Member-only story
Joaquin Phoenix and the Problems with White Veganism
I’m going to preface this by saying: No, I do not have a problem with people who choose to avoid or minimize the use of animal products and animal labor in their lives. I spent quite a bit of energy pushing a convention I go to to move away from the hotel which was 2 miles from the nearest other place to get food and offered precisely zero vegetarian entrees (even their salads have meat).
The people I have a problem with are a specific, noisy subset of white vegans who’s veganism appears to be more about superiority than care for animals. I also have a problem with evangelical vegans in the same way I have a problem with evangelical anythings.
What do I Mean by “White” Veganism?
You’ll notice I called out a particular person in the title of this article. That’s because Mr. Phoenix, in his Oscar speech, decided to make this point in his speech:
“I think whether we’re talking about gender and equality, or racism, or queer rights, or indigenous rights, or animal rights, we’re talking about the fight against injustice,”
This is the kind of thing these people say all the time. From their perspective they’re arguing that all fights against injustice are equal.