Arch Enemy vocalist Alissa White-Gluz discusses how the meat industry exploits femininity in nature.
During our recent sit-down dinner with some of metal and hardcore's most notable vegan stars, we were confronted with a lot of harsh truths. As those who take a stand against what they consider to be societally-driven cruelty, our guests -- Doyle of The Misfits, John Joseph of Cro-Mags, Alissa White-Gluz of Arch Enemy, and Sergio Vega of Deftones and Quicksand -- had done their research, and spoke at great length on how the meat and dairy industries affect everything from the environment to the economy.
One especially interesting point came from Alissa, who was the only woman present, and pointed out an under-recognized aspect of meat and dairy production.
"I’m gonna take the opportunity to say this as the only female on this table right now," she said. "The entire dairy and egg industry is made off of the exploitation of the female reproductive cycle. So, quite frequently, vegans will say that if you want to be a feminist, you have to be vegan."
"People will get up in arms about this," Alissa continued, "saying shit like we don’t know what we’re talking about, but it’s totally related. I’m not a mother, but I might be one day. I am a woman, and to know that other species have that cycle, and once it’s used up, they kill them. It’s sickening."
"Yeah, it’s something like two years at most, and then the mother is killed," added Sergio.
"And look what they do to the baby chicks," noted John Joseph. "They get ground up. It’s fucking barbaric."
Alissa was also quick to point out that looking into these parts of the meat industry, while jarring and upsetting, is totally doable for anyone out there looking to switch to a plant-based and cruelty-free lifestyle.
"All you gotta do is look up something, and you’ll have the information," said Alissa. "It wasn’t this easy for us, but now you have all the information you need at your fingertips. "
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