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Veganism in an Oppressive World: A Vegans-of-Color Community Project
What would it take for veganism to spread further than ever before? Through the voices of vegans of color, Veganism in an Oppressive World will revolutionize the way you see our movement. A must read for new vegans and seasoned nonhuman animal activists alike, this community-led effort provides in-depth, first-hand accounts and analyses of what is needed to broaden the scope of veganism beyond its current status as a fringe or “single-issue” movement while ensuring that justice for nonhumans remains its central focus. This collection of academic essays, personal reflections and poetry critically examines the state of the mainstream nonhuman animal rights movement while imparting crucial perspectives on how to build a movement that is inclusive, consistent, and effective. "Countless folks aren’t critical enough about the interconnectedness of oppression and how it impacts marginalized communities as well as other animals (i.e. sexism, racism, classism, etc., which are greatly amplified under capitalism). "Veganism in an Oppressive World” is a must read for anyone committed to doing serious work around the dismantling of speciesism and all other systems of oppression that are inherently at odds with life.”– Kevin Tillman, Vegan Hip Hop Movement “The essays in Veganism in an Oppressive World highlight the challenges faced by vegans of color seeking justice for humans alongside our fellow animals. As a queer black trans vegan activist, I have witnessed racism, sexism, and other oppression in the animal rights movement, which is not only unacceptable in its own right, but also drives away potential allies for the animals. The voices in this book reflect wisdom and insights that...vegans simply do not possess. I recommend this book to all who wish to create a truly inclusive vegan world.” -Pax Ahimsa Gethen, photographer, writer, & activist
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2017
61 people are currently reading
878 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 4, 2018
An essential read for any person of colour who’s curious about veganism and what it actually means. Discouraging to think about how whiteness plagues everything, but encouraging to know that vegans of colour are actively fighting against it.
December 23, 2017
This short little book is an asset for any white animal rights activist or vegan who is newer to topics of intersectionality or who is involved in single-issue animal rights work. That seems to be the target audience of this book. It is not that I don't think folks of color will get things out of this, it just may be more preaching to the choir in their case. I could see my younger, newly vegan, obsessively animal rightsy self benefiting greatly from this. The intro could easily be made into a pamphlet and handed out at animal rights events. It also gave some insight into indigenous and south Asian vegan experiences that were helpful and interesting.
My only criticism of this book is that it feels unfinished. I purchased it new (something I do not do often) in part because Food Empowerment Project was getting some of the proceeds. So, the book and project still deserve support in the current phase. But, the formatting is off, there seem to be the same few writers in repeated entries with repetitive messages, there is no epilogue or wrap-up entry (like offering more resources or telling us more about contributors and their projects,) so the book just ends abruptly after a set of interviews, and other little things like spelling errors. I was hoping for a bigger call for contributions from a wider population of vegans of color for a book with a title like this. It is definitely still worth picking up and reading. It is a fast read. But, make sure you also read books like Aphroism, Sistah Vegan, and others to get a multitude of perspectives on these issues.
My only criticism of this book is that it feels unfinished. I purchased it new (something I do not do often) in part because Food Empowerment Project was getting some of the proceeds. So, the book and project still deserve support in the current phase. But, the formatting is off, there seem to be the same few writers in repeated entries with repetitive messages, there is no epilogue or wrap-up entry (like offering more resources or telling us more about contributors and their projects,) so the book just ends abruptly after a set of interviews, and other little things like spelling errors. I was hoping for a bigger call for contributions from a wider population of vegans of color for a book with a title like this. It is definitely still worth picking up and reading. It is a fast read. But, make sure you also read books like Aphroism, Sistah Vegan, and others to get a multitude of perspectives on these issues.
January 14, 2019
I picked up Veganism in an Oppressive World because since I became vegan in January of 2016, I have found myself isolated from many white vegans I encounter. This book, which is more of a zine with its many typos and earnestness (I mean these last as a compliment), succinctly summarizes my main problems with the movement, which are:
-It is dominated by white people who care more about animal welfare than human welfare. Many of these vegans espouse views that I find abhorrent, and some even proudly regurgitate racist rhetoric.
-Campaigns for animal welfare often contribute to “othering” non-white, non-American cultures. For instance, Koreans’ treatment of dogs and Native American hunting practices are singled out as instances of “barbaric” behavior, while the American dairy, meat, poultry, fishing, and egg industries (which are often much more efficient (read “barbaric”)) are given a free pass and conveniently overlooked. This approach to animal advocacy plays into colonial narratives that people of color are “uncivilized” and “less-than.”
-Many white vegans don’t understand, and don’t want to understand, social determinants of health, like access to affordable, nutritious food. While I’ve found that going vegan has proved to be much cheaper than my vegetarian or meat-eating diets, I recognize that much of America does not have access to these foods.
(I hate to further veganism’s many branding problems, but it’s important that the movement confronts the racism within it.)
The book also addresses white, privileged leftists who purport to care about the environment, people of color, animal rights, human rights, but who, in an ostentatious show of solidarity with people who are poor and/or people of color, refuse to become vegetarian or vegan, even though they have the means. I find these people especially irritating. They understand the harms associated with animal products but simply don’t want to become vegetarian or vegan. I would have a lot more respect for them if they simply came out and said that they just don’t want to become vegetarian or vegan, rather than using people who are poor and/or people of color as a beard. These people remind me of rich college students who have camp-outs in their quad as a show of “solidarity” with people who experience homelessness.
These excuses also make monoliths out of the marginalized. There are many vegans of color, we’re just less visible than white vegans. These excuses also completely ignore how, for many vegans, a vegan diet is a way to decolonize. Many diets of colonized peoples were vegetarian, vegan, or near-vegan before the arrival of Europeans.
