Additional Resources
Top Recommendations
- Definition of “Veganism”
The International Vegetarian Union has a great definition of veganism from which LOVE developed its own definition and vegan philosophy. If you’ve never seen the IVU definition, it is worth a glance; the differences between this definition and the way some other animal advocacy groups currently define the word “veganism” are startling.
- The Dreaded Comparison, Marjorie Spiegel
Spiegel approaches the comparison between African slavery in the 18th century United States and the oppression of animals in modern-day agriculture in a sensitive, appropriate, and compelling way. This book provides further reasoning behind the interconnectedness of animal liberation and human liberation.
- The Vegan Ideal
This blog provides continued excellent analysis of current events and political climate, framing thoughts and questions in an anti-oppression worldview. It has definitely shaped our thinking on both animal liberation theory and action, and it offers some really good food for thought when considering different issues and events.
- You Can Help Stop This
L.O.V.E.’s video and pamphlet documenting speciesist oppression. Video subtitles are available in multiple languages.
Vegan Cooking
Vegan Dining
- Happy Cow: International vegan and vegetarian restaurant guide
- Veg Guide: Another international vegan and vegetarian restaurant guide
Additional Reading
- Animal Rights/Human Rights: Entanglements of Oppression and Liberation, David Nibert
Another great “starting point” for new activists or veteran activists just discovering the connection between animal and human oppression. Nibert makes several powerful arguments for the liberation of all and for the adoption of an anti-oppression approach to animal liberation.
- Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center, bell hooks
This is a book full of “click moments,” really shedding light on the ways that women and women of color face oppression in everyday life. bell hooks offers a thorough analysis of gender-based oppression and the fight against the systems that keep women subservient to men.
- Getting Off: Pornography and the End of Masculinity, Robert Jensen
Jensen explores the pornography industry and feminism from a man’s point of view, and he illuminates the ways in which feminism and women’s liberation will actually improve the lives of men. It’s a really compelling read for someone of any gender, but it really approaches feminism from an uncommon and welcome perspective.
- Thinking Class: Sketches from a Cultural Worker, Joanna Kadi
- Grassroots Warriors: Activist Mothering, Community Work, and the War on Poverty, Nancy Naples
Another inspiring book about different struggles that activists and community organizers face while trying to eliminate oppression. Poverty is the key to keeping oppressive hierarchies in place, and the people who work to truly end poverty and improve the lives of impoverished peoples face a daunting task. Their work is inspiring and can be applied to all fights against oppression.
- People Skills, Robert Bolton
The first chapter, covering common communication road blocks, by itself makes the book worth reading. This book helped me see some of the many unhelpful patterns in my communication with others and offers concrete suggestions for communicating effectively.
- The Revolution Will Not Be Funded, INCITE! Women of Color Against Violence
INCITE! has created a really great resource for any activists or organizers who feel uncomfortable with the corporatization of the social justice movements. This book tears apart the “non-profit industrial complex” and illuminates different ways to make change and incite a revolution without compromise and government surveillance.
- Unpacking the Knapsack
This is a well-written, thought-provoking, concise essay by Peggy McIntosh about white privilege and racism in the United States. It’s a great starting point for a White person who may not recognize her privilege or is not sure how to see the world from another point of view. While the essay is explicitly referring to issues of race, it can easily be applied to other social hierarchies and -isms.
- Uprooting Racism: How White People Can Work for Racial Justice, Paul Kivel
This book follows on the heels of the “Unpacking the Knapsack” essay and provides resources for White people looking to combat racism at both the local and global levels. It is a great resource for White people who want to work against cultural conditioning and create unity among individuals and groups.
