Advantage-taking

1948:

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 they (often their juniors) show. Their example is perhaps a most powerful influence on the entrenched omnivore who might make their own first step in considering three things - their habits, their attitudes and their capacity for altruism.

The impact (of meeting a vegan) on anyone who is still using animal products is to underline their own contribution to the 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, as they ‘grow up’ and strengthen themselves, then commercially begin to outstrip their former masters. And their rise then becomes a danger to the economies of the ‘master’ powers. Similarly, powerless animals used for food now become dangerous to their masters, but indirectly, via their impact on human health. There are harsh consequences to stealing and taking advantage of the weak.