Vegans Face Hate Speech, Mirroring Fascist Tactics, Says Activist

People who stop eating animals are often accused of being extremists. They face daily verbal attacks, such as “lettuce feels pain too” or “we have canine teeth.” These comments mock the suffering of animals and are part of a wider problem, according to activist Kris Nogal. For years, being vegan was a lonely fight. Activists had to arm themselves with facts to defend against constant criticism. Social media and support groups have helped, but the hostility remains. Nogal argues that the same strategies used against vegans are now used by fascist and authoritarian movements. These groups accuse others of the very things they do themselves. They spread hate, create hostile environments, and control public discourse. “The control of the media and public discourse forms the basis for spreading hate ideologies,” Nogal writes. This includes harassment, threats, and false information. These tactics target the most vulnerable people, just as they target vegans for choosing a plant-based diet. The rise of these hateful ideologies is linked to a broader trend. Racist and misogynistic speech is gaining support. Attacks on LGTBIQA+ people are increasing. Meanwhile, animals remain in cages, and the poor struggle to make ends meet. Nogal believes it is time to give the animal rights movement more attention. Fighting for the most defenseless beings can teach us about human cruelty—and also about our capacity for kindness. Understanding this struggle, Nogal says, can help us fight all forms of oppression.