“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.”
From thevegansociety.com, emphasis mine. I’d argue strongly and vehemently that what is described above is not “as far as is possible and practicable” at all! It’s firmly within “as long as it doesn’t really inconvenience me” territory
I’m not a perfect vegan, I do my best, and I’m getting better. The expectation of perfection is self defeating. Ideally, though, I would have zero captive slaughtered animals in the world.
Right, I’m explicitly talking about “as far as is practicable and possible”. For instance I have to take a certain medication in order to function but there is no vegan derivative, they all contain gelatin. It is impossible for me to “exclude all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals”. But I do it “as far as is possible” which (at least initially) went far beyond what I considered comfortable.
And that’s the distinction I’m trying to make, if you are sure it is impossible, if it is not practicable (as in, not possible to be put into practice no matter how you twist or turn it), then sure it is what it is. what can you do. No ethical consumption under capitalism. But if you still have holdouts because you aren’t “ready” to give up certain treats or comforts then you aren’t (yet?) vegan.
Not being able to reach perfection is no excuse to not get as close as possible to it.
From thevegansociety.com, emphasis mine. I’d argue strongly and vehemently that what is described above is not “as far as is possible and practicable” at all! It’s firmly within “as long as it doesn’t really inconvenience me” territory
I’m not a perfect vegan, I do my best, and I’m getting better. The expectation of perfection is self defeating. Ideally, though, I would have zero captive slaughtered animals in the world.
Right, I’m explicitly talking about “as far as is practicable and possible”. For instance I have to take a certain medication in order to function but there is no vegan derivative, they all contain gelatin. It is impossible for me to “exclude all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals”. But I do it “as far as is possible” which (at least initially) went far beyond what I considered comfortable.
And that’s the distinction I’m trying to make, if you are sure it is impossible, if it is not practicable (as in, not possible to be put into practice no matter how you twist or turn it), then sure it is what it is. what can you do. No ethical consumption under capitalism. But if you still have holdouts because you aren’t “ready” to give up certain treats or comforts then you aren’t (yet?) vegan.
Not being able to reach perfection is no excuse to not get as close as possible to it.