Since so many people are complete dicks about my diet, I try not to be a dick about the way other people eat. Food is personal. On a date, you get to know someone over food. When someone is born, friends and family show their support by leaving food for the sleep-deprived parents. When someone dies, the community shows their love for the grieving in the same way. You mess with food rituals, you mess with culture. I respect that everyone is on their own journey, and that many people will never adopt a vegetarian or vegan diet. That’s fine. But don’t come at me using a people who are poor and/or people of color as a prop.
Another thing I loved about this book was its exploration of how white people use yoga in really appropriative ways. One writer talks about a white woman who adopted a Sanksrit name “Ahimsa.” I have met many white people like this. At one studio, I heard an interaction between two white people, a man and a woman. The man greeted the woman by her Sanskrit name, to which she replied, “Oh, I’m actually going by Lauren again now.” He asked her why, and she said, “I found that it was really hard to navigate through life with a foreign-sounding name.” It’s very easy for white people to use other peoples’ cultures to look cool, then discard whatever they’ve appropriated when it’s not convenient for them. Like white people with dreads.
What I loved about this book was it included vegan voices that you don’t hear very often. What I found particularly interesting was an essay by Margaret Robinson, a Mi’kmaw woman, titled, “Intersectionality in Mi’kmaw and Settler Vegan Values.” In it, she explores veganism’s othering of Native communities.
I’m usually not one to get on my soapbox about veganism, but this book inspired me to do so. Since I’m on a roll, I might as well finish my rant. Non-vegans, below are some tips on how to not sound like a dick when talking to vegans:
-Do not ask about our protein source. Many times, when people find out I’m vegan, they’ll ask: “Where do you get your protein?” Beans. Nuts. Tofu. That’s where. We hear this question all the goddamn time. I don’t ask meat-eaters about how they lower their cholesterol, and I don’t point out that heart disease is the number one killer of Americans. There’s not enough research on the nutritional value of veganism, but the research that does exist is mainly positive. The research on the detrimental effects of eating meat and dairy products, however, is pretty vast.
-Do not ask why we don’t care about humans. I volunteer regularly at organizations that serve humans and donate to three organizations that serve humans (a harm reduction organization, an immigrant rights organization, and a shelter for women who are homeless). Nearly 100% of the people who ask this question don’t volunteer or donate.
-Don’t become defensive when you learn that someone’s vegan. They’re simply giving you some information about themselves. If you don’t want to be vegan, that’s fine, but I don’t want to hear a laundry list of the reasons you aren’t.
-It is dominated by white people who care more about animal welfare than human welfare. Many of these vegans espouse views that I find abhorrent, and some even proudly regurgitate racist rhetoric.
-Campaigns for animal welfare often contribute to “othering” non-white, non-American cultures. For instance, Koreans’ treatment of dogs and Native American hunting practices are singled out as instances of “barbaric” behavior, while the American dairy, meat, poultry, fishing, and egg industries (which are often much more efficient (read “barbaric”)) are given a free pass and conveniently overlooked. This approach to animal advocacy plays into colonial narratives that people of color are “uncivilized” and “less-than.”
-Many white vegans don’t understand, and don’t want to understand, social determinants of health, like access to affordable, nutritious food. While I’ve found that going vegan has proved to be much cheaper than my vegetarian or meat-eating diets, I recognize that much of America does not have access to these foods.
(I hate to further veganism’s many branding problems, but it’s important that the movement confronts the racism within it.)
The book also addresses white, privileged leftists who purport to care about the environment, people of color, animal rights, human rights, but who, in an ostentatious show of solidarity with people who are poor and/or people of color, refuse to become vegetarian or vegan, even though they have the means. I find these people especially irritating. They understand the harms associated with animal products but simply don’t want to become vegetarian or vegan. I would have a lot more respect for them if they simply came out and said that they just don’t want to become vegetarian or vegan, rather than using people who are poor and/or people of color as a beard. These people remind me of rich college students who have camp-outs in their quad as a show of “solidarity” with people who experience homelessness.
These excuses also make monoliths out of the marginalized. There are many vegans of color, we’re just less visible than white vegans. These excuses also completely ignore how, for many vegans, a vegan diet is a way to decolonize. Many diets of colonized peoples were vegetarian, vegan, or near-vegan before the arrival of Europeans.
Since so many people are complete dicks about my diet, I try not to be a dick about the way other people eat. Food is personal. On a date, you get to know someone over food. When someone is born, friends and family show their support by leaving food for the sleep-deprived parents. When someone dies, the community shows their love for the grieving in the same way. You mess with food rituals, you mess with culture. I respect that everyone is on their own journey, and that many people will never adopt a vegetarian or vegan diet. That’s fine. But don’t come at me using a people who are poor and/or people of color as a prop.
Another thing I loved about this book was its exploration of how white people use yoga in really appropriative ways. One writer talks about a white woman who adopted a Sanksrit name “Ahimsa.” I have met many white people like this. At one studio, I heard an interaction between two white people, a man and a woman. The man greeted the woman by her Sanskrit name, to which she replied, “Oh, I’m actually going by Lauren again now.” He asked her why, and she said, “I found that it was really hard to navigate through life with a foreign-sounding name.” It’s very easy for white people to use other peoples’ cultures to look cool, then discard whatever they’ve appropriated when it’s not convenient for them. Like white people with dreads.
What I loved about this book was it included vegan voices that you don’t hear very often. What I found particularly interesting was an essay by Margaret Robinson, a Mi’kmaw woman, titled, “Intersectionality in Mi’kmaw and Settler Vegan Values.” In it, she explores veganism’s othering of Native communities.
I’m usually not one to get on my soapbox about veganism, but this book inspired me to do so. Since I’m on a roll, I might as well finish my rant. Non-vegans, below are some tips on how to not sound like a dick when talking to vegans:
-Do not ask about our protein source. Many times, when people find out I’m vegan, they’ll ask: “Where do you get your protein?” Beans. Nuts. Tofu. That’s where. We hear this question all the goddamn time. I don’t ask meat-eaters about how they lower their cholesterol, and I don’t point out that heart disease is the number one killer of Americans. There’s not enough research on the nutritional value of veganism, but the research that does exist is mainly positive. The research on the detrimental effects of eating meat and dairy products, however, is pretty vast.
