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Originally Posted by Johnnyzen
Veganism is a priveledge for those educated and with enough money and resources to aquire the many foods we have available in this country. Third world countries do not have this advantage or diversity, and so veganism would be almost impossible there. Veganism is a modern development.
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Johnnyzen, I'd have to disagree --
The native diets of many thirdworlders are vegan and wholesome. Their agriculture and economies have been corrupted by the west, now they eat refined foods, and meat and dairy when they can afford it. Many poor people in the third world live on beans, some sort of grain, and vegetables. Whole grains need to be re-introduced to make their diets more nutritious.
Of course the world is a vast gray scale. Pure veganism may be rare. But subsistence on a plant based diet is the rule, not the exception, in impoverished countries and more primitive economies.
I think an important project in this new century is getting food aid programs to recognize the importance of feeding whole grains & native foods to the poor in these countries. It is both economical and healthful, a win/win situation.