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common justifications and rationalizations (for eating and using animals)

Recommended Posts for common justifications and rationalizations (for eating and using animals)

What are the N-Words meat-eaters use when defending their diet? A team of researchers produced the first empirical study of meat-consumption rationalizations and justifications. Nothing brings out the nasty side of human nature like dietary debate.

The N-WORDS Meat Eaters Use

Emily Moran Barwick of Bite Size Vegan is shown looking into the camera.

This is the greatest lie ever told. Whispered to us as children. A deception so deeply entrenched in our collective unconscious we buy into it without question. Become complicit in its propagation. This is the lie we tell ourselves. Listen closely. Unlearning isn't easy.

The Greatest Lie Ever Told | Slam Poem

A close-up image of Leonardo da Vinci is shown. The image is monochromatic and appears to be rendered in graphite.

Leonardo da Vinci was the quintessential renaissance man: artist, inventor, botanist, engineer, architect, historian, geologist, and...vegan? Learn about da Vinci’s lesser-known contributions to the fields of animal rights and ethical veganism.

Was Leonardo da Vinci VEGAN? | The History of Veganism Spotlight

Overlaid over an image of “God Touching Adam” from the Sistine Chapel ceiling are the words “History of veganism part 3”.

The Renaissance was a time of innovation and revolution within art, architecture, politics, science, astronomy, literature, and—veganism? Learn how the rise of humanistic individuality led to the acknowledgement of non-humans as individuals as well.

Vegans In The Renaissance | The History of Veganism Part Three

Medieval knights and fighting men are shown below a castle. Overlaying the image is the text “History of Veganism Part 2”

Were vegan principles and practices shaped by the rise of major world religions during the Middle Ages? Learn about the interplay of Christianity, Islam, Buddhism & secular ethics.

Vegans In The Middle Ages | The History of Veganism Part Two

Against a dark background, a roman statue stands, pointing towards the heavens. In large letters the words: “History of veganism part 1” can be seen.

How far back does veganism reach? Is veganism a modern-day invention, or were there vegans in ancient times? In this first edition of The History of Veganism series, we start from the very beginning.

Vegans In Ancient Times | The History of Veganism Part One

American dentist Walter Palmer is shown with another, pose for a photograph over the poor body of Cecil, a murdered lion.

The killing of Cecil the lion by American dentist Walter Palmer has created a worldwide uproar of disgust, anger, and indignation. But how different are Palmer’s actions from the everyday actions of the majority of the world’s population?

In Defense of Cecil The Lion’s Killer

On the left a person is shown in silhouette as they shoot at birds flying over head with a shotgun. On the right is an image of row after row after row of battery chickens in tiny cages.

Is hunting more humane than factory farming? Does the method by which an animal is killed effect the ethics of their death?

Is Hunting More Ethical Than Factory Farming?

A stunningly beautiful deer stag is shown in an autumn setting with trees in the background.

One of the most cited justifications for hunting is that it’s necessary for managing out-of-control deer populations. When you go even just below the surface of this hunting myth, it’s painfully evident that deer hunting itself is responsible for overpopulation issues.

Is Deer Hunting Necessary for Population Control?

Emily Moran Barwick of Bite Size Vegan is shown on the left, author and vegan activist Gary Yourofsky on the right. Between the two is a close-up view of a beautiful white cow.

Speciesism is the assumption of human superiority leading to the exploitation of animals. It is the false belief that non-human animals do not have nor deserve the same rights as we humans. It is the oldest form of discrimination on this planet

Speciesism: The Original Discrimination | ft. Gary Yourofsky

Author and vegan activist Gary Yourofsky is shown along side the words “100% vegan? - Gary Yourofsky interview series”

Can anyone be "fully" vegan? What about driving cars or accidentally stepping on insects? Does the harm vegans unintentionally cause animals invalidate the vegan argument as a whole?

Is 100% Vegan Possible? | Gary Yourofsky Interview

A nervous looking field mouse, standing upon his hind legs is seen. An exclamation mark in red is above his head to indicate his alarm.

Does a vegan diet lead to more animal deaths than an omnivorous one? Is it true that harvesting crops for vegans kills more animals than farming grass-fed beef? It's time for vegans to take a long, hard look at their lifestyles and choose the path that is truly more ethical.

