Vegan Activists

Type: Vocabulary
Originally published on June 23, 2019 and last updated on June 1, 2023

The topic of vegan activism is an excellent conversation topic for advanced English learners as it promotes meaningful discussions about ethical choices, sustainability, and social responsibility.

By exploring this topic, learners can improve their language proficiency, gain insights into different perspectives on animal rights and environmentalism and engage in thought-provoking debates that challenge their beliefs and broaden their cultural understanding.

Instructions:
Go through the vocabulary below with your students and ask them to try and use this vocabaulry where possible when discussing the different conversation questions.

About Vegan Activists

A butcher was targeted by vegan activists who left signs outside his premises saying “Rot in hell murderous scum” and “Cancer on you and your family”. Although he was unfazed by the signs, it seems to be coming a more common practice to aggressively attack butchers or people who work in this industry, not only with signs and nasty messages but also with physical abuse.

Employing strategies like displaying derogatory signs and engaging in physical abuse, they challenge the boundaries of acceptable activism.

While their commitment to their cause is understandable, the extent to which they are permitted to express their message becomes a matter of debate. Balancing the right to free expression with the need to ensure safety and respect for all involved parties raises significant ethical questions in the realm of vegan activism.

Useful Vocabulary

Try and use the following vocabulary when answering the question. Click to look up the definition in the dictionary

  • speciesism (noun)
  • consume (verb)
  • butcher (noun)
  • slaughter (verb)
  • ethical (adjective)
  • abusive (adjective)
  • behaviour (noun)
  • consciousness (noun)

Conversation Questions

My Image
  • Are you or have you ever been vegan?
  • What does the term "vegan activist" mean to you? How would you define it?
  • What are some common reasons people become vegan activists?
  • How can vegan activists address the concerns and criticisms raised by skeptics or opponents of their cause?
  • How can vegan activism contribute to raising awareness about animal rights and environmental sustainability?
  • Is aggressive or confrontational activism an effective strategy for vegan activists?
  • How can individuals support the cause of vegan activists, even if they are not vegans themselves?
  • Are there any ethical concerns or challenges that vegan activists face in their advocacy work?
  • Should vegan activism respect cultural and dietary diversity or prioritize its own values?
  • Should vegan activism focus more on individual dietary choices or advocate for systemic changes in food production and consumption?
  • If you were a vegan activist, how would you promote your message in a non-confrontational way?
Gregory
This conversation topic was prepared by Gregory

Gregory is a qualified TEFL teacher who has been teaching English as a Foreign Language (ESL) for over a decade. He has taught in-person classes in Spain and to English learners around the world online.