-Do not ask why we don’t care about humans. I volunteer regularly at organizations that serve humans and donate to three organizations that serve humans (a harm reduction organization, an immigrant rights organization, and a shelter for women who are homeless). Nearly 100% of the people who ask this question don’t volunteer or donate.
-Don’t become defensive when you learn that someone’s vegan. They’re simply giving you some information about themselves. If you don’t want to be vegan, that’s fine, but I don’t want to hear a laundry list of the reasons you aren’t.
December 26, 2024
I really wanted to like this book, but it’s just very unclear who the intended audience is, or even the general thesis. There are some standouts, but the quality of contributions felt mixed at best. I’d be hesitant to recommend this book, even for those interested in a more intersectional and liberationist veganism.
July 29, 2023
Having already read Veganism of Colour, this felt very unfinished in comparison and lacking as much diversity as was in there. This offers a very surface-level look at this subject, with most of the essays repeating the same message. I just wish there was more to this and that it had an ending that wrapped everything up and possibly gave even more important resources.
January 7, 2018
While the introduction was a bit of a slog, the personal essays and thoughts from the contributors about being an intersectional vegan were well worth the price of admission.
By the title and description, I was hoping for a book that explored how veganism fits into other anti-oppression work and perhaps a primer for engaging different communities when discussing veganism. I'm still waiting for that book--this seems directed at mainly white vegans who are single-issue. There's also a lot of clap-back at mainstream animal rights groups. These are all welcome and worthy themes, but not was I was hoping for.
By the title and description, I was hoping for a book that explored how veganism fits into other anti-oppression work and perhaps a primer for engaging different communities when discussing veganism. I'm still waiting for that book--this seems directed at mainly white vegans who are single-issue. There's also a lot of clap-back at mainstream animal rights groups. These are all welcome and worthy themes, but not was I was hoping for.
September 23, 2018
This is a book of selections of poems, essays, and interviews from perspectives of vegans of color. I agree with one of the other commenters that this book seems to be directed at single-issue white vegans, however, definitely a necessary read for anyone who is involved in animal rights activism. Some of the passages are quite good but some are a bit harder to follow. The introduction is a bit long and the book doesn't feel like it is supposed to end where it ends. Some spelling/grammar errors throughout, but definitely a good introduction overall and a mind-opening read.
Some of my favorite quotes from the book:
"One of the issues brought up in this book and rather quite a central foundation for it is represented by the following quote, "I think that it is easy for vegans - especially ones who aren't of color - to assume that people of color, namely working-class people of color, aren't worth talking to about veganism."
"I have become inspired to encourage others to research and study the nonviolent roots of their own religions and how they align with veganism. The more we understand these connections in other religions and cultures, the less pressure or compulsion there may be to appropriate and misrepresent Eastern religions."
"Veganism demands us to question absolutely everything in us that has been modeled by our cultural programming and to bring our thoughts and deeds into alignment with a radically more inclusive ethic that calls for respect and kindness for all beings, including our apparent opponents. We see that veganism, as boundless inclusiveness, is the essence of all social justice movements and that is the antidote to what ails our world."
"Boundless inclusiveness: a respect for all sentient beings, as well as the planet on which these beings rely equally."
"Slaughterhouses are full of people with various mental illnesses - both people who come to the job with a preexisting illness and some who develop such illnesses while employed at the slaughterhouse. These people don't need to be demonized, and doing so won't save nonhumans. What they need is professional psychiatric evaluation and intervention, not hateful rhetoric and social isolation."
"... how unnecessary competition among struggles against oppression - Oppression Olympics - is fueled and how human members of oppressed communities may have come to feel excluded from and/or overlooked by the mainstream (Nonhuman) Animal Liberation Movement."
"... the vegan movement should be centered on other animals, but the inteconnectedness of human and animal oppressions is really hard to deny once you see it. It is essential to understand these connections if we are vever going to achieve animal liberation."
Some of my favorite quotes from the book:
"One of the issues brought up in this book and rather quite a central foundation for it is represented by the following quote, "I think that it is easy for vegans - especially ones who aren't of color - to assume that people of color, namely working-class people of color, aren't worth talking to about veganism."
"I have become inspired to encourage others to research and study the nonviolent roots of their own religions and how they align with veganism. The more we understand these connections in other religions and cultures, the less pressure or compulsion there may be to appropriate and misrepresent Eastern religions."
"Veganism demands us to question absolutely everything in us that has been modeled by our cultural programming and to bring our thoughts and deeds into alignment with a radically more inclusive ethic that calls for respect and kindness for all beings, including our apparent opponents. We see that veganism, as boundless inclusiveness, is the essence of all social justice movements and that is the antidote to what ails our world."
"Boundless inclusiveness: a respect for all sentient beings, as well as the planet on which these beings rely equally."
"Slaughterhouses are full of people with various mental illnesses - both people who come to the job with a preexisting illness and some who develop such illnesses while employed at the slaughterhouse. These people don't need to be demonized, and doing so won't save nonhumans. What they need is professional psychiatric evaluation and intervention, not hateful rhetoric and social isolation."
"... how unnecessary competition among struggles against oppression - Oppression Olympics - is fueled and how human members of oppressed communities may have come to feel excluded from and/or overlooked by the mainstream (Nonhuman) Animal Liberation Movement."
"... the vegan movement should be centered on other animals, but the inteconnectedness of human and animal oppressions is really hard to deny once you see it. It is essential to understand these connections if we are vever going to achieve animal liberation."