Do Vegans Kill More Animals Than Meat-Eaters?

A person is shown holding an apple in one hand and a hamburger in the other. They appear to be weighing the decision of which to eat.

If you've ever said "I respect your choice to be vegan, so you should respect my choice to eat meat," please watch this video. Is eating meat, dairy and eggs a choice? And should it be equally respected as the choice to be vegan?

Is Eating Animals A Personal Choice?

Emily Moran Barwick of Bite Size Vegan is shown holding a large knife above her head. She is in the process of bringing it down on to a poor defenceless apple.

The argument goes that if vegans are REALLY concerned with reducing pain and suffering, what about all the innocent plants losing their lives to feed vegans? Do plants feel pain?

Vegans Kill Plants! (Warning: GRAPHIC PLANT VIOLENCE)

All Posts for common justifications and rationalizations (for eating and using animals)

  • The text "What does "cage-free" mean?" next to a hen sitting on a nest of eggs. A label tag stamped with "certified cage free farm eggs" hangs off of the text.

    What Does Cage-Free Eggs Mean?

    What does “cage-free” eggs mean? In the simplest terms, cage-free means exactly what it sounds like: laying hens are never caged. But the simplicity of this label ends there.

    Read more about What Does Cage-Free Eggs Mean?
  • Emily is shown seated and looking into the distance, down and to her right.

    Why I’m A Vegan Against Animal Welfare

    As a vegan activist should you be for or against animal welfare. What is the difference between animal welfare and animal liberation?

    Read more about Why I’m A Vegan Against Animal Welfare
  • A group of cows scattered across a lush green hillside sloping downwards into a vibrant blue ocean, the visual embodiment of idealized animal agriculture and human practices.

    The Best We Have To Offer? | How Ireland Exposes “Humane” Farming

    Most people are against factory farming—but what about grass-fed, free-range, humane? Nowhere is animal agriculture more idealized than the rolling green landscape of Ireland. Let’s take a close look at the very best we have to offer and see if the ideals live up to their promise.

    Read more about The Best We Have To Offer? | How Ireland Exposes “Humane” Farming
  • The N-WORDS Meat Eaters Use

    What are the N-Words meat-eaters use when defending their diet? A team of researchers produced the first empirical study of meat-consumption rationalizations and justifications. Nothing brings out the nasty side of human nature like dietary debate.

    Read more about The N-WORDS Meat Eaters Use
  • The image shows a whole, dead, chicken. Its feathers have been removed and it’s flesh roasted. It is posed in such a way that it might appear alluring.

    Do Animals WANT to Be Eaten? | Suicide Food

    Do Animals WANT to be eaten? According to commercials, apparently so! From smiling suicidal animal mascots, to homicidal acts against other animals, to self-cannibalism, all the way to erotic seducation of their killers.

    Read more about Do Animals WANT to Be Eaten? | Suicide Food
  • The image is split in tow, vertically. On the left is a smiling person looking towards the camera. Their mouth is open and they are holding a fork filled with colorful salad. The right hand shows a second person. They are wearing a white tee-shirt with either blood or rashers of bacon down the front of it. There mouth is wide open and they are attempting to place a fist full of cooked bacon into their mouth.

    BACON Lovers & VEGANS Unite!? | BuzzFeed Reaction

    Discover the ONE THING that bacon-lovers and vegans have in common in my reaction to BuzzFeed’s viral video! What could possibly overcome the rivalry of the lovers-of-bacon and the praisers-of-plants?

    Read more about BACON Lovers & VEGANS Unite!? | BuzzFeed Reaction
  • Emily Moran Barwick of Bite Size Vegan is shown looking into the camera.

    The Greatest Lie Ever Told | Slam Poem

    This is the greatest lie ever told. Whispered to us as children. A deception so deeply entrenched in our collective unconscious we buy into it without question. Become complicit in its propagation. This is the lie we tell ourselves. Listen closely. Unlearning isn’t easy.

    Read more about The Greatest Lie Ever Told | Slam Poem
  • A pig looks forlornly towards the camera. It is on its side, held in a tiny metal cage. Overlaying the image is the flag of the European Union.

    Europe’s Dark Secret: Eye Opening Speech!

