Hashtags are a great way of getting people to follow your social media content. As vegans, we know the importance of messaging. That’s why some of the most creative campaigns and phrases have come out of the animal rights movement. This list encompasses some of the most catchy and meaningful hashtags that the activist movement employs.
1. #adoptdontshop
The Adopt don’t shop slogan originated in the 1980s with Last Chance for Animals. Essentially, it means you should adopt animals instead of purchasing them because there are so many animals that already need homes. This is one of the most well-known slogans, perhaps because so many people—whether they’re vegan or not—share their homes with animals.
2. #emptythetanks
The Empty the Tanks phrase appears to have originated with Rachel Carbary. In 2013, she was in Japan witnessing the murder and capture of dolphins. When she got back to the United States, she hosted her first Empty the Tanks event at Sea World. Now, there are events all over the world, and it’s become one of the most well-known hashtags in the vegan movement.
3. #veganfortheanimals
Vegan for the animals is an interesting one because a vegan is, by definition, vegan for the animals. The popularity of this hashtag may then stem from people referring to themselves or others as vegan when they are just plant-based or have a “vegan” diet.
4. #endspeciesism
The term speciesism was made popular by Peter Singer, author of the seminal book Animal Liberation. Gary Yourofsky is another figurehead who used the word often. In recent years, it’s become a very popular word in the animal rights movement and is often used in analogizing the treatment of other marginalized groups.
5. #youcanprotestwithoutothers
This isn’t one of the most popular hashtags out there, but it’s one of the most important. The situation for animals is so dire right now, and it’s important not to wait to speak up for them until you are at a demonstration or protest. Even if you’re a reserved person, there are always things you can do to help (wear animal rights t-shirts, chalk messages on the sidewalk, put up stickers, etc.).
6. #friendsnotfood
Friends not food is a cute yet also very serious phrase. Anyone who has spent time with pigs, cows, or chickens knows that they are no different, in all the ways that matter, to our companion animals. It’s almost like an added incentive for people to take veganism seriously because it implants the idea that we could have extremely close bonds with these beings who are so monumentally oppressed.
7. #peacebeginsonyourplate
Peace begins on your plate is a phrase often used towards people who claim to be peaceful but are eating the tortured corpses of other sentient beings. It’s a quick and direct way of telling someone that any peace they are generating in the world is almost assuredly less than the amount of cruelty they’re supporting. “Peaceful” non-vegan hippies can sometimes draw the most ire from animal rights activists because it seems like they would be on board with the movement.
8. #someonenotsomething
Many people seem to view animals as commodities to be used at their convenience. They’re often referred to as “it” and treated as if they have no meaningful conscious experience of the world. Anyone who has ever really paid attention to animals or is familiar with the latest science on their consciousness knows how wrong that way of thinking is. This popular phrase is a great reminder of our sheer ignorance, or perhaps arrogance, towards other creatures.
9. #voiceforthevoiceless
This sentiment dates all the way back to the bible. It’s essentially the idea that you are representing someone who can’t speak for themselves, which is a tremendous responsibility, especially when it comes to speaking up for the animals. Therefore, it’s incredibly important to be familiar with what happens on factory farms, fur farms, animal testing labs, etc. To really give them a voice, you can’t turn away from any of it.
10. #bethechange
Be the change is one of those phrases that can really bring equanimity to a person. Often, people can get very discouraged and angry when they start to see all the evil in the world. But ultimately, the best way to bring change is to set an example for others and always try to be the best version of yourself. It’s a hashtag, but also a mantra you can use in your darkest moments.
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