May 28, 2018
Although not vegan or vegetarian myself I'm aware of the conversations around veganism and the perception that it's really only for a privileged group of people who have the means, the access, etc. to be vegan and how frustrating it can be for certain groups, such as Indigenous people whose cultures and backgrounds include eating meat. I had read 'Sistah Vegan' and thought this would be another good read.
In a selection of poetry, interviews, essays, etc. the contributors talk about what it's like to be vegan, how veganism can be more accessible, the barriers that vegans of color encounter, why they became vegan, etc. If you're familiar with some of these conversations it's probably not going to be a surprise but I definitely learned quite a bit.
At the same time, the criticisms are merited. The work feels uneven--some of the text is really interesting, some felt like 101-level information, some parts could have used more editing. I appreciated the citations that contributors listed, though.
I didn't mind reading it but at the same time I also wasn't particularly engaged by it either. I bought this but would recommend getting it as a library borrow unless you need it for a reference of some sort.
In a selection of poetry, interviews, essays, etc. the contributors talk about what it's like to be vegan, how veganism can be more accessible, the barriers that vegans of color encounter, why they became vegan, etc. If you're familiar with some of these conversations it's probably not going to be a surprise but I definitely learned quite a bit.
At the same time, the criticisms are merited. The work feels uneven--some of the text is really interesting, some felt like 101-level information, some parts could have used more editing. I appreciated the citations that contributors listed, though.
I didn't mind reading it but at the same time I also wasn't particularly engaged by it either. I bought this but would recommend getting it as a library borrow unless you need it for a reference of some sort.
Read
September 9, 2020dnf
nothing wrong with the book, it just didn't hold my attention
nothing wrong with the book, it just didn't hold my attention
October 27, 2020
This is a quick read. Really appreciated the different points of views.
January 3, 2018
essential reading for vegans - vegans of colour, as well as those not of colour.
June 16, 2019
This is a necessary read for any and all vegans. This is a book that I wish I owned so that I could mark it up, underline it, quote from it. With a series of essays and poems and interviews, each author argues for a world that recognizes the pain of non-human animals and the pain of communities of color, and how intertwined they are.
I can't attest as to how engaging and affirming this is to vegans of color, since I am not a vegan of color, but for me, this book brought to light so many problems and discussions that veganism as a whole has today, such as the strange connection between not eating animals and following only pieces of eastern religions and beliefs, and the metaphor of community trauma (the holocaust, slavery) being applied to non-human animals.
These were conversations I was already aware of, but it was so refreshing to see them discussed within the pages of a printed book, and from the perspective of vegans who are actually a part of those communities.
Additionally, if you're wondering just how post-colonialism and feminism can be applied to such a movement, these authors will make it clear as they use Crenshaw's concept of intersectionality in nearly all of their conversations surrounding the topic of community, race, and veganism.
Ultimately, this is a must read, and goes to show that we're already having the conversations that non-vegans want us to have. Definitely worth it.
Review cross-listed here!
I can't attest as to how engaging and affirming this is to vegans of color, since I am not a vegan of color, but for me, this book brought to light so many problems and discussions that veganism as a whole has today, such as the strange connection between not eating animals and following only pieces of eastern religions and beliefs, and the metaphor of community trauma (the holocaust, slavery) being applied to non-human animals.
These were conversations I was already aware of, but it was so refreshing to see them discussed within the pages of a printed book, and from the perspective of vegans who are actually a part of those communities.
Additionally, if you're wondering just how post-colonialism and feminism can be applied to such a movement, these authors will make it clear as they use Crenshaw's concept of intersectionality in nearly all of their conversations surrounding the topic of community, race, and veganism.
Ultimately, this is a must read, and goes to show that we're already having the conversations that non-vegans want us to have. Definitely worth it.
Review cross-listed here!
May 9, 2024
A STIMULATING AND ENLIGHTENING COLLECTION OF WRITINGS
Editor Julia Feliz Brueck wrote in the Preface to this 2017 book, “Through this book, we, myself and contributors from various communities of color, will give you the tools with which to better understand what it means to be a vegan of color and the importance of ensuring that the vegan movement becomes one that opposes ALL oppression. With this vital knowledge and awareness, you will be able to help veganism spread being what is perceived as a privileged, mostly white-centered community. People of color make up the largest percent of people on Earth and, without us---without taking our struggles seriously, and without being mindful of our voices---humans will never be able to create a world in which nonhumans are free from exploitation, which is what unites us in our commitment under veganism.”
