Vegetarians and Vegans in America Today

Vegetarianism is not a diet trend or the flavor of the month. Instead it is a philosophy and practice with roots in antiquity. Vegetarianism has existed for centuries in much of the world as a social movement and subculture. In the United States this subculture has existed for more than 200 years. In this book the Iacobbos bring this thriving subculture to life. By examining its businesses organizations events scholarship and influence on the arts and by interviewing dozens of vegetarians and vegans the authors reveal a subculture whose members hold a variety of perspectives on everything from animal rights to advocacy politics and religion.Building upon their previous book a history of vegetarianism the Iacobbos delve into its current incarnations. They include information on the food industry health studies on the benefits of vegetarians and vegan ways of eating the popularity of vegetarianism and the backlash against it. They highlight the work of vegetarian advocates and provide a glimpse of the stores magazines restaurants and organizations that bring this subculture together. Finally they include projections for the future from vegetarians environmentalists lawyers nutritionists economists and experts in animal rights.