anyone up for some online nonviolent vegan education?

[Billy L]

As I learnt a while back from Gary Francione (http://www.abolitionistapproach.com/commentary-19-talking-with-non-...), people that take the time to speak out about animal rights issues, or to respond to an online comment, are really reaching out and are willing to engage in the issues.

I know from experience that the community at ARZone is an inviting, polite group of individuals, so I trust that this is an appropriate place to offer this link.

In another thread on ARZone, Michael Sizer-Watt linked to a video he posted on youtube, and in leaving it open on my computer, I later noticed on the marquee that there was a response: http://youtu.be/d1J1YPvJhvM The individual that responded seems genuine enough to consider some counterarguments, and judging by the few comments (as of this writing), is in dire need of them.

[Billy L]

Darn character limits!

Here's my full response that I'll have to keep pasting parts of, as the moderator approves them.

Hi TCA,
I thought I'd offer a few things for you to consider.

Let's start by clarifying that humans are animals. I use the term "other animals" to refer to the sentient beings that share the planet with us, to show that we are all in this together.

People live long healthy lives as vegans in all parts of the world, under any kind of economic situation - it's really not just wealthy city folks. How do I know? I'm part of a wonderful online community at http://arzone.ning.com/ - where it is free to join, and anyone is welcome. There are vegans from all walks of life that share information, opinions, and recipes. I even linked to this video there, so that others might see it and offer some information. :)

There are many reasons for going vegan. Morality is one aspect. Diet is another. There is a huge detrimental environmental impact caused by animal agriculture. Other animals are used and abused for entertainment; whether in zoos, aquaprisons, circuses, racing, hunting, fighting, etc.  Other animals are used, abused, and then killed to make clothing or specialized ingredients (such as shark fin soup, where the fin is cut from a live shark, and she is then thrown back into the sea). There is the control of corporations and agribusiness over what "food" is available for sale, as well as information about proper nutrition.

There are so many issues to consider that I'd point you toward ARZone, and a few podcasts.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/vegetarian-food-for-thought/id14...
Vegetarian Food for Thought offers a unique perspective that leaves listeners feeling supported, motivated, and inspired. Celebrating a way of life that encompasses compassion for everyone, this podcast addresses all aspects of eating a compassionate, healthful, whole foods, plant-based diet and advocates a sustainable food system that supports organic, local, seasonal fare. Each episode addresses commonly asked questions about being vegetarian/vegan, including those regarding animal rights, food, cooking, nutrition, and debunks the myths surrounding these issues. Drawing upon poetry, short stories, and other forms of literature, this is a unique podcast that works on many levels.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/coexisting-with-nonhuman-animals...
Coexisting with Nonhuman Animals is where I talk about Veganism and topical issues facing animals , covered by an NZ Vegan :) Website: www.coexistingwithnonhumananimals.blogspot.com Past episodes have covered Crafar Farm starving dairy cows to death, Catcha Cray, How we use dead animals, World Vegan Day and Vegan Stereotype breaking, NZ Pork Scandal round 2, Live Export, older episodes of Jay Wont dart's podcast also covered vegan issues, search " jay wont dart " on iTunes or go to the blog at www.jaywontdart.blogspot.com

http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/veganacious/id363132189
All things vegan from an abolitionist perspective.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/arzone-podcasts/id446960406
ARZone exists to promote rational discussion about our relations with other animals and about issues within the animal advocacy movement.

[Billy L]

Couldn't agree more Roger.

I was labeled a "never-ever" "hostile, passive aggressive, new welfarist" and banished for trying to start a discussion about behavior change (and defending myself against very rude, insulting attacks) by one of those "close supporters" on a well known facebook page that espouses Francione's theories almost exclusively. Ultimately it didn't change what I still see as uniquely excellent scholarly analysis of important angles in regard to animal rights (never been a vegan baseline in large organizations, Singer influence on the movement, collusion between animal agribusiness and welfare groups, property paradigm, etc.).

Somewhat ironically, I learnt about Roger and The General from those commentaries, and consequentially ARZone.

This is a chance to provide a clear example of how online creative nonviolent vegan education should be done, in my passive aggressive opinion. :)