"Veganism" Is Different From A "Vegan Diet"

The Vegan Society defines veganism as follows:

"Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals."

So, as you can see, diet is certainly a big part of veganism, but in truth, veganism is a "philosophy" and a "way of living" that seeks to avoid all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty to animals. Raising animals for food is certainly the most prevalent form of this exploitation and animals suffer greatly because of it (as outlined in other parts of this website). But there are many other practices that cause great harms to animals that have nothing to do with diet, and veganism (and vegans) seek to avoid all of these forms of cruelty and exploitation.

Professor Gary L. Francione, in his book, Why Veganism Matters, and himself a vegan for over 40 years, defines veganism as follows:

"Veganism involves not eating, wearing, or using animals or animal products to the extent practicable with the goal of abolishing all animal use because such use cannot be morally justified."

If you eat a vegan diet for your health, such that you also buy/wear animal byproducts, such as leather, and/or go to zoos, rodeos, and circuses, and/or buy/use personal hygiene products that either contain ingredients derived from animals or that were tested on animals, this is not veganism, even though you do eat a vegan diet.

At the same time, while it is possible to eat a vegan diet and not be vegan, it is NOT possible to be vegan without eating a vegan diet. Nor is it possible to be "mostly vegan." If you mostly eat a vegan diet, but sometimes eat cheese or eggs, this is not actually a vegan diet and you cannot say that you are vegan. (In this example you would be lacto-ovo vegetarian.)

Perhaps you think I am talking about labels simply so that I can sort people into vegans and non-vegans (even though it is literally true that every person is either vegan or not-vegan—there is no third choice.) But the real reason I am talking about labels is to bring your attention to what veganism and being vegan actually means and what it doesn't mean.

You can't be "mostly vegan"—it is simply not possible—because either you believe that animals should not suffer and die for reasons that are morally unjustified, or you don't. If you truly care about animals, it would be illogical and absurd to say that you only torture and kill animals "occasionally." Unfortunately, this is exactly what you are saying when you state that you only eat animals or animal products "a few days a week" or "sometimes."

Occasional cruelty is still cruelty. Occasional exploitation is still exploitation. Occasional harm is still harm. Veganism rejects these things. So, please consider truly going vegan and helping to end ALL forms of animal exploitation, cruelty, and harm.

Mahalo for reading. Aloha...

I maintain that there is veganism and there is animal exploitation: There is no third choice. To not be a vegan is to participate directly in animal exploitation. -Gary L. Francione