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Why Veganism Is NOT A Diet
“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.”
The quote above is the current official definition of the term ‘Vegan’ as defined by The Vegan Society. The Vegan Society was founded in 1944 by six acquaintances, including Donald Watson and Elsie Shrigley, who were vegetarian for ethical reasons. They were dissatisfied that The Vegetarian Society then, as now, refused to condemn the consumption of animal products other than meat.
After all, the likes of milk, cheese and eggs are all the products of exploitation, abuse and cruelty. It makes little to no sense to eschew the consumption of meat while continuing to support the same abusive industry by eating milk, eggs, cheese, etc.
Watson et al had to come up with a completely new word to describe such a ‘non-dairy vegetarian’. After considering numerous possibilities, they settled on the word vegan.
Before 1944, the word vegan didn’t even exist.
