What does cruelty-free mean to you?

[Will]

Veganism is usually (and rightfully) explained in terms of kindness to non-human animals. One of the beautiful things about veganism is that it goes way beyond diet. But I think it is important to remember that humans are animals too! Since cruelty-free includes humans, I've been looking at ways I can apply vegan principles in all aspects of my life. Here are a few:

I don't buy new clothes (easiest way to avoid sweatshop goods is to shop your local thrift-store!).

I don't support PETA because I feel that much of their literature is racist, fat-phobic, and just plain hateful.

I try to be mindful of farm-labor issues wrt where I get my produce.

How about you? How do you extend veganism throughout your life?

[blas]

why do you feel PETA's literature is racist, fat-phobic, and just plain hateful?

help?

but yes i try to by non sweatshop and buy from vgn shops as much as possible

i am more interested in niceness to animals cuz alot of humans want to eat meat, screw up the environment and be politician

[Will]

Regarding PETA, I was thinking specifically of their campaign against, pardon me, dog meat in Korea, and their current airliner seat ad, which pokes fun at fat people. I think they do the cause a lot of harm with their aggressive campaigns -- they turn people away, or put people on the defensive and then few people hear their message. Mostly they preach to the choir. John Robbins is a much more effective and gentle advocate for treating animals with dignity and respect. I guess I believe that life is sacred, no matter what. Humans who behave wrongly, out of ignorance, perversity, fear, whatever reason, are still sacred beings. I don't try to compare and quantify suffering -- like, cattle suffer more/less than malnourished children because it is my duty to work for an end to all of this suffering. But since the vegan movement is largely focused on (non-human) animal rights, I wanted to talk about the human side as well.

[Emily]

THANK YOU WILL!!! Finally another vegan who feels PETA is not a positive thing! I've always felt that way. I think they give us a bad name.

To me cruelty-free means living by my rede.

Animals are not ours to eat, to wear, to experiment on or to use in entertainment.

The last one is the hardest. If I buy a movie with an animal in it, is this wrong? hmmm.... so hard to put into words.

Emily

[Will]

Emily, are you Wiccan? You know, until we learn how better to communicate with other species, we can't know what is best. I guess I lean toward not imposing my will on another sentient being, so, except for animals that are very clearly domestic (like cats and dogs) I'm not comfortable with 'animal actors'.

[Teejay]

I agree re PETA. I have seen discussions on other vegan boards where people felt very positive about them -- sometimes because it was PETA information that had led to their own choice of becoming vegan -- so I guess there are always positive aspects to things... But I don't like their aggressive, discriminatory tactics either.

[Emily]

Hey Will, how did you know I was Wiccan? I have been for 4 years, since I was 13.

Emily

[Mystican]

I also had a feeling you were Wiccan when I read your post, Emily, because of your mention of the word "rede." It automatically made me think of the wonderful Wiccan Rede... "An it harm none, do as ye will." (I found an interesting article talking about the Rede, at the following page for those interested: http://www.witchvox.com/basics/rede.html ) I also like the saying, "As above, so below," which you're probably also familiar with. :)

In regards to PETA... I've really only been following their statements and campaigns off and on for the last 6 months, and have generally found them positive... I read somewhere that they used to use more negative tactics, but have changed for the better? At least, most of the time. I have also heard the negative comments made about them, but... as with everything in life, I don't think there's just one brush that can be used to paint them. I'm sure not all they do is always positive...but I don't think all they do is always negative, either. I've used their site(s) to gain a lot of good information, and feel I'm much more educated about veganism and other aspects of life thanks to PETA (and thanks to many others as well, of course).

Namaste,
Erik

[Will]

Emily -- yep, it was your mention of the rede. I don't know much about Wicca, but I have a collection of the 'Golden Rule' as expressed through various religions, and the Wiccan Rede that Mystican mentioned is one of them.

irt PETA, while I think they must do some good I am unable to support them. It isn't just that they harm the cause (though that is important) but simply that they do harm through their aggressive ads and literature. I can't reconcile their message with their delivery.

[EricP]

Now I must say that this negative talk about PETA seems rather foolish. For one, PETA seems to be one of the only animal rights groups that actually takes action upon corporations and directly targets companies and people who are causing harm to animals.

I believe that for PETA, the means DOES in fact justify the end, and I feel we have a duty to stand by them, not put them down. Listen people - animals are suffering, being killed and are being exploited by millions who either aren't informed enough, or just simply don't care, and if PETA makes even the smallest positive impact for these animals, then they have been successful.

I live in Canada, where PETA does not really "stir trouble", but I have seen far too many aggressive fast food campaigns and rescued far too many abused animals to say that PETA should stand back.

PETA is here to help... and we need all the help we can get.

Regards,

EricP