Listening to Melanie Joy before reading her book left me perplexed: why would anyone who has researched the horrid state of affairs for animals take a “veg*n” stance rather than to simply promote veganism?  I first heard Dr. Joy speak in an interview with Rae Sikora and then next heard her speak, or more specifically, read her notes, on the ARZone forum chat.  In both places, Dr. Joy presented some interesting concepts but failed to take a stand for veganism, stating that she was trying to appeal to a wider audience. This seems to be the moral equivalent of being a dietary flexitarian – a widely acceptable position that doesn’t really stand for much of anything.

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