We sit down with Andy Tabar from The Bearded Vegans and Compassion Co today to talk about what it looks like to be practice anti-capitalist, anti-consumerist veganism.
In This Episode
Andy Tabar, from The Bearded Vegans and Compassion Co, asked us to have a discussion about our anti-capitalist stance on veganism where we say veganism should not be defined by consumption, to talk about what that actually looks like in practice. We had a GREAT conversation, it was so nice to be able to have such an open, back-and-forth dialog with Andy about this important and uncomfortable topic.
We start off with talking again about what capitalism is, why vegans should consider being anti-capitalist, and how a veganism defined by consumption is inherently pro-capitalist and therefore ineffective and oppressive. Then we give tips and guidance around how you can practice veganism in an anti-consumerist way. While some of this is a review of things we’ve covered before, this conversation also covered a lot of new ground and took us on a journey that we think y’all will really enjoy!
Some of our top tips:
* Stop saying “vote with your dollar” immediately
* Find ways to connect with your local community
* Practice anti-capitalist/consumerist activities in your community (ex: Buying Nothing)
* Support policies like Universal Basic Income that can give relief to those who need it NOW
* Practice restorative justice in your daily life
* …and more!
This biggest thing we can do is create a sense of support for all citizens. Capitalism only works when we are ok with some people being treated poorly for arbitrary reasons, so connect, give a shit, be kind, share, support, and empathize.
Joke in the Middle
What do you call an everyday potato? (Thanks to listener Tina for this one!)
Book Club Reminder!
Ishmael & My Ishmael on March 30th at 11:00 am PT (Eventbrite)
Links and Information
News
* Billionaires Made So Much Money Last Year They Could End Extreme Poverty Seven Times (Time)
* Five myths about America’s homeless (Washington post)
* Inequality in America National Town Hall – Live Stream Recording (Facebook)