She adds in the Introduction, “This book is a community-led project by vegans of color in an attempt to use our own voices to raise those of nonhuman animals. Through personal stories, unique lenses, and research-based essays, we hope to give you a sense of why inclusivity of anti-oppression in discussing and campaigning around veganism is imperative for growing our movement in a way that benefits huma ns and nonhumans alike. With this body of work, we are advocating for our movement to embrace an approach to veganism: one that is anti-speciesist, consistent, pro-intersectional, and against all oppression.” (Pg. 1)
She outlines, “As a basis, vegans must: *Uphold the reason or veganism, which is a stance against nonhuman animal exploitation and centers nonhumans in their own movement… *reject single-issue advocacy… *Recognize that the way in which we speak about veganism matters. Veganism is not a diet. Interchanging ‘vegan’ with ‘plant-based’ is speciesist, as it focuses on ‘food animals’ while ignoring those used for clothing, entertainment, testing, and all other forms of exploitation… *Be consistent in their advocacy against animal exploitation. Allowing for ‘a little’ oppression and advocating for ‘baby steps’ or ‘reductionism’ instead of veganism is speciesist…” (Pg. 3-6)
She suggests, “Thus, understanding the intersections that an individual may face, historical and cultural influences, and how that may prevent a community from openly embracing veganism is just one way that the mainstream vegan movement can begin to form a true understanding of anti-oppression and what it means to be aware of the work that needs to be done before expecting non-white communities to readily embrace the vegan message and lifestyle. However, understanding takes us only so far. Actually putting in the work towards a just society, where veganism is actually accessible should be the ultimate goal of our movement.” (Pg. 13)
She observes, “People of color cannot leave their skin color at the door because it dictates their very existence. Disabled people cannot simply ignore their disabilities because they affect their daily lives. People who live life under poverty cannot simply ignore their struggle for survival. People who experience discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender cannot simply ignore part of who they are. Now imagine being someone who experiences any of several forms of oppression because they are part of one or more than one oppressed group. Imagine encountering representatives of the animal rights movement, who tell you that your oppression doesn’t matter. Imagine being part of an oppressed group and seeing a movement that claims to be about justice protecting---your oppressors! Would you want to be a part of it? Probably not.” (Pg. 15-16)
She proposes, “what CAN you do to be consistently inclusive of anti-oppression and supportive to vegans of color? *When vegans of color speak, LISTEN… *Recognize that your perception and experience of the world is completely different to that of a vegan of color or vegan from any other marginalized community of which you yourself are not part… *Whole Foods markets, recipe books made up of obscure and often expensive ingredients, and meals focused on faux meat alternatives are not the way to help the rest of the world go vegan… *Do not use people of color as targets for a campaign… *Defer culturally sensitive conversations to those actually affected by those issued or to those from those specific cultures affected by the topic at hand… *Never use the historical oppression of people of color or any historically oppressed group to draw similarities within our fight for nonhuman animals… *Never use people of color to justify the oppression of anyone… *Learn about other cultures and the issues that affect them… *Openly reject vegans that support or take part in racism.” (Pg. 18-23)
In a later essay, she states, “I’m converging lack of financial privilege to ethnicity, as they are related. The 2015 poverty rate for Black folks was at 24.1 percent; for Hispanic people, 21.4 percent; and for White people, 9.1 percent. Because of systemic racism, redlining, and unfair wage gaps, among other things, people of color live in poverty in increasing numbers over their white counterparts. Thus, the consumer culture of veganism hurts people of color who wish to fight for the animals, but who feel shut our when conversations and outings revolve around pricey restaurants, conferences, and products. Of course, then other participants actively reject their contribution to the movement by making outright racist and classist statements, people also walk away. How can we change? How can we convince white vegans to allow us in their movement? We don’t. Because it isn’t solely their movement. Because veganism doesn’t belong to any one race of people.” (Pg. 49-50)
In another essay, she suggests, “From a strategic standpoint, if it patently nonsensical to request all nonhuman animal advocates move to an urban activist hub, as this will draw activists away from slaughterhouses and farms. These are the very sites where violence and oppression occur, and it is invaluable to our movement that we draw attention to these places and rally support for nonhumans along the locals. It is in towns where slaughterhouses and/or nonhuman animal farms reside that violence against nonhumans is perhaps the most normalized, even to the point of being revered as a means through which to financially support one’s family.” (Pg. 93)
This book also includes poetry, essays, and an interview with six South Asian women.
This book will be of great interest to vegans of ALL ethnicities.
Editor Julia Feliz Brueck wrote in the Preface to this 2017 book, “Through this book, we, myself and contributors from various communities of color, will give you the tools with which to better understand what it means to be a vegan of color and the importance of ensuring that the vegan movement becomes one that opposes ALL oppression. With this vital knowledge and awareness, you will be able to help veganism spread being what is perceived as a privileged, mostly white-centered community. People of color make up the largest percent of people on Earth and, without us---without taking our struggles seriously, and without being mindful of our voices---humans will never be able to create a world in which nonhumans are free from exploitation, which is what unites us in our commitment under veganism.”
She adds in the Introduction, “This book is a community-led project by vegans of color in an attempt to use our own voices to raise those of nonhuman animals. Through personal stories, unique lenses, and research-based essays, we hope to give you a sense of why inclusivity of anti-oppression in discussing and campaigning around veganism is imperative for growing our movement in a way that benefits huma ns and nonhumans alike. With this body of work, we are advocating for our movement to embrace an approach to veganism: one that is anti-speciesist, consistent, pro-intersectional, and against all oppression.” (Pg. 1)
She outlines, “As a basis, vegans must: *Uphold the reason or veganism, which is a stance against nonhuman animal exploitation and centers nonhumans in their own movement… *reject single-issue advocacy… *Recognize that the way in which we speak about veganism matters. Veganism is not a diet. Interchanging ‘vegan’ with ‘plant-based’ is speciesist, as it focuses on ‘food animals’ while ignoring those used for clothing, entertainment, testing, and all other forms of exploitation… *Be consistent in their advocacy against animal exploitation. Allowing for ‘a little’ oppression and advocating for ‘baby steps’ or ‘reductionism’ instead of veganism is speciesist…” (Pg. 3-6)
She suggests, “Thus, understanding the intersections that an individual may face, historical and cultural influences, and how that may prevent a community from openly embracing veganism is just one way that the mainstream vegan movement can begin to form a true understanding of anti-oppression and what it means to be aware of the work that needs to be done before expecting non-white communities to readily embrace the vegan message and lifestyle. However, understanding takes us only so far. Actually putting in the work towards a just society, where veganism is actually accessible should be the ultimate goal of our movement.” (Pg. 13)
