On the Vegan “Diet”
My dogs eat vegan dog food. They don't have collars made from animals. But they also haven't made a moral choice to not use animals. To say they are vegans is odd to me, though I have done that as the distinction is lost on most people and for the sake of a swift message it does the job.
When I first saw PCRM's "Kickstart Your Health With a Vegan Diet" campaign, I let out a bit of a sigh. At least they didn't say "vegan cleanse." But still . . . diet.
However, there's a context here, and that context is that the message is coming from an organization that focuses on the science angle of our use of sentient nonhumans (i.e., animals in research, in schools or as food). And they concentrate on the health aspects of removing animals from your diet. And they reach a lot of people who don't have animal rights on their radar but might stop using animals for food if they had something to gain (assuming a clearer conscience isn't something to gain).
Also, PCRM doesn't advocate for veganism per se, as veganism does in fact involve so much more than diet. In that sense, they're being honest. They're not saying, "try veganism for 21 days." If they did that, they'd most certainly get pounced on.
If PCRM can get more people to try a "vegan diet" for 21 days as suggested, which is what in my experience used to be called "strict vegetarianism" (and which is no better), that's an actual decrease in animal use for those people. And there is support during the 21 days, which may or may not steer participants toward other areas of animal use (we'll see . . . I've signed up).
If more people stop eating animals and still wear leather or wool, they haven't done nothing. They shouldn't call themselves vegans, but they have opted out of a significant part of our usage of sentient nonhumans. And one would think that a vegan diet is the gateway to veganism if there is adequate support and education regarding other connections that might not be immediately obvious to someone concentrating on health and diet. After all, how many of us stopped eating animals, and then realized food is just one piece of the puzzle?
Though the health argument isn't ironclad and I wouldn't want to make it the center of my advocacy, I have to remember who the messenger is here and what the context is. And if this campaign increases the number of people who decrease their animal usage in their diets, that's a great step.
This pretty much sums up my feelings as well. My big concern, though, is that PCRM advocates very low fat vegan diet–so I wonder if those who sign up for the Kick Start program are going to receive advice about "healthful eating" that makes it look that much more difficult to go vegan (ie, no added fats). I've signed up, too, and will be interested to see what they come up with.
I've signed up. I am also interested in seeing what kinds of "foods" they suggest.
Even though veganism is more than just diet, I'm happy to use the term "vegan diet" when discussing food alone. The term "vegetarian" is synonymous with only cutting out flesh (sometimes only excluding mammals) so it's become meaningless as a term. I do think, though, that anytime we advocate a "vegan diet," we must make our moral obligations to other animals the primary argument (or at least give it equal time with health/environment/etc).
Veganism is not a diet…it really isn't, and I agree with you that if it's coming from PCRM it's not the end of the world but someone who claims to be vegan for ethical reasons really should never use the word diet. It defeats the whole purpose. And it doesn't make sense. I mean if you're vegan and you don't attend rodeos or go to the zoo or go sport hunting in matching camo outfits with your buddies or don't breed pit bulls for dog fighting or…(fill in whatever other form of exploitation here)…it has NOTHING to do with diet. Being vegan is a political and moral action and an ethical decision based on compassion……it's not a lifestyle or diet.
FYI…one of my favorite authors and one of your faves as well will be on Real Time with Bill Maher Friday night!!!! Its about TIME!
Sam Harris….the Ben Stiller of non believers will be on with Bill this Friday night . More than likely discussing the Reason Project and the Strange Case Of Francis Collins. I can hardly wait!!!
Mary,
What do you feed your dogs? I've been considering switching my dogs to a vegan diet since I'm vegan, but I'm not sure what to feed them. Do you have any favorites? Thanks!
The dogs eat Natural Balance Vegetarian (which is vegan). Wheat-free, corn-free, soy-free. I've heard they also have a canned version, but I can't find it by me. I soak the kibble till it's mushy and add canned pumpkin and/or bananas and other fruit or some steamed veggies. Not necessary nutritionally, but they love it. Our kitty is on Ami vegan cat food and also Wellness Indoor cat (50/50).
I don't know why people have such a negative thought connected with the word diet. Far too many think its an easy fix, a short, brief thing you go on to lose weight or something. What you eat IS your diet. A diet is just what a person consumes…doesn't have to always have such negative connotations associated with it.
Cindy,
What we are saying is that veganism isn't just about your diet. We're not commenting about the weight loss issue.
My apologies, Mary. My mistake.
Good post,,I think I need it to control my food The calorie and point counting plans are anything but easy. No, I want an easy diet; not a lot of planning. I want http://www.freediet-s.com/easy-dietthat are prepared for you with meals normal people eat – nothing gourmet. And it has to be nutritious; based on what my body needs; I want all this and a plan that's easy.