Vegetarianism has been around for centuries, but recently we have seen the eruption of a more militant vegetarianism that is inspired by the animal "rights" movement. Today, vegetarian activists are throwing pies at Ronald McDonald and the Pork Queen, scrawling "meat is murder" in prominent locations, committing terrorist acts of arson, and waging media campaigns equating meat consumption with cannibalism. These activists have coined the term ?? to name their unity.
Although the group advocates a totally plant-based diet excluding flesh, fish, fowl, eggs, honey, and animals' milk, butter and cheese, also encourage the manufacture and use of alternatives to animal commodities, including clothing, shoes and other apparel. In addition, the group acknowledges that the elimination of exploitation of any kind is necessary in order to bring about a more reasonable and humane society and to emancipate both humans and animals. The American Vegan Society promotes the philosophy of Ahimsa, a Sanskrit word interpreted as "dynamic harmlessness," along with advocating service to humanity, nature and creation. In other words, in order to practice veganism, it is not sufficient to simply avoid specific foods and products; it is necessary to actively participate in beneficial selfless action as well. Omitting animal products from one's life is a passive action; it does not necessitate asserting oneself, it merely involves avoidance. In order to actually implement and realize Ahimsa, we must engage the "dynamic" part of "dynamic harmlessness." Therefore, to fully apply the vegan ethic, not only are compelled to do the least harm, they are obliged to do the most good. (Marcus pars. 1-2)
Observing people who attempt to convert to a vegan lifestyle has brought a keen sense of how difficult it is to know and follow every rule within the culture. Becoming vegan is a process; rarely does someone convert to total veganism overnight. More typically, people transition to a vegan lifestyle, generally altering their diet first. It is a very complicated diet, one that must have successful supplementation of the nutrients the body usually acquires from the banned foods in the community. The vegan's next step deals with gradually replacing their clothing, cosmetics and incongruous habits with more serene, compassionate options. Some eventually change jobs in order to align their vocation with their beliefs. Others become activists on behalf of animals, social justice, peace and/or the environment, do volunteer work, adopt children, take in homeless animals, reduce their material consumption, or any number of other positive, beneficent acts. (Marcus par. 5)
Being vegan is complex, challenging and rewarding because each element of a vegan's life is chosen with conscious awareness; all options are weighed in terms of achieving the highest good possible. This is not to say that are "perfect" or that "...