I believe that what we currently call "veganism" is actually humanity's moral baseline.
Please consider reading this document to understand my position.
- The prevailing belief system that conditions us to exploit certain animals while loving others.
- The moral stance that rejects carnism.
- It transcends dietary choices and redefines humanity's entire relationship with non-human animals.
- It recognizes the inherent worth of all non-human animals, advocating for their right to live free from human-imposed harm.
According to The Vegan Society:
"Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude — as far as is possible and practicable — all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans, and the environment. In dietary terms, it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals."
- We have been raised in a system where the exploitation of non-human animals is normalized and obscured.
- Yet this practice inflicts immense suffering, all for fleeting pleasures like taste or convenience.
- The demand from individual consumers, like you and me, drives the cycle of breeding, exploiting, and slaughtering animals.
- Non-human animals, like humans, are individuals who experience pain, fear, and joy.
- Carnism conditions us to disregard their suffering and view them as commodities.
- Humans, as ethical agents, have the ability to make choices based on morality rather than instinct.
- The systemic harm caused by animal farming is staggering:
- Billions of animals are bred, confined, and killed annually.
- Each one is an individual who wanted to live, just as we do.
- Veganism is the ethical choice to stop participating in this needless suffering.
- Although carnism remains legal, history reminds us that legality often lags behind moral progress.
- Choosing veganism also contributes to a healthier planet:
- Animal agriculture is a leading cause of deforestation, water scarcity, and climate change.
- A plant-based diet reduces greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption — offering hope for a sustainable future.
- It also benefits human health:
- Whole-food plant-based diets can lower risks of heart disease, certain cancers, and other chronic conditions.
- However, these are secondary to the core issue:
- Ending the systematic oppression of non-human animals is a moral imperative, not merely a dietary preference.
- I envision a world where the term "animal farming" becomes as abhorrent as other historical injustices we now reject.
- Humanity has a unique capacity for empathy and ethical reasoning. By rejecting carnism, we fulfill our potential to live in harmony with other beings.
- A compassionate world begins with individual actions:
- Reflect on the beliefs you've been taught.
- Recognize the inherent worth of all life.
- Take steps to live in alignment with your values.
- Renounce carnism.
- Every purchase is a choice, and every choice can minimise our contribution to the death machine.
- You don't have to be perfect immediately — veganism is a journey of progress, not perfection.
- Systemic change starts with individual actions that collectively reshape our culture.
- Together, we can dismantle carnism and create a world where humanity shows compassion to all beings.