Why is
everyone so afraid of the word “radical?”
I don’t
suppose radical women in the mid-19th century beginning the fight
for suffrage and the right to keep one’s wages rather than give them to a
husband did us any good… Or William Lloyd Garrison’s insistence that black
Americans received not only freedom, but full political rights… the first woman
in Kabul to stand up to her abusive husband, the first parent to reject the
necessity of child labor during the Industrial Revolution…
It has to
start somewhere. The thing is, no one wants to half-ass a real movement.
Otherwise, how will you achieve change?
Don’t get me
wrong – I understand that there are extremists on just about every spectrum of
every issue mankind has ever faced, and that not all of said extremists are
pursuing a humane or civil purpose – but sitting around never did anyone any
good.
I am not a
vegetarian. Humans eat meat because that’s how nature works – we need protein.
I eat chicken and fish; I used to eat steak once a year, but I’m over it. I
can’t bear