This Is Vegan Propaganda

1. Animal farming causes immense suffering and violates basic moral principles

We have created what can only be described as the most absurd and dangerously short-sighted system of food production possible – a system that is one of the main contributors to the degradation of the planet, causes immense suffering, is squandering the most important medicines that we have and is creating viruses that cause pandemics and could even result in the deaths of hundreds of millions of people.

Systemic cruelty. Animal farming subjects billions of sentient beings to lives of confinement, pain, and premature death. Standard practices in the industry include:

• Separating mothers from babies shortly after birth
• Mutilations like debeaking, tail docking, and castration without anesthesia
• Extreme confinement in cages and crowded sheds
• Slaughter methods that often fail to render animals unconscious

Moral inconsistency. Most people claim to be against animal cruelty, yet support industries that systematically abuse animals. This cognitive dissonance is maintained through:

• Psychological distancing from the realities of farming
• Cultural conditioning that views certain animals as food
• Industry marketing that portrays idyllic farm conditions

Speciesism. The arbitrary moral distinction between farm animals and pets or wildlife reflects an unjustified bias. Pigs, cows, and chickens are as capable of suffering as dogs or cats.

2. Our relationship with animals reflects deep psychological and cultural biases

We have created a form of tyranny over the natural world, pillaging, extracting, using and destroying as we please. We have placed ourselves above the ecological life support systems that our species depends on for survival and exploited them for our own short-term benefit, cutting down forests and polluting rivers and oceans.

Dominion mindset. Human exceptionalism and the belief that nature exists for our use has led to widespread exploitation of animals and ecosystems. This worldview:

• Justifies treating animals as commodities rather than sentient individuals
• Ignores the intrinsic value of nature and other species
• Prioritizes short-term human benefit over long-term planetary health

Cultural conditioning. From childhood, we are taught to view certain animals as food and others as companions. This arbitrary distinction is reinforced through:

• Language that objectifies farm animals (e.g. "livestock," "broilers")
• Traditions and customs centered around animal consumption
• Lack of exposure to the realities of animal farming

Cognitive dissonance. People often hold conflicting beliefs about animals, loving pets while eating other species. This contradiction is maintained through:

• Psychological defenses like denial and rationalization
• Avoiding information about farming practices
• Believing industry claims about "humane" treatment

3. Animal agriculture is a leading cause of environmental degradation and climate change

A vegan diet is probably the single biggest way to reduce your impact on planet Earth, not just greenhouse gases, but global acidification, eutrophication, land use and water use.

Land use. Animal agriculture is extremely inefficient in terms of land use:

• Uses 83% of farmland but provides only 18% of calories
• Major driver of deforestation, especially in the Amazon
• Degrades soil through overgrazing and intensive farming

Emissions. Livestock farming produces significant greenhouse gas emissions:

• 14.5% to 18% of global emissions, more than all transportation
• Methane from cattle is 25 times more potent than CO2
• Nitrous oxide from manure is 298 times more potent than CO2

Resource depletion. Animal agriculture strains natural resources:

• Consumes 1/3 of global freshwater
• Causes water pollution through manure and agricultural runoff
• Depletes fish stocks to feed farmed animals

Biodiversity loss. Expanding animal agriculture threatens ecosystems:

• Leading cause of species extinction
• Destroys habitats of wild animals
• Disrupts delicate ecological balances

4. Factory farming increases the risk of pandemics and antibiotic resistance

We have created what can only be described as the most absurd and dangerously short-sighted system of food production possible – a system that is one of the main contributors to the degradation of the planet, causes immense suffering, is squandering the most important medicines that we have and is creating viruses that cause pandemics and could even result in the deaths of hundreds of millions of people.

