Ethical Veganism Is Moral but Made Impossible

Throughout Tristram McPherson’s piece about ethical veganism, the idea of suffering inflicted upon certain animals is used to challenge our reasonings of eating other ones. Using multiple examples and analogies, McPherson successfully argues that ethical veganism is the most morally defensible position. Throughout this piece, I will argue that anyone who does eat meat, is aware of this harm, but the society that they live in reinforces this as a norm and strategically deters them from making the change.

People are often aware of the harm that they are contributing to. According to a public opinion survey conducted by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in 2023, 78.4% of adults under 30 are concerned about the welfare of animals raised for food, with 66.7% of adults over 30 feeling the same way (ASPCA 2023).

This awareness shows that people have fear and questions about these issues, but are often still stuck relying on the resources out of necessity. The United States of America, for instance, while being an advanced country seemingly providing its citizens with access to anything they could desire, affordable vegan alternatives can be hard to come by.

For example, the Good Food Institute claims that according to Nielsen Perishables Group on average, “Plant-based meat is 2x as expensive as beef, more than 4x as expensive as chicken, and more than 3x as expensive as pork per pound” (GFI, Nielsen Perishables Group 2019). This significant increase in price is just another barrier and explanation as to why individuals may not be yet willing to make the change.

While people may have awareness of potential issues, the society that they are subject to live in can be a major contributor and deciding factor in their choices. In a place like the United States with fast food at the forefront of the food industry, it is no wonder that ethical veganism is not more prevalent and normalized. With affordable options all meat focused at every corner, it is quite difficult to avoid not only the temptation but the food culture.

While ethical veganism may be an undeniable moral position, these barriers work hard to prevent people from minimizing the harm directed at animals mentioned by McPherson.

As someone who does still eat certain types of meats, being self aware of the choices I make is something I always do.