An Animal Rights/Vegan Activists' Strategies Article by Chandler Rincon from All-Creatures.org

In this article, Chandler Rincon discusses what being vegan means to him and how veganism goes far beyond just the food we eat.

What it means to be Vegan

What does it mean to be “Vegan”? To some, it’s as simple as eating a diet that consists of no animal products and only plants. But is that truly the definition of Veganism?

Coined in 1944 by animal rights activist Donald Watson, veganism is a moral philosophy and lifestyle that seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of and cruelty to animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose.

In my opinion, being vegan is to practice the following:

Abolition of Speciesism: As vegans, this is the ultimate achievement we hope to one day see worldwide. That is, to abolish the most destructive mindset in human history. Have you ever noticed the intersectionality between the ways in which we demean, control, objectify, and seek to destroy animals and how it can relate to human atrocities throughout human history? Take for example how we treat women, people of color, and anybody who is not an Anglo-Saxon white male. Speciesism is how we first learned to do harm unto others, by thinking we have superiority due to the differences of others.

Animals as Subjects, Not Objects: Similar to speciesism, we hope to eradicate the mentality that animals are no more than property, viewing them as fellow rights-bearers rather than food, clothing, or laboratory tools. Animals are so much more than commodities. They display an intelligence far superior to what we have previously given them credit for. Some species of animals like pigs and crows can solve puzzles, learn tricks, and display affection for their fellow species. It is an objective truth that ALL creatures have a subjective experience of life, and thus, should be respected for that characteristic alone.

Against "Meatification": Lastly, as vegans, we are directly opposed to the global "meatification" of food systems, which drives industrial-scale violence. Have you ever considered how frequently meat is advertised? When you watch sporting events, count how many fast food advertisements you see during commercial breaks. When you go shopping for dishware, ever notice how many images of chickens, steaks, and more are littered all over the packaging? Meat propaganda is everywhere.

So, what does it mean to be vegan? It doesn’t mean we need to stand at a corner and protest for animal rights 24/7, but it does mean that when we see animal cruelty, we aim to prevent it whenever practically possible. We eat 2-3 times a day, and the best way to curb animal exploitation is by abstaining from consuming the flesh of other sentient beings who want to live. It means to be vegan for THEM, not US.

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Posted on All-Creatures.org: March 23, 2026
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