Speciesism and (unrelated) newspapers

I have two things on my mind today: speciesism and newspapers.

For those who don't know, speciesism is a term used by people who think the lives of humans and non-humans have equal value: a cat or pig or mouse has the same value as a human. Generally, speciesism refers to the believe that humans are the dominant species.

I believe speciesism is a problem, but it is very difficult to convince others that it is. You have to believe in your core that all life has equal value. Although, clearly, I care more about beings which possess a nervous system allowing them to feel, more so than I do a flower or a tree.

The main reason I'm vegan is because I've seen enough evidence of non-human suffering and presence of non-human emotions and personalities that I believe they should have rights to their own bodies.

An argument presented to me is that non-humans cannot make the same decisions as humans, and they cannot express their desires to us, so the rights they have don't really have to be on the same level.

Although I see where this idea comes from; non-humans have different methods of communications and their emotions are not expressed plainly on their face, discomfort is clear when repeated artificial insemination and lifelong containment are forced upon hundreds of thousands of female cows, or when family units that happen in nature are torn apart by factory farming. Or when animals are killed.

Non-sequitur: although "print" paper is dying, I've decided that online journalism will ultimately be better because of it's variety and because it will help the environment by cutting down on paper production. The trick will be separating fact from fiction, which remains a problem in print journalism anyway.

Just needed to clear my head. 

The ethics of Veganism: introduction and disclaimer

I have been weary for a while as to how exactly I was going to approach the topic of ethical Veganism. Thus far, I have only spoken of the health benefits.

Readers, I think it is time to cross that bridge into the dark truth about consuming something with nerve endings.

So, I'll post a warning now. If you're an omnivore or a vegetarian, my blog for the next month will likely frustrate you and evoke a negative emotional response. 

Because I am about to say why I think I am right to not consume animals or their products. 

This will be a series in which I draw from many sources, and post a few different entries approaching the different angles of ethical Veganism. I encourage you to stick with me. I won't be revoltingly explicit or post upsetting pictures; I believe that approach to sharing opinions is counterproductive and frustrating for both sides of the debate.

I will, however, be very blatant and passionate. Keep in mind, I do not actually have any friends who are Vegan, and I support your rights and choices and do not judge people for deciding to consume animals; it's part of the current human culture. Keep in mind, however, that one of my life goals is to fight against this aspect of human culture and show everyone I know why using animals for food is wrong.

I was an omnivore for seventeen years of my life. I get it. My favorite foods were huevos rancheros and filet mignon. That's as opposite veganism as you can get.

With this information in mind, stand by. This will be my blog's focus for the next month. I hope you keep reading.

Bean' honest.