Christopher Cox, a self-labeled vegan, just wrote a trenchant and provocative article at Slate.com, in which he defends his decision to eat oysters. Predictably, the article is drawing a firestorm of criticism from many vegans, who are branding Cox a heretic.
I think the article is a must-read for veg activists. Cox digs into into tough but vital questions of labeling, purity, and absolutism. He writes:
So, whaddya think?
P.S. If you find Cox's commentary interesting, check out Michael Greger's classic article on honey.
On oysters, I concur with author Joan Dunayer, who says:
ReplyDelete"Evidence of sentience is compelling with regard to animals who have a brain and increasingly strong with regard to invertebrates who lack a brain but have a nervous system. Therefore, any creature with a nervous system should receive the benefit of the doubt and be regarded as sentient. Why would beetles, oysters, or anyone else with a nervous system not be sentient?"
Link: http://www.animalliberationfront.com/Saints/Authors/Interviews/Interview_JDunayer.htm
Regarding honey- humans have no need to eat this either, and as such, should not continue to harm bees by exploiting them for their secretions. If you haven't seen the "Why Honey is Not Vegan" page, it's worth checking out: http://www.vegetus.org/honey/honey.htm
Here's my response to the oyster piece by Christopher Cox: http://www.vegblogger.com/blog/2010/04/should-pain-be-the-criteria-when-it-comes-to-eating-animals.html
ReplyDeleteI think this is a simplistic dismissal of a much more important issue. See podcast on iTunes, Veganacious/Oysters, oy! or read it at http://veganacious.com/oysters-oy.html. It is not about purist philosophy but about living with respect for other life forms. Recent research is showing such dismissal to be very misguided. The extremist label is one I would happily wear if it means being consistent about principals. I am a purist or an extremist when it comes to thinking it is unacceptable to commodify and use children for servants or sexual gratification. Being semi-vegan is akin to the moral confusion that grips those who love dogs and eat pigs.
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