More and more, however, the science of climate change is now demonstrating that animal products are a leading cause of environmental degradation, a body of evidence that is becoming difficult to ignore. However, the ideological shift that is needed–seeing animals not as objectified climate-destroying consumables, but as a marginalized group whose oppression is actually foundational to the degradation of the earth–still lacks. Until we start to see animals as persons and reject hierarchies of domination, the two movements will never fully align.
Continue readingSociety Writings: Veganism Made Real in Print
In my chapter, “Society Writings" in The Edinburgh Companion to Vegan Literary Studies (Wright and Quinn 2022) published with the University of Edinburgh Press, I examine early vegan and vegetarian organizational literature, arguing its importanceContinue reading
The Fetishization of “Animal-Friendly” Animal Products
The Body Shop, like LUSH, markets itself as a compassionate company while simultaneously profiting from the institutionalized exploitation and killing of Nonhuman Animals. Declaring to customers that non-vegan animal-based products “don’t harm the animals” is false advertising of the worst kind. As is the case with most capitalist enterprises that profit from the oppressed, The Body Shop banks on customers never questioning or thinking critically about their ethical claimsmaking. This false consciousness is buttressed by “cruelty-free” labeling and endorsement from large “animal rights” non-profits such as PETA. These charities have effectively socialized many customers that is okay to use, harm, and kill other animals as long as it is done “nicely.”
Continue readingAppropriating Anti-Slavery Abolitionism in Anti-Speciesism Claimsmaking
Human and nonhuman abolitionist movements, despite their similarities, remain two distinct movements, each with unique social, political, economic, and historical circumstances.
Continue readingA Critique of Open Rescues
Open rescues, although exciting and heroic, unfortunately maintain the system as it is. This tactic therefore protects the interests of conservative foundations that maintain most grant monies. Open rescues also give non-profits something to write about and fund-raise behind.
Continue readingThe Nonprofit Bias: Research For Nonprofits By Nonprofits
Until nonprofits provide transparency with regard to what influences their goalsetting and outcome analyses, their research should be considered unreliable and ungeneralizable.
Continue readingA History of The Vegan Society
World Vegan Day was launched in 1994 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of The Vegan Society. Since then, veganism has become a cultural triumph making November 1st a day for celebration not only for veganismContinue reading
The Social Psychology of Veganism – Scripting
Effective persuasion necessitates that activists carefully direct desired behavior change. For vegans, what this means is that telling people to "Go Vegan!" is not sufficient, because it is not self-evident what going vegan entails. VeganismContinue reading
The Social Psychology of Veganism – Free-riding
When people support the need for social change but abstain from helping or participating to avoid the perceived costs and risks involved, this is known as free-riding. As rational actors, non-participants suppose that they willContinue reading
Are Vegans too Open to Free-Riders?
In an interview with The Atlantic, I present the compelling findings from my publication, "Free-Riders in the Nonprofit Industrial Complex: The Problem of Flexitarianism." In a meta-analysis of over 40 peer-reviewed journal articles on veganContinue reading