The Vegetarian Myth

[Guest guest]

A lively discussion of The Vegetarian Myth may be found at

http://vegansofcolor.wordpress.com/2009/05/05/vegetarian-myth-lierre-keith/

 

An excerpt:

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A quick glance at The Vegetarian Myth on Google Books seems to confirm

that Lierre Keith’s analysis is based on an anti-civilization

perspective --- that is, civilization, and not exploitation/oppression

per se, is the root of all evil. I, personally, find the cynicism of

anti-civilization books like this one counterproductive. I also think a

focus on anti-civilization, as opposed to

anti-exploitation/anti-oppression, misses the point.

 

For instance, the exploitation of other animals is not seen as

exploitative and is instead called a " reciprocal relationship. " It's sad

that Keith, who comes from an anti-sexual violence background, would

make such a repulsive claim. It's repulsive, because by reframing the

exploitation of other animals as a " reciprocal relationship " in

defending animal husbandry Keith depoliticizes that exploitation. It

shares a twisted logic with patriarchy and the belief that a woman or

child cannot be exploited by a husband, father, or other " male head of a

household. "

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Victor

 

> Further, during its latest fund drive, a KPFA program highlights a

> misleading book called " The Vegetarian Myth " where the author

> blames grain agriculture for destroying the Earth but fails to

> highlight that over 70% of grains grown today are used for feed for

> animal agriculture. This destructive book may cause higher

> consumption of conventional meat. While free speech is of course

> encouraged, there should be time alloted for the mountains of

> countervailing evidence that supports the environmental and health

> benefits of veg diets.

 

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The Vegan Ideal: http://veganideal.org/

Veganism as Anti-Oppression: http://loveallbeings.org/