Advantage-taking

1859:

The example set by young people who ‘go vegan’, is noticed by those near them, whether it’s at work or at home. The general effect is that the omnivore can be embarrassed by the self-discipline shown by those who aren’t omnivores. Their example is perhaps a most powerful influence on the entrenched omnivore. They might take their own first steps by considering three things: their habits, their attitudes and their capacity for altruism. The impact of veganism on the omnivore emphasises the majority’s upholding of Society’s animal-exploiting conventions.

         

Veganism is just one idea that counters the wrongness of stealing from the powerless. Colonial powers steal from poorer nations to enrich themselves, and humans in general steal from animals for much the same reasons. And isn’t it true that our thefts come back to haunt us? Once-powerless countries grow up and strengthen themselves, and then commercially begin to outstrip their former colonial masters who’ve now become a danger to their economies. Similarly, powerless animals used for food now become dangerous to their masters, but indirectly, via their impact on human health and human conscience.

There are harsh consequences to stealing and taking advantage of the weak.