She observes, “People of color cannot leave their skin color at the door because it dictates their very existence. Disabled people cannot simply ignore their disabilities because they affect their daily lives. People who live life under poverty cannot simply ignore their struggle for survival. People who experience discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender cannot simply ignore part of who they are. Now imagine being someone who experiences any of several forms of oppression because they are part of one or more than one oppressed group. Imagine encountering representatives of the animal rights movement, who tell you that your oppression doesn’t matter. Imagine being part of an oppressed group and seeing a movement that claims to be about justice protecting---your oppressors! Would you want to be a part of it? Probably not.” (Pg. 15-16)
She proposes, “what CAN you do to be consistently inclusive of anti-oppression and supportive to vegans of color? *When vegans of color speak, LISTEN… *Recognize that your perception and experience of the world is completely different to that of a vegan of color or vegan from any other marginalized community of which you yourself are not part… *Whole Foods markets, recipe books made up of obscure and often expensive ingredients, and meals focused on faux meat alternatives are not the way to help the rest of the world go vegan… *Do not use people of color as targets for a campaign… *Defer culturally sensitive conversations to those actually affected by those issued or to those from those specific cultures affected by the topic at hand… *Never use the historical oppression of people of color or any historically oppressed group to draw similarities within our fight for nonhuman animals… *Never use people of color to justify the oppression of anyone… *Learn about other cultures and the issues that affect them… *Openly reject vegans that support or take part in racism.” (Pg. 18-23)
In a later essay, she states, “I’m converging lack of financial privilege to ethnicity, as they are related. The 2015 poverty rate for Black folks was at 24.1 percent; for Hispanic people, 21.4 percent; and for White people, 9.1 percent. Because of systemic racism, redlining, and unfair wage gaps, among other things, people of color live in poverty in increasing numbers over their white counterparts. Thus, the consumer culture of veganism hurts people of color who wish to fight for the animals, but who feel shut our when conversations and outings revolve around pricey restaurants, conferences, and products. Of course, then other participants actively reject their contribution to the movement by making outright racist and classist statements, people also walk away. How can we change? How can we convince white vegans to allow us in their movement? We don’t. Because it isn’t solely their movement. Because veganism doesn’t belong to any one race of people.” (Pg. 49-50)
In another essay, she suggests, “From a strategic standpoint, if it patently nonsensical to request all nonhuman animal advocates move to an urban activist hub, as this will draw activists away from slaughterhouses and farms. These are the very sites where violence and oppression occur, and it is invaluable to our movement that we draw attention to these places and rally support for nonhumans along the locals. It is in towns where slaughterhouses and/or nonhuman animal farms reside that violence against nonhumans is perhaps the most normalized, even to the point of being revered as a means through which to financially support one’s family.” (Pg. 93)
This book also includes poetry, essays, and an interview with six South Asian women.
This book will be of great interest to vegans of ALL ethnicities.
December 22, 2023
Valuable book about intersectional veganism. Rather inspiring, especially in a time when genocide and apartheid in Palestine are silenced.
The reflections shared by vegans from South Asia about yoga appropriation were particularly enlightening.
Namely:
'Yoga should not be a commodity to generate profit for white-dominated capitalist businesses, but an accessible (both fisically and physically), (w)holistic, and mindful consciousness-rising practice that engages in communal conversations about self-realization and wholeness with regard to its spiritual connections and indigenous roots.'
The reflections shared by vegans from South Asia about yoga appropriation were particularly enlightening.
Namely:
'Yoga should not be a commodity to generate profit for white-dominated capitalist businesses, but an accessible (both fisically and physically), (w)holistic, and mindful consciousness-rising practice that engages in communal conversations about self-realization and wholeness with regard to its spiritual connections and indigenous roots.'
September 23, 2018
This is a great, well written book, that is a quick read.
This book should be read by vegans who are already active in the animal rights movement. It really calls out "white veganism" and vegans who often erase or villanize people of color, even if they are vegan.
It calls for a change of mindset towards animal activism to be more inclusive, while providing interesting personal poems and anecdotes.
Highly recommend.
This book should be read by vegans who are already active in the animal rights movement. It really calls out "white veganism" and vegans who often erase or villanize people of color, even if they are vegan.
It calls for a change of mindset towards animal activism to be more inclusive, while providing interesting personal poems and anecdotes.
Highly recommend.
August 23, 2021
DNF 32% I don't like it. There were parts that I completely disagree with and other parts that are fine but overall I don't see the value in finishing this book. I struggled to figure out who the intended audience is - vegan or non-vegan, POC or white? I don't know but it wasn't for me. I really don't like judgmental vegan books.
December 30, 2017
Every Vegan of Color should read this book!
As a black vegan woman, this book has truly opened my eyes even more to oppression among vegans of color.
As a black vegan woman, this book has truly opened my eyes even more to oppression among vegans of color.
March 7, 2018
This book could use some editing, but the content is fantastic and well worth reading.
August 23, 2018
The sections on intersectionality are great. The interviews at the end, not so much. Really disliked the implications that Hinduism is somehow encouraging of animal rights. Spoiler: it's really not.
August 25, 2018
I wish this book was longer! So much knowledge, I think a sequel would be helpful. Essential book for anyone who identifies as vegan, feminist, activist etc
December 21, 2018
The good was good, the bad was... well, we'll get to that.
The important part is that there was a lot of good stuff in here.
Things that this book will force vegan readers to think about:
1. The absurdity of a super-vegan looking down on a "mere vegetarian" who cruelly eats honey with no regard for the mistreated bees while eating vegan dark chocolate harvested by a child slave.
2. The often-unintential classism (branded here as subtle racism, but I do think that much of this is more classist than racist) of a vegan movement focused on the latest vegan products, the best vegan restaurants. Vegan groups that excitedly show their super-vegan-ry by touting their purchase of Impossible Burgers and Miyoko's cheese wheels and Just Eggs and cruelty free designer fashion unintentionally exclude those that want to do right by farmed animals but don't have the money to attend every restaurant outing, sample every new product, and so on.
3. The (hopefully unintended) racism of selective outrage on the part of some vegans who will boycott small nations or hold intensely angry protests over a large slaughter of dogs or some big Indigenous hunt but who are less vocal about the horrible things that happen every single day to animals in their own culture. Freaking out about a few hundred dogs being killed by people who look different than me somewhere over there while being sort of kind of complacent about the millions of animals killed in my own back yard makes one question what the underlying motives and prejudices might be.
