Veganism, like any other "ism", is a way of thinking, a way of living, and a way of potentially helping. Because of the emotional reaction it stirs up in a lot of us, it can become misunderstood and vegans themselves can become a detriment to their own cause. That being said, while not all vegan ideology is created equal, veganism is one of the best (but not perfect) ways we have to raise consciousness around the planet. Though the mass slaughter of sentient beings exists far away from us and can be easily ignored, its effects echo across the world and we're all subject to them as individuals. How do we fight back against the horrifying reality of death and consumption on this planet? How do we fight back against factory farming and pollution? We try our best. And that's all that veganism is about. TRYING YOUR BEST.