Pitfalls in Imperfect Abolitionist Animal Advocacy
I describe myself as an imperfect vegan because I have not yet reached the level of theoretical knowledge where I feel assured my every move is the right one. I support the abolitionist movement and believe that animals deserve personhood, that a major paradigm shift needs to happen to move people away from the exploitation of animals and earth towards justice, and because non-violence is an important component of doing so. I hope to see a day where humans can respect the natural world and see themselves as part of it, not in charge of it.
As a therapist, there was a tale about a man who was walking on the beach that was told to us as interns. The man found millions of starfish, dying, having washed up on shore. A man stood there, throwing one after another in the water. Another man walked up and told him, “What are you doing? You cannot save them all!” to which our man replied, “No, but I can save this one,” as he saved another life. The story was to help us avoid being overwhelmed by the need and suffering we were soon to encounter. It was also to remind us that, although we could not “save” every single client, each one was worth the effort. We would do the best we could.
I make mistakes and hopefully learn from them. I do not invest time in urging for larger cages for chickens but rather to free chickens from being commodified. I used to support some of the animal protection groups, but now think that vegan education is the single best thing anyone can do to help the most animals in the quickest fashion. No two advocates offer the same combination of perspective, energy, experience or education; that is what makes us a community. We need all of us to pull together to get this done.
Here are some of the ideas I have been learning about activism as well as the activists that keep me sane.
Limit Responsibility
Fighting for a pardigm shift in thinking regarding totally helpless, vulnerable animals can trigger our own vulnerability. Particularly within our own ranks, negativity and criticism can cause narcissistic injuries that can zap our energy. A recent podcast by Elizabeth Collins of NZVeganPodcast addressed the importance of allowing the other person involved in any dyad to accept responsibility, positive or negative, for their own outcome. In a movement that has no designated or elected leader and no absolute rules, this is important to keep in mind. Thanks, Elizabeth.
Drop the Defense
Once in awhile, someone will push our buttons. If we allow ourselves to go on the defensive, it may feel like all is lost. I recently had a couple of Twitter users make snarky comments about vegans hating plants or tweeting that God made animals out of meat so we would eat them (thanks, Sarah Palin). I sent back a positive message and ended up having a nice comment back, “Nice to share a common interest with an uncommon person,” since we both are photographers. I had to check the defensiveness; I try to do so regularly. Angel Flinn recently received a lot of negativity (as well as appreciation) for an article about Sarah Palin’s supposed “pro life” stance. I applaud her. Her article was not a personal attack, but questioned the self-imposed title the former Governor of Alaska gave herself in light of her slaughter of Alaska’s animals. Ms. Flinn is always a positive, talented, gentle advocate for veganism. Thank you, Angel.
Detour from Drama
The best example I can give of this is the Angel for Animals ad PETA recently released. When viewing a nearly perfect female physique (Joanna Krupa) with a cross strategically placed over her breasts and groin, animals are the not the first things that come to mind. These tactics offend Christians and detract from the abysmal situation of billions of animals locked into suffering and slaughter each and every day. It does raise interest and money as well as publicity, though. Is that the purpose — self-promotion? For an example of low-key, high-impact advocacy, think of Gary Francione. He is instructive and kind. He has been at this for decades, yet remains a wonderful example of an intelligent, rational advocate with a clear, simple message. He must have some eternal well-spring of patience from which he draws. Professor Francione is extremely patient and persevering and has helped educate me. Thanks, Professor Francione.
Love (But Avoid) the Haters
I write documentary reviews, articles about parenting, and environmental articles as well as things about animals and veganism. Recently I encountered a Cyber Sniper on one of my three fan pages, spewing hatred. I wrote an article about people who love to hate vegans already, but this one surprised me – why become a fan of what you allegedly hate? I know the answer, but it is still a challenge. Luckily, I have a fan who gives me a thumbs up on nearly everything I post (Thanks, Bjorn). And I have a podcasting friend who has encouraged me to keep going when I was ready to throw in the podcast (stay tuned), blog and towel — Jordan Wyatt of Coexisting with Nonhuman Animals. Thanks Jordan. And thank you to everyone who has left the occasional positive comment. It all helps!
Grow Peace
Attacks from within the group serve mainly to alienate those attacked. It is one thing to attack an idea or an organization, but I find it painful to see the personal attacks of other vegans when there are so many outside the vegan community that should be held accountable for animal exploitation. I have benefitted by correction done kindly from other vegans as I learn and grow, but please, leave the snarky comments behind. One of the forums to which I belong recently shut down an article for “drawing enough blood.” While you may disagree with this vegan or that, are those attacks really the best use of vegan advocacy? It is a small enough group already. Professionally, my job was to manage multi-disciplinary, multi-agency programs that required people to see things from one another’s perspective — I had to keep people at the table to keep the program operational. Those skills really help me in this field, too. When I get skewered, I only have to go to Plant Peace Daily and the wonderful entries of Rae Sikora of VegFund to feel my blood pressure going back down. Thanks, Rae.
The above people have small differences in methodology but remain committed to achieving a just world for all. Our movement needs them, every last one. If you are not vegan, please become one. We need you, too. I am here to help — Join the Revolution!!!
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email Tags: abolitionist, Collins, Examiner, Flinn, Francione, Palin, podcast, Sikora, Veganism, Wyatt
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Check out this informative and inspiring video on why people choose vegan: http://veganvideo.org/
Also see Gary Yourofsky: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bagt5L9wXGo
Hey there Veganacious….thanks for the sweet comments in your blog…
I am wondering if you can control who advertises on your blog site? There is an ad on this page for World Vision. It says “Change a childs life, Give a Goat”. This group and Heifer International are promoting animal agriculture around the world rather than helping people move away from animal ag to a more sustainable compassionate life. Maybe they will let you determine which ads go on your blog?
Happy Solstice and Much Love, Rae
I hope you know I do not support any form of animal agriculture but I have no control over the ads except to block an offending one. I took the ads off and just recently put them back, trying to achieve at least a zero sum game with the cost of the carbon offsets, etc. I try to watch them – I missed that one. I will try contact Google and get that one blocked! Thanks so much for giving me the name of the advertiser so I can block them.
I believe one of the big problems is people mistaking critique of ideas/techniques with personal insults.
The latter is not only uncalled for, it is not useful and is often very hurtful. I’m appalled at how quickly people (in general) tend to resort to ad hominem attacks. For example, it’s gotten to the point where even discussing abolitionist veganism some places leads to other people chiming in with ad hominems against Professor Francione (and even vulgar remarks about people who agree with him on some issues). Whatever anyone thinks of him personally, it is simply not relevant to whether his positions are correct or not.
On the other hand, there are those that want to silence legitimate talk about theory, ideas, techniques, etc. — unless they agree, of course — and call that “attacking” and “divisive” and “condescending”. These are things we SHOULD talk about and freely. They are NOT personal attacks in themselves and should never be treated as such.
As for being an “imperfect vegan” — I don’t think there are any among us who are perfect, or even close to it. But thank you for trying to be more perfect.
Thank you for this reminder…I am walking this line all-ways