Vegan culture is likely to move more and more into environmental claimsmaking, as that has proved most successful in achieving institutional changes that support a transition to plant-based foodways. I would like to see, however, more social justice claimsmaking made for nonhuman animals themselves. Sadly, in all the discourse over healthy food, capitalism, and climate change, the animals themselves remain hidden from the conversation. This is a real travesty, as they have the most to gain from a vegan world.
Continue readingShocked or Satiated? Violent Imagery Traumatizes Rather than Motivates Veteran Activists
Sociologists James Jasper and Jane Poulsen have argued that activists’ deployment of emotionally triggering ‘moral shocks’ can stimulate recruitment for movements, particularly for those which are less successful in recruiting through social networks. Others have suggested that, more than a recruitment tool, these moral shocks are useful for sustaining activist motivation. I wondered, however, if activists might actually find violent imagery in campaigning to do the opposite. Perhaps it demotivated, instead?
Continue readingHow Do I Positively Engage My Non-Vegan Family?
Sharing vegan food with family members will not only increase their familiarity with that food; it also creates positive associations with veganism and hopefully reduces any tension.
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 readingNeuroscience Explains Vegan Commitment to Nonvegan Companies
For some years now, I have been outspoken in my criticism against LUSH Cosmetics. LUSH is a purveyor of premium bath and body products, and it regularly engages in misogynistic stunts to promote them. With every renewedContinue reading
Research Challenges the Emotionality of Anti-Speciesist Thought
Prevailing social science emphasizes the emotiveness of anti-speciesism. However, this neuroscience research would suggest that many activists are opposed to and upset by speciesism as a matter of rational conclusion, not emotional reaction.
Continue readingWhat Sociology Can Tell Us about Empathy for Animals
Empathy for Animals is a Core Human Value Humans across the globe share their homes with dogs, cats, rodents, and other animals. We call them companions, pets, or even family members. Thousands of pounds areContinue reading
Veganism and Alternative Facts
The Role of Scientific Claimsmaking in a Rationalized Movementscape One of the defining features of the 21st-century Nonhuman Animal rights movement is its move to increase rationalization. This is a process that prioritizes efficacy, control,Continue reading
Why I’m Giving Beyoncé’s Vegan Campaign a Chance
Beyoncé and Jay-Z shocked mainstream news and vegan activists alike when they announced that fans who pledge to go plant-based have a chance to win free tickets to their concerts for life. Some vegans haveContinue reading
The Social Psychology of Veganism – Cognitive Priming
Cognitive Priming for Positive Outcomes Cognitive priming refers to the process of manipulating an audience's interpretation of information. Professors, for instance, might make subtle hints to their students about positive experiences in the classroom hopingContinue reading