Don’t mention the ‘V’ word

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Sadly, no one with any influence in our society will say veganism is right, probably because they think that even the mention of the word dignifies it; if it were to be taken seriously or given any attention, it could ignite empathy and protection for ‘the weak’.  This is surely why ‘speciesism’ must always remains a ‘non-subject’ - there must be little mention of routine cruelty (or, if possible, the health consequences associated with eating animal-based foods). If Animal Rights can remain a non-issue, it will allow food to be discussed only in terms of cuisine (and, on a fairly superficial level, nutrition). Then it’s more likely that the rights of the animals can be sidelined.

This is standard side-stepping strategy of the Animal Industries, to make a non-issue of animal-based foods and their methods of production. If Animal Rights ever became a subject regularly written about or discussed on TV and radio, the truth would soon seep out. Then, in true counter-attacking style, there would have to be frantic attempts to rubbish the subject. And that might just work, since the interests of a misinformed public coincide with the authorities’ view, with each trying to protect what they value most, the Industry their profits, the people their favourite foods.          The Animal Industries seek to keep animal rights issues tabooed by diverting attention away from the ethics of animal treatment to other concerns like the environmental impact of animal farming or even health issues concerning the over-eating of animal products. As bad as that might be for business it at least doesn’t open up the Pandora’s Box of ‘animal cruelty’.

Oh, what a glorious conundrum we have here. As vegans we must try to open up the subject whilst attempting to act as honourable animal advocates and yet still try to love our adversaries as if they were our own caterwauling children!

If our voices ever get to be heard you can be sure that, in response,  other ‘voices’ will attempt to silence us. But hey, we’ve just moved into the Information Age, where lots of secret things are coming to light, and where inevitably the ‘V’ word will gain currency sooner rather than later.