Being vegan means opposing all forms of oppression and violence, whether they occur on our plates or in the broader world. To be true to the values of compassion and justice, we must speak out against war and strive for a world where peace and respect for all beings are the foundation of our existence.
Hera... art by Deni Peace.
Being vegan goes beyond making ethical food choices; it’s about embodying a philosophy of compassion and respect for all forms of life. At its core, veganism rejects violence and the exploitation of animals, and this commitment to non-violence must extend to humans as well. Supporting or remaining silent about violence, war, genocide, or acts of injustice, where people and animals alike are being harmed, abused, tortured, and slaughtered, contradicts the very principles of veganism.
War causes immense suffering, not only for the innocent civilians caught in the crossfire but also for the countless animals who are displaced, injured, or killed. The devastation of natural habitats, the destruction of ecosystems, and the deliberate harm to sentient beings cannot be justified under any circumstances. Being vegan means standing firmly against this brutality, recognizing that all life is interconnected, and that no being, human or animal, deserves to be a casualty of human conflict.
Moreover, silence in the face of such violence is complicity. As Bishop Desmond Tutu said, "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor." To stay quiet when people and animals are suffering is to tacitly support the systems that perpetuate harm. Speaking out against war, advocating for peace, and pushing for non-violent solutions are not just moral obligations—they are an extension of the vegan commitment to protecting all forms of life. Silence allows the cycle of violence to continue, but action can spark change.
Being vegan means opposing all forms of oppression and violence, whether they occur on our plates or in the broader world. To be true to the values of compassion and justice, we must speak out against war and strive for a world where peace and respect for all beings are the foundation of our existence.
Posted on All-Creatures: October 28, 2024
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