Editorial by Michael Weber: False Dichotomies

In discussing tactics for promoting animal rights and the vegan lifestyle, we are frequently confronted by seemingly conflicting choices:

• Embrace “humane” animal farming as an incremental step –OR- insist on instant veganism
• Dwell either on symptoms of animal agriculture –OR- on the philosophy of animal liberation
• Downplay and apologize for our own veganism –OR- lecture righteously

In short, we are asked to choose between effectiveness and integrity.

I propose that these are false dichotomies – that we can be effective and maintain our integrity. Our mission must be to reduce the number of animals abused and killed for food as quickly as possible, while building the paradigm shift that will lead eventually to animal liberation.

Therefore, we can and should point out the fatal flaws of “humane meat” while offering incremental steps toward eliminating consumption of animal products. We can and should cite the animal welfare, environmental and health impacts of animal agriculture without ever suggesting that their amelioration would make animal agriculture acceptable. We can and should adapt our presentations and conversations to people’s values, concerns, and needs without ever compromising or apologizing for our own.

In summary, we can and should be tolerant and patient with people who “haven’t gotten it,” perhaps sharing the experiences of our own meat-eating past, without ever losing our outrage at animal exploitation or our passion for the vegan lifestyle.