3. If you aren't descended from people who were slaves, it's probably not cool to constantly compare animal agriculture to slavery. If you aren't descended from people who experienced the atrocities of the Holocaust, it's probably not cool to compare factory farms to concentration camps. And so on. Possibly not cool to that even if you have that background, definitely not cool if you don't. Just sorta kinda tacky.
4. Also not cool-- being super preachy and judgy about people who have other shit to worry about it. As in, yes, veganism is super important to me, animal rights are important, but hey, if you're living on the street and you're hungry, or if you're in a war zone and you're worried about the survival of your family, or you're working three jobs to raise your kids and you don't have time to cook a real meal for anybody in the house, obtaining 100% vegan, organic produce grown with love under a rainbow might not be your biggest concern.
This is all stuff that I would have agreed with 100% before reading this book. It's not "news" to me. I get annoyed by preachy vegans, judgemental vegans, vegans who conform to that stereotype of elitist/entitled/snotty/out of touch. Reading this book, though, made it all hit home a little harder. Not news, but feeling it like it was new, if that makes sense. Seeing some of my own fumbles in there-- particularly in that whole high-spending-sample-every-expensive-product-to-prove-I'm-a-true-vegan bit.
So, yeah, a good book, worth reading. Very worth reading for all that.
But there's some irritating stuff in here too.
I don't want to dig too deep into that because why do that? The good outweighs the bad, and there's important stuff here. But there's also some... I don't know the word for it. Sometimes I meet activists, whether they're animal activists or peace activists or any other kind of activist, and I wonder if their favorite thing in the world to do is to sigh and be misunderstood. I sometimes meet people who I mostly agree with, almost point for point, but they come across as so desperately wanting to be misunderstood martyrs. Or they harp on every little thing to the point that their bigger message is just completely lost. And so on.
There's some of that here. A bit too much of that.
And there's this whole "cultural appropriation" thing going on that in my opinion isn't handled well. My instinct is to say "yeah, I'm with you" and be all pissed off at some privileged white person's appropriative (is that a word?) behavior. But sometimes it just gets silly, sometimes it gets petty, and I felt that in a few places here. As in, not every bit of cross-cultural sharing is a reason to get upset, not every white person who steps foot in an ashram is a culture thief, lots of shitty stuff has been done in the past and lots of shitty stuff is being done today but let's not attack even the good stuff out of fear that someone will get away with something bad.
But like I said, no need to go too deep into that. That's probably too much already.
Good book. Glad I read it. Will share bits and pieces with others down the road.
The important part is that there was a lot of good stuff in here.
Things that this book will force vegan readers to think about:
1. The absurdity of a super-vegan looking down on a "mere vegetarian" who cruelly eats honey with no regard for the mistreated bees while eating vegan dark chocolate harvested by a child slave.
2. The often-unintential classism (branded here as subtle racism, but I do think that much of this is more classist than racist) of a vegan movement focused on the latest vegan products, the best vegan restaurants. Vegan groups that excitedly show their super-vegan-ry by touting their purchase of Impossible Burgers and Miyoko's cheese wheels and Just Eggs and cruelty free designer fashion unintentionally exclude those that want to do right by farmed animals but don't have the money to attend every restaurant outing, sample every new product, and so on.
3. The (hopefully unintended) racism of selective outrage on the part of some vegans who will boycott small nations or hold intensely angry protests over a large slaughter of dogs or some big Indigenous hunt but who are less vocal about the horrible things that happen every single day to animals in their own culture. Freaking out about a few hundred dogs being killed by people who look different than me somewhere over there while being sort of kind of complacent about the millions of animals killed in my own back yard makes one question what the underlying motives and prejudices might be.
3. If you aren't descended from people who were slaves, it's probably not cool to constantly compare animal agriculture to slavery. If you aren't descended from people who experienced the atrocities of the Holocaust, it's probably not cool to compare factory farms to concentration camps. And so on. Possibly not cool to that even if you have that background, definitely not cool if you don't. Just sorta kinda tacky.
4. Also not cool-- being super preachy and judgy about people who have other shit to worry about it. As in, yes, veganism is super important to me, animal rights are important, but hey, if you're living on the street and you're hungry, or if you're in a war zone and you're worried about the survival of your family, or you're working three jobs to raise your kids and you don't have time to cook a real meal for anybody in the house, obtaining 100% vegan, organic produce grown with love under a rainbow might not be your biggest concern.
This is all stuff that I would have agreed with 100% before reading this book. It's not "news" to me. I get annoyed by preachy vegans, judgemental vegans, vegans who conform to that stereotype of elitist/entitled/snotty/out of touch. Reading this book, though, made it all hit home a little harder. Not news, but feeling it like it was new, if that makes sense. Seeing some of my own fumbles in there-- particularly in that whole high-spending-sample-every-expensive-product-to-prove-I'm-a-true-vegan bit.
So, yeah, a good book, worth reading. Very worth reading for all that.
But there's some irritating stuff in here too.
I don't want to dig too deep into that because why do that? The good outweighs the bad, and there's important stuff here. But there's also some... I don't know the word for it. Sometimes I meet activists, whether they're animal activists or peace activists or any other kind of activist, and I wonder if their favorite thing in the world to do is to sigh and be misunderstood. I sometimes meet people who I mostly agree with, almost point for point, but they come across as so desperately wanting to be misunderstood martyrs. Or they harp on every little thing to the point that their bigger message is just completely lost. And so on.
There's some of that here. A bit too much of that.
And there's this whole "cultural appropriation" thing going on that in my opinion isn't handled well. My instinct is to say "yeah, I'm with you" and be all pissed off at some privileged white person's appropriative (is that a word?) behavior. But sometimes it just gets silly, sometimes it gets petty, and I felt that in a few places here. As in, not every bit of cross-cultural sharing is a reason to get upset, not every white person who steps foot in an ashram is a culture thief, lots of shitty stuff has been done in the past and lots of shitty stuff is being done today but let's not attack even the good stuff out of fear that someone will get away with something bad.
