It's Episode #9 and we are talking about being big ol' vegans. It's a somewhat controversial topic that we're both pretty passionate about (standard Tom & Stu really), and there is plenty to unpack and discuss.
- why we decided to go vegan
- Stu's upbringing on a farm
There is so much to talk about as veganism is linked to so many different topics. Hopefully we stayed relatively on topic today and gave you some insight into our background and the reasons behind our decision.
We listed some further readings/watching below for you to peruse in your own time and come to a decision for yourself:
Earthlings is a 2005 American documentary film about humanity's use of other animals as pets, food, clothing, entertainment, and for scientific research
Lucent explores the darker side of Australia's pig farming industry, highlighting the day-to-day cruelty accepted by the industry as standard practice.
Dominion exposes the dark underbelly of modern animal agriculture, questioning the morality and validity of humankind’s dominion over the animal kingdom.
Before The Flood presents a riveting account of the dramatic changes now occurring around the world due to climate change.
Websites We Read
George Monbiot
“I love not man the less, but Nature more.”
We just want to make it crystal clear once again that we do not hold any negative feelings towards the agricultural industry on a personal level; our opinions are leveled largely at the mass production and consumption on a societal level. Farmers absolutely adore animals and nature; that is why the majority of them have chosen the lifestyle they have. However, demand has created certain situations whereby corners are cut, and unnecessary choices made.
Although the documentaries above do not necessarily reflect the practices of all those within the animal and agricultural industries, the unfortunate fact of the matter is that this does obviously occur, purely because of consumer demand. We most certainly DO NOT support illegal vegan activism against farmers just trying to make a living for themselves and their family. Greater respect needs to be shown to both sides of the argument, so that a civil and reasonable discussion can be achieved.
As with many of the big issues we discuss in this podcast are related, a discussion about the pros and cons of veganism as a lifestyle choice cannot be had without also discussing the need for support by the government for those in the agriculture industry who's livelihoods depends on the continued need for their produce. Farmers feed the country, and shouldn't be left to fight on their own when society starts to change.
We believe that humans have the capacity for love, and the intelligence required, to understand the impact they're having on the world around them, and accept that changes should be made to improve not only our own lives, but that of animals and nature in general.