    “It’s only like that in America”. The United States consistently plays the role of scapegoat on the international stage but are European standards for animal treatment and the environmental regulations really any better?

    Read more about Europe’s Dark Secret: Eye Opening Speech!
  • Against a dark background, “Do Your justifications Hold Up? Take the challenge. Sharable Short – YouTube.com/BiteSizeVegan” is written in white lettering. A person is shown in close on the right from the shoulders up. They are staring directly into the camera.

    EAT MEAT? PUT YOUR JUSTIFICATIONS TO THE TEST [Challenge]

    Do you have a reason or justification for eating meat? Love bacon too much to give it up? Feel that eating animals is the circle of life? Take the challenge proposed in this video and then see if your justifications hold up.

    Read more about EAT MEAT? PUT YOUR JUSTIFICATIONS TO THE TEST [Challenge]
  • A painted image of a person is shown. They are hold both arms up such that their hands are level and in front of their shoulders. Their hands are clenched in fists. Eruptions of steam can be seen coming out of their ears. Their face is showing extreme anger.

    Why Vegans FLIP OUT!

    Why do vegans flip out at the slightest provocation? Why are we so sensitive and quick to jump down people’s throats? Why do we have to be so annoying and self-righteous?

    Read more about Why Vegans FLIP OUT!
  • The image is split into three and shows the same close up of the same person each time. The last image has the WatchMojo YouTube logo overlaid upon it.

    WatchMojo Debunks Veganism!

    The giant YouTube channel WatchMojo recently demonstrated how to make a video about “5 Facts About Veganism” that subversively gives the vegan movement a kick in its collective gonads! Think being vegan is healthy?

    Read more about WatchMojo Debunks Veganism!
  • A close up of a hen is shown from the base of the neck up. The mouth is slightly open; the hen’s expression, if it were on a human, would said to be one of surprize.

    Can Vegans Eat Eggs From Backyard Chickens? VEGGANS?!

    Is it okay to eat eggs from backyard or rescued chickens? If chickens are well cared for, what’s the harm in eating their eggs? A new dietary group called “Veggans” believes that eating eggs can be ethical and healthy.

    Read more about Can Vegans Eat Eggs From Backyard Chickens? VEGGANS?!
  • A close-up image of Leonardo da Vinci is shown. The image is monochromatic and appears to be rendered in graphite.

    Was Leonardo da Vinci VEGAN? | The History of Veganism Spotlight

    Leonardo da Vinci was the quintessential renaissance man: artist, inventor, botanist, engineer, architect, historian, geologist, and…vegan? Learn about da Vinci’s lesser-known contributions to the fields of animal rights and ethical veganism.

    Read more about Was Leonardo da Vinci VEGAN? | The History of Veganism Spotlight
  • In a beautiful scene, a large, truly gorgeous, dog sits on its hind legs waiting patiently whilst a small child reaches up and gently grabs the dog’s muzzle.

    If You’ve Ever Lost A Pet You HAVE To Watch This!

    This video is for every animal-lover out there. It celebrates the lessons our pets teach us with their lives and their passing. It focuses on one “very important” lesson. One we can learn from our love for our pets.

    Read more about If You’ve Ever Lost A Pet You HAVE To Watch This!
  • Two small children are shown next to a glass screen. One child has their hand upon the glass. The view the other side is of a zoo compound. Opposite to the children, the other side of the glass, a small gorilla crouches down.

    Are Zoos Educational?

    The ethics of zoos is a polarizing and complicated topic, even amongst vegans. Let’s see whether zoos are really the centers of education, amusement, conservation, and research they purport to be.

    Read more about Are Zoos Educational?
  • A shadowy figure is shown on the right, facing the camera, arms up. It is out of focus, aside from the hands which are splayed as if up against a window. On the left, in large letters, are the words 11 D.I.Y. Vegan costumes”

    11 Clever Vegan Halloween Costume Ideas For Last Minute DIY

    Need a Halloween costume that’s quick, easy, cheap and vegan? Check out my top 11 ideas for last-minute vegan Halloween costumes that range from political statements to the simply ridiculous, all with a heaping dose of sarcastic delivery.

    Read more about 11 Clever Vegan Halloween Costume Ideas For Last Minute DIY
  • Overlaid over an image of “God Touching Adam” from the Sistine Chapel ceiling are the words “History of veganism part 3”.

