Vegetarian vs. vegan: the moral dilemma
by Michelle Vint
June 13, 2009
I wanted to switch up my writing today to something a little more personal and explore a topic that has been on my mind for some time: the difference between vegetarians and vegans.
Just to clarify for those who may not be totally familiar with the intricacies of each, here is a basic rundown: vegetarians typically do not consume meat but may eat eggs, dairy, or anything that does not require the death of an animal to be produced. Vegans, on the other hand, typically do not consume ANY animal products at all. This can include everything from honey to leather.
Reasons for becoming vegetarian or vegan are varied and numerous. Animal rights seem the obvious front runner - refusing to eat meat as a protest of cruel factory farming. Some may draw the line at meat (vegetarians) but others view the milk and egg industries as equally inhumane (vegans). Health is another considerable factor. Studies have proven that a meat-free diet can reduce many health risks including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Many people report feeling detoxified or cleansed as a result of eliminating meat from their diets.
Here's the point: I've always felt like there's a line drawn between vegetarians and vegans - that vegans tend to look down upon vegetarians as refusing to go the entire distance (to stand up for animal rights, usually) and vegetarians respond with hostility for having to defend their decision to continue drinking milk and eating eggs. I understand why vegans feel as strongly as they do and I applaud them for leading humane lifestyles. However, being vegetarian for about a third of my life now, I understand why others choose to still consume certain animal by-products.
A famous quote comes to mind - "Divide and conquer." Vegetarians and vegans need to unite in order to send a message.
To read the full article:
http://www.examiner.com/x-4210-San-Diego-Vegetarian-Examiner~y2009m6d13-Vegetarian-vs-vegan-the-moral-dilemma
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