Being a vegan is so much more than just not eating meat. People who apply a vegan lifestyle are effectively using their own bodies to take a stand against animal cruelty on all levels.
The definition of veganism according to The Vegan Society UK is: “Veganism is a way of living that seeks to exclude, as far as possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing and any other purpose.”
Home-made vegan chocolate cupcakes
There are many valid and legitimate reasons why people lead vegan lifestyles. The main reasons are listed below:
1. Against animal cruelty
2. Health
3. Faith / religion
4. Conservation of our planet
The Vegan Society of South Africa say: “If you find yourself unable to argue with conviction against the case we make but still find yourself feeling irritable or resentful towards vegans, or somehow convinced they’re just plain wrong in a way you can’t quite put your finger on, we challenge you to reflect honestly and openly on whether these sentiments are yours or just prejudices or an aversion to change installed by your family, peers or society as a whole.”
They also say there are many who will “belittle your views as naively sentimental or illogical when, in fact, the burden of proof does not rest on the shoulders of vegans but on those of defensive meat-eaters seeking to justify their unconsidered habits.”
“After all, what sense does it make to stop farming animals for food if you’re still frivolously wearing them, laughing at their misfortune and injecting toxins into their eyes in the name of science?” SA Vegan Society.