    Vegans In The Renaissance | The History of Veganism Part Three

    The Renaissance was a time of innovation and revolution within art, architecture, politics, science, astronomy, literature, and—veganism? Learn how the rise of humanistic individuality led to the acknowledgement of non-humans as individuals as well.

    Read more about Vegans In The Renaissance | The History of Veganism Part Three
  • A person is shown sat, on the pavement, up against a wall with their kneed pulled in. A senior dog is next to the person, sitting up with its front paws on the person’s knee. The person is in the process of feeding the dog a small treat.

    Vegan Food For the Homeless | Brown Paper Bag Movement

    Often, the food afforded to the needy isn’t of the highest quality, and certainly not itself compassionate when it contains the bodies of other beings. The Brown Paper Bag Movement provides vegan food and care items to the needy of New York City.

    Read more about Vegan Food For the Homeless | Brown Paper Bag Movement
  • Emily Moran Barwick of Bite Size Vegan is shown on stage behind a lectern. She is gesticulating with her arms. To the left of this image in large white letters are the words: “This speech changes everything”

    This Speech Will Change How You See Everything

    This speech will change how you see everything. Learn the impact your individual choices have on the world around you and how simple actions can heal the planet, humanity, and other beings.

    Read more about This Speech Will Change How You See Everything
  • American dentist Walter Palmer is shown with another, pose for a photograph over the poor body of Cecil, a murdered lion.

    In Defense of Cecil The Lion’s Killer

    The killing of Cecil the lion by American dentist Walter Palmer has created a worldwide uproar of disgust, anger, and indignation. But how different are Palmer’s actions from the everyday actions of the majority of the world’s population?

    Read more about In Defense of Cecil The Lion’s Killer
  • A person with their arms wrapped around a wide tree trunk. The word "FAIL" is stamped in red overtop the image.

    Everything Wrong With Environmentalism In 11 Minutes Or Less!

    The top environmental organizations and environmentalists should be fighting against the top threat to the environment, right? Well, they’re not.

    Read more about Everything Wrong With Environmentalism In 11 Minutes Or Less!
  • Surrounded by a milling crowd, a poor dog is lifted into the air, as in triumph by a person in a tee-shirt. The person uses an animal catcher’s noose, which is tight around the dog’s neck to lift it. The animal is in distress.

    Why the Yulin Dog Meat Festival ISN’T A BIG DEAL!

    The Yulin dog eating festival sparks enragement and controversy every year with a strong global outcry for its banishment. But, in all honesty, is it really that bad? How is it any different than what every other country is doing every single day?

    Read more about Why the Yulin Dog Meat Festival ISN’T A BIG DEAL!
  • Medieval knights and fighting men are shown below a castle. Overlaying the image is the text “History of Veganism Part 2”

    Vegans In The Middle Ages | The History of Veganism Part Two

    Were vegan principles and practices shaped by the rise of major world religions during the Middle Ages? Learn about the interplay of Christianity, Islam, Buddhism & secular ethics.

    Read more about Vegans In The Middle Ages | The History of Veganism Part Two
  • A large random in size, value and position set of green numbers are shown against a dark background.

    How Many Animals Do We Kill Every Year?

    The numbers in this video are shocking. We are great at counting calories, measuring profits, quantifying just about anything. But when it comes to knowing our impact on other beings, we fall short. How many animals do we eat every year?

    Read more about How Many Animals Do We Kill Every Year?
  • Against a dark background, a roman statue stands, pointing towards the heavens. In large letters the words: “History of veganism part 1” can be seen.

    Vegans In Ancient Times | The History of Veganism Part One

    How far back does veganism reach? Is veganism a modern-day invention, or were there vegans in ancient times? In this first edition of The History of Veganism series, we start from the very beginning.

    Read more about Vegans In Ancient Times | The History of Veganism Part One
  • On the left a person is shown in silhouette as they shoot at birds flying over head with a shotgun. On the right is an image of row after row after row of battery chickens in tiny cages.

    Is Hunting More Ethical Than Factory Farming?

    Is hunting more humane than factory farming? Does the method by which an animal is killed effect the ethics of their death?

    Read more about Is Hunting More Ethical Than Factory Farming?
  • Two small birds are shown on the ground. One is dead. The other is standing over the body, its mouth open as if wailing in grief.