But like I said, no need to go too deep into that. That's probably too much already.
Good book. Glad I read it. Will share bits and pieces with others down the road.
July 22, 2022
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Veganism in an Oppressive World is a collection of essays, poems and interviews that show us different perspectives on the movement from various vegans of color.
There is a lot of classism, racism (and more -ism) in the vegan movement, and this book is not afraid to say so. One thing I really take away from this book is that everyone's situation is different. Not everyone has access to vegan food or can have it as a priority. We shouldn't judge and criticize those who can't be vegan at the moment, but recognize the privilege of those who are.
This is an engaging and eye-opening book that has made me question different aspects of veganism. Since it is a short, fast-paced book, it is recommended to everyone, especially those who villainize (vegan) people of color.
tw: mentions of racism, classism, sexism, misogyny, specism, animal cruelty.
Veganism in an Oppressive World is a collection of essays, poems and interviews that show us different perspectives on the movement from various vegans of color.
There is a lot of classism, racism (and more -ism) in the vegan movement, and this book is not afraid to say so. One thing I really take away from this book is that everyone's situation is different. Not everyone has access to vegan food or can have it as a priority. We shouldn't judge and criticize those who can't be vegan at the moment, but recognize the privilege of those who are.
This is an engaging and eye-opening book that has made me question different aspects of veganism. Since it is a short, fast-paced book, it is recommended to everyone, especially those who villainize (vegan) people of color.
tw: mentions of racism, classism, sexism, misogyny, specism, animal cruelty.
July 23, 2025
Algunis autoris feien aportacions super interessants, sobretot en quant a lligar actituds racistes que es vivien dins del moviment mainstream vegano i així. Altres m'han semblat una mica massa superficials o "simples" quan parlaven sobre classisme o qüestions de pobresa. Entenc que lis autoris són persones racialitzades i per això aprofundeixen en el tema amb unes bases sòlides; però em sorprén que no ho facin en quant a opressions per qüestions de classe. No ho se, m'ha fet pensar que com que no és algo que ellis visquin en primera persona, doncs no en parlen tant. M'hagués semblat molt interessant que precisament es toqués també molt el tema de com poder ser vegani és un privilegi en molts sectors de la societat actual; i de quines eines tenim per a poder modificar-ho o que podem fer per a que sigui accessible...
Molt interessant tot i això, sobretot en tot el tema de la cultura del ioga i de les apropiacions d'occident.
Molt interessant tot i això, sobretot en tot el tema de la cultura del ioga i de les apropiacions d'occident.
June 20, 2020
Read this one in just one sitting today. If this were the beginning of my vegan journey I probably would have appreciated it more than I do today. It’s a little like preaching to the choir at this point. Some of the things I enjoyed were the interview portions about Muslim vegans struggles and the appropriation of yoga in Western cultures. The voices of vegans of color through the short interview section were really appreciated. The poetry section didn’t really do anything for me. Like all collections from different authors the writings vary a lot. If you’re new to veganism or want to learn more about intersectionality within the vegan movement this is a great start.
May 8, 2021
As a white vegan activist of over 7 years, I've been frustrated and disappointed by how ineffective the movement has been through its tone-deafness and obliviousness to the realities of non-white cultures. This book addresses everything, provides an admirably diverse array of POC perspectives, and ultimately is exactly what white vegan activists need to hear to create a better, more inclusive, more effective animal rights movement.
If you're a white vegan activist, you owe it to yourself, to your POC peers, and to the animals to read this book. It's a really quick read.
Probably the best book on vegan activism I've read thus far.
If you're a white vegan activist, you owe it to yourself, to your POC peers, and to the animals to read this book. It's a really quick read.
Probably the best book on vegan activism I've read thus far.
November 21, 2019
Really important read with interesting perspectives on a range of topics from vegans of colour. There is a great introduction about why veganism needs to be decolonised/white vegans decentred and how this can be achieved. The rest of the book is comprised of poetry, short reflections, essays and interviews which makes for an accessible and engaging read (as opposed to an entire book of academic writing which can be hard to read at times).
An absolute must-read for all vegans in order to make this community fully intersectional, inclusive, and accessible to all.
An absolute must-read for all vegans in order to make this community fully intersectional, inclusive, and accessible to all.
June 20, 2019
This book was really great and one of the first books I went when starting a plant based diet. It really helped me to better understand the activist part of being vegan and how that co-exists within a POC lens & anti-racist framework.
I really recommend this for folks that are interested in learning the classist, racist facets of veganism and how to combat that and make veganism much more accessible to all.
I really recommend this for folks that are interested in learning the classist, racist facets of veganism and how to combat that and make veganism much more accessible to all.
July 21, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It was a really good starting point for me into looking more closely into putting more focus on intersectionality in all forms of activism. The only reason that it came out to a 4 instead of 5 star is just because it felt like it ended kind of abruptly and was a bit disjointed. However, it is an anthology so I wouldn’t say that’s a huge drawback. Still absolutely worth reading!
February 5, 2018
Anyone who wants to progress as an individual activist, regardless of the movement you're immersed in, should read this. Anyone who wants to advance the animal rights movement, on local and/or global levels, should also read this. Anyone who wants an animal rights perspective on intersectionality or wants a base for being intersectional in their struggle for social justice should read this book.
October 23, 2019
If you are a vegan you need to read this book.
For people trying to understand intersectionality and how the rights of animals fits into modalities of oppression in a wider context this will help you make those links.
Some parts may require the reader to have an open mind and sit with some uncomfortable scenarios.
For people trying to understand intersectionality and how the rights of animals fits into modalities of oppression in a wider context this will help you make those links.
Some parts may require the reader to have an open mind and sit with some uncomfortable scenarios.
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