What is White Veganism and Why is it a Thing?

Summary

The video explores the concept of white veganism and its intersection with white supremacy. It highlights how mainstream veganism often excludes the voices and contributions of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) while focusing on animal liberation alone, disregarding the impacts of colonialism and racism. The script critiques the exclusionary nature of the movement and advocates for a more inclusive, intersectional approach to veganism, emphasizing total liberation for both humans and animals. It also addresses the importance of confronting power dynamics and fostering community-driven, anti-colonial activism within the vegan movement.

Takeaways

• 😀 Veganism originally has roots in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) cultural practices, but modern veganism is often portrayed as a white movement.
• 😀 The term 'veganism' was coined by Donald Watson in 1944, but its ideological origins can be traced to non-white cultural beliefs, particularly Black and Indigenous communities.
• 😀 White veganism tends to focus on animal liberation while ignoring the intersectionality with colonialism, human oppression, and white supremacy.
• 😀 Veganism is seen as a form of anti-colonial, anti-imperialist, and anti-capitalist practice, addressing the exploitation of animals and marginalized human communities alike.
• 😀 The concept of white supremacy in veganism highlights the exclusion of BIPOC voices and the dominance of white voices in animal rights spaces.
• 😀 Black vegans, particularly in America, represent one of the fastest-growing demographics adopting plant-based lifestyles, which contrasts the often white-centered media narrative.
• 😀 Terms like 'holocaust' are controversially used by non-Jewish activists when comparing human suffering to animal suffering, which disregards the nuance of these historical events.
• 😀 'Theriocide,' a term coined to describe the killing of animals, is suggested over 'holocaust' to avoid the insensitive use of terminology in animal rights movements.
• 😀 The rejection of intersectionality by some white vegan activists perpetuates harm, silences marginalized voices, and reinforces power imbalances in the movement.
• 😀 Real change in veganism and animal rights movements will occur through diverse voices, and BIPOC activists must be supported in leading movements for total liberation and justice.

Q & A

What is the core issue addressed in the video about 'white veganism'?

The core issue is that 'white veganism' often centers white voices in the vegan movement while disregarding the historical and cultural contributions of marginalized communities, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). It also ignores the interconnectedness of animal liberation and the liberation of marginalized humans.

What are the historical roots of veganism as described in the video?

Veganism, as we know it today, was coined and defined by Donald Watson in 1944. However, the movement's roots lie in the cultural practices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities long before it was formalized, with examples like Rastafarianism incorporating veganism as part of their spiritual and ecological practices.

How does 'white veganism' fail in addressing colonialism and human rights?

White veganism often focuses solely on animal rights while ignoring the impacts of colonialism, imperialism, and capitalism, which have historically harmed both non-human animals and marginalized human communities. It fails to recognize the intersectionality of these issues and instead centers human supremacy as the primary problem.

What does the term 'theriocide' refer to, and why is it used?

Theriocide refers to the killing of non-human animals, particularly in the context of industrial agriculture. The term, coined by Pierre Spieren, highlights the mass killing of animals, contrasting it with human-focused terms like the Holocaust. The use of theriocide emphasizes the role of industrialization in animal deaths, beyond comparisons to human tragedies.

Why is intersectionality important in the context of veganism?

Intersectionality is crucial in veganism because it connects the struggles against animal exploitation with the broader fight against systemic oppression, including racism, colonialism, and capitalism. It ensures that the movement recognizes and addresses the harm done to marginalized human communities alongside non-human animals.

What does the speaker mean by 'total liberation' in veganism?

Total liberation in veganism refers to a philosophy that seeks the liberation of both non-human animals and humans. It is anti-colonial, anti-imperialist, and anti-capitalist, recognizing that the exploitation of animals is deeply intertwined with the exploitation of marginalized human communities.

How does the speaker view the role of language in vegan activism?

Language in vegan activism is viewed as a powerful and potentially harmful tool. Words can provoke, re-traumatize, or exclude marginalized communities. The speaker argues that using provocative language, like comparing animal suffering to human slavery, can further alienate people of color and hinder inclusive, productive activism.

What is the speaker's perspective on the role of white allies in the vegan movement?

The speaker calls on white allies to take responsibility for confronting white supremacy within the vegan movement. Allies should support and amplify BIPOC voices, be willing to unlearn and relearn, and work actively to address the harm caused by exclusionary practices in the movement.

What does the speaker suggest about the divisiveness of vegan spaces today?

The speaker suggests that vegan spaces are becoming more divided, largely due to the dominance of white voices and the exclusion of marginalized perspectives. White supremacy within these spaces makes it difficult for BIPOC vegans to lead and speak freely about their experiences and views.

How does the speaker view the future of the vegan movement?

The speaker is optimistic about the future of the vegan movement, believing that community collective power outside of traditional, exclusionary vegan spaces is already growing. However, for meaningful change, white allies must step up, address harm, and allow BIPOC-led movements to thrive.