We all have “that thing,” or maybe more than one, that “grinds our gears” and drives us to take action. Gay rights, racial discrimination, child molestation, animal cruelty or plastic bags. No matter the issue, the time, or the place, every advocate has a choice. A choice of strategy, of how to have an impact. I talk, walk, and write. Others shock, mock, and fight. What methods of advocacy do you support, what do you reject … what will you choose?
Change creeps forward as your passion proceeds to monopolize your world. There are so many outlets, yet none satisfying enough. For all you want is to eradicate this issue that you believe so corrupts society. What approach, then, are you supposed to take when nothing seems to work?
There is certainly a gradient of activism, from leafleting to strapping yourself to a tree. Some may suit many, but none suits all. Each of the different methods contributes something and it’s the collaborative and diverse effort that creates real transformation. No one can deny that the extreme, the outrageous and the offensive are often the most talked about. True, many PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) ads have been negatively received, but they simultaneously can raise awareness. Actions like these definitely discourages some, but it also motivates others. Whatever happened to “all publicity is good publicity?” Their approach might not be perfect but this past week, Peta2 had a presence on our campus and raised awareness among our students. As a result they may have saved countless animals’ lives from suffering.
Do I support or would I ever be a “militant” vegan? No. Not to say that I don’t sometimes feel like breaking into a laboratory and stealing abused monkeys from time to time. The point is that we recognize the necessity for utilizing a variety of approaches. Do I agree with every policy that every activism group has? No. The point is that we recognize the effectiveness of multifaceted tactics. If you don’t make a big stink, there are some issues that people just will not become aware of or give a crap about.
We cannot expect to have an impact without taking action. We cannot expect to transform the issues without pushing the envelope. As spoken by Frederick Douglas, “Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet deprecate agitation, are people who want rain without thunder and lightning.”
If the issue is important, if the issue is a matter of suffering, there is a time and place for more “extreme” measures. I by no means would ever condone violence towards any beings, no matter the cause. My approach is guided by the legacy of Gandhi and other non-violent protesters, past and present. This is the type of advocacy that I find works for me and is the most well-received. And that’s why instead of trespassing on a factory farm to document conditions, I will be participating in a Walk for Farm Animals this weekend.
Each year Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading organization in farm animal rescue and advocacy, educates and raises funds through walks around the U.S. Billions of farm animals, unprotected by laws or government regulation, are abused and slaughtered each year. The human demand for meat, dairy and eggs is best combated through raising awareness. Each consumer has a choice whether or not to support cruelty or compassion. On the 21st of September, in Boulder, people will be cultivating compassion and gathering awareness through taking a stroll, meeting new people and chowing down on great food. There’s no better way to express and enjoy your passion. For anyone interested in joining, check out FarmSanctuary.org and register.