    Do Animals Grieve?

    Humans have long used our ability to experience complex emotions to distinguish ourselves from other animals. But is this ability really isolated to our species? And if non-human animals do have the capacity to emote, what does that say about how we treat them?

    Read more about Do Animals Grieve?
  • Emily Moran Barwick of Bite Size Vegan is shown on the left, author and vegan activist Gary Yourofsky on the right. Between the two is a close-up view of a beautiful white cow.

    Speciesism: The Original Discrimination | ft. Gary Yourofsky

    Speciesism is the assumption of human superiority leading to the exploitation of animals. It is the false belief that non-human animals do not have nor deserve the same rights as we humans. It is the oldest form of discrimination on this planet

    Read more about Speciesism: The Original Discrimination | ft. Gary Yourofsky
  • Author and vegan activist Gary Yourofsky is shown along side the words “The best anti-vegan argument - Gary Yourofsky interview series”

    The Best Argument Against Veganism | Gary Yourosfky

    What is the best argument against veganism? there is certainly a wide array of objections to the vegan lifestyle, but do any of them hold water? if you’re vegan or thinking about being vegan, chances are you’ve come up against more than one.

    Read more about The Best Argument Against Veganism | Gary Yourosfky
  • A stunningly beautiful deer stag is shown in an autumn setting with trees in the background.

    Is Deer Hunting Necessary for Population Control?

    One of the most cited justifications for hunting is that it’s necessary for managing out-of-control deer populations. When you go even just below the surface of this hunting myth, it’s painfully evident that deer hunting itself is responsible for overpopulation issues.

    Read more about Is Deer Hunting Necessary for Population Control?
  • A nervous looking field mouse, standing upon his hind legs is seen. An exclamation mark in red is above his head to indicate his alarm.

    Do Vegans Kill More Animals Than Meat-Eaters?

    Does a vegan diet lead to more animal deaths than an omnivorous one? Is it true that harvesting crops for vegans kills more animals than farming grass-fed beef? It’s time for vegans to take a long, hard look at their lifestyles and choose the path that is truly more ethical.

    Read more about Do Vegans Kill More Animals Than Meat-Eaters?
  • Author and vegan activist Gary Yourofsky is shown along side the words “100% vegan? - Gary Yourofsky interview series”

    Is 100% Vegan Possible? | Gary Yourofsky Interview

    Can anyone be “fully” vegan? What about driving cars or accidentally stepping on insects? Does the harm vegans unintentionally cause animals invalidate the vegan argument as a whole?

    Read more about Is 100% Vegan Possible? | Gary Yourofsky Interview
  • Two similar silhouettes are shown. Their outline would suggest they are of primitive man. They are leaping towards each other. The one on the right is holding a spear. The one on the left a banana.

    Vegan Vs Paleo ft Gary Yourofsky

    One of the greatest dietary showdowns is that of vegan vs. paleo. Which diet is healthier? Which is more natural? Can the paleo diet and a vegan diet coexist?

    Read more about Vegan Vs Paleo ft Gary Yourofsky
  • A woman riding a horse through a field at dusk; the horse is saddled, bridled, and bitted, with the reigns held by the woman.

    Is Horse Riding Cruel? Is It Vegan?

    What’s the vegan stance on horseback riding? A complex subject with many facets, horse riding is a controversial topic within the animal rights community. What’s the bottom line on riding horses: cruelty or companionship?

    Read more about Is Horse Riding Cruel? Is It Vegan?
  • The image shows a close-up of Adolf Hitler.

    Was Hitler A Vegetarian?

    Was Hitler vegetarian? Referencing several of his biographers and scholars, we take a look at the validity of this claim. As well as ask: even if Hitler was vegetarian, why would it matter?

    Read more about Was Hitler A Vegetarian?
  • A person is shown holding an apple in one hand and a hamburger in the other. They appear to be weighing the decision of which to eat.

    Is Eating Animals A Personal Choice?

    If you’ve ever said “I respect your choice to be vegan, so you should respect my choice to eat meat,” please watch this video. Is eating meat, dairy and eggs a choice? And should it be equally respected as the choice to be vegan?

    Read more about Is Eating Animals A Personal Choice?

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