associated with societies that allow the 'fruits'(!) of cows and fowls, therefore it seems we must make a new and appropriate word. As this first issue of our periodical had to be named, I have used the title "The Vegan News". Should we adopt this, our diet will soon become known as a VEGAN diet, and we should aspire to the rank of VEGANS. Members' suggestions will be welcomed. The virtue of having a short title is best known to those of us who, as secretaries of vegetarian societies have to type or write the word vegetarian thousands of times a year!Cheers,Tammy

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