Zoonotic diseases. Intensive animal farming creates ideal conditions for disease emergence:

• Crowded, unsanitary environments allow pathogens to spread and mutate
• Stress weakens animals' immune systems
• Close human-animal contact increases transmission risk

Historical outbreaks. Many pandemics originated in animal farming:

• 1918 Spanish flu likely emerged in US pig farms
• H5N1 bird flu outbreaks linked to poultry farming
• Swine flu pandemic of 2009 traced to industrial pig farms

Antibiotic resistance. Overuse of antibiotics in farming breeds superbugs:

• 80% of antibiotics used on farm animals, often for growth promotion
• Creates resistant bacteria that can infect humans
• Could render life-saving medicines ineffective

5. A plant-based diet can improve personal and public health outcomes

It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.

Nutritional adequacy. Well-planned vegan diets meet all nutrient needs:

• Provide all essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals
• Often higher in fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients
• May require B12 supplementation

Disease prevention. Plant-based diets are associated with lower risk of:

• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Certain cancers (e.g. colorectal)
• Obesity

Environmental health. Reducing animal product consumption benefits public health by:

• Decreasing air and water pollution from farms
• Lowering antibiotic resistance risk
• Mitigating climate change impacts on health

6. Media and institutional bias perpetuate myths about animal products

We are constantly bombarded with adverts on TV promoting happy animals and animal products. When was the last time you saw an advert promoting vegetables or fruit? When was the last time you saw an advert promoting meat, dairy or eggs?

Industry influence. The animal agriculture sector wields significant power:

• Funds biased research to downplay health and environmental concerns
• Lobbies governments for favorable policies and subsidies
• Shapes dietary guidelines to promote animal product consumption

Media portrayal. Mainstream media often presents a skewed view:

• Underreports on the negative impacts of animal farming
• Sensationalizes stories about vegan diets
• Gives disproportionate coverage to industry-funded studies

Cultural narratives. Deeply ingrained beliefs about animal products persist:

• Equating meat consumption with masculinity and strength
• Viewing dairy as essential for calcium and strong bones
• Believing that humans are natural omnivores and need meat

7. Veganism is a powerful solution to multiple global crises

We have the capability to produce more food, in a healthier way, more sustainably and more ethically, while at the same time using less resources and land, producing fewer emissions, and eliminating the needless death of trillions of animals every single year.

Environmental benefits. A global shift to plant-based diets could:

• Reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70%
• Free up to 76% of current agricultural land for rewilding
• Significantly reduce water use and pollution

Health improvements. Widespread adoption of vegan diets may:

• Decrease rates of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers
• Reduce antibiotic resistance and pandemic risk
• Improve food security by using resources more efficiently

Ethical considerations. Veganism aligns with core moral values:

• Reduces suffering of sentient beings
• Promotes compassion and non-violence
• Challenges speciesism and arbitrary moral distinctions

Economic potential. The plant-based sector offers opportunities for:

• Innovation in food technology and sustainable agriculture
• Job creation in new industries
• Reduced healthcare and environmental mitigation costs

8. Effective communication is key to advancing the vegan message

We often joke about the existence of the vegan police but ultimately a vegan isn't going to jump out of the cow's milk fridge and force the oat milk into your hand, and, even if they did, you could just put it down again.

Understanding psychology. Recognize common defense mechanisms:

• Cognitive dissonance when confronted with ethical inconsistencies
• Confirmation bias in seeking information that supports current beliefs
• Social conformity and fear of ostracism

Compassionate approach. Avoid judgment and aggressive tactics:

• Focus on shared values like compassion and environmental concern
• Use "I" statements to share personal experiences
• Acknowledge the challenges of changing ingrained habits

Evidence-based arguments. Present factual information from reputable sources:

• Scientific studies on health and environmental impacts
• Undercover investigations revealing standard industry practices
• Expert opinions from nutritionists, climate scientists, and ethicists

Lead by example. Demonstrate the benefits and practicality of veganism:

• Share delicious plant-based meals
• Highlight improvements in personal health and wellbeing
• Show how veganism aligns with other ethical and environmental concerns

Last updated: August 8, 2024