RE: Convince Me! Challenge: Why you still eat meat (extended deadline and update)
We are dealing with multiple definitions, of veganism.
Veganism is essentially an effort to reduce harm to animals within reason. It's not perfection, but people who use that label try to reduce harm to other beings within reason.
a lack of stated clarity concerning what the actual is for veganism - "meat eaters" or the "mass production of meat" OR are meat eaters being used as pawns in a battle with mass producers of meat?
Not sure what your question is here? Did you miss a word or two?
To answer the part about them being used as pawns. I would say.. Yes probably.
what is the clear strategy of veganism / cruelty free to co-ordinate and solve the issues at hand?
Depends on who you talk to. There's a lot of different kinds of vegans.
I think many meat eaters agree they prefer non-mass produced foods / where animals are treated with dignity.
There are some good vegans out there who do a wonderful job of not insulting others. BUT.. At the end of the day, we're talking about an immoral act here, and I think oftentimes it's more the person who is having this immoral behavior pointed out that is becoming extra defensive.. And with good reason. I mean.. We're telling you to stop for a good reason, but no one wants to hear they are doing something bad.
It's very similar to trying to tell a drug addict to quit doing the drug they are addicted to so much. It's very hard for people to let go of things they enjoy, and especially in this world where food is one of the last pleasures people have after they slave away their whole lives.. To take that away is like an injustice. But.. The real injustice is the animal that lost it's life when the person could have eaten plants and most likely even been healthier and helped heal the planet more as well.
In regards to your sentiments, I do think we need more peaceful vegans, but sometimes some people need hard language too. Some people won't respect you unless you lower yourself to their level and speak to them in a way they understand. So.. I think it depends on the individual. Some will be awoken by the asshole vegans like vegangains who yells at everyone, and others by joey carbstrong who is super peaceful and respectful.
I personally think that it is a mistake by the vegan community to dilute this argument. They will have more success by sticking with is line of thought. A direct approach.
Apologies, should read:
a lack of stated clarity concerning what the actual outcome is for veganism - Is it specifically targeting "meat eating" or the "mass production of meat" OR are meat eaters being used as pawns in a battle with mass producers of meat?
I think by making meat eaters unwilling participants in this cause could be counter-productive to your objectives. Let look at the results of this contest thus far - 80% of the participants were alienated to the cause and there your target market walks away.
This isn't unfortunately does a lot to undo the hard work you guys put in as it dilutes the animal rights side of things.
Define immoral act - What are speaking about? Unfortunately this also very loosely defined.
Is it eating meat?
Is it commercial production of meat?
Is is the act of purchasing mass produced meat?
And taking it a step further why is it not immoral for vegans to support outlets that stock mass produce meat or meat per se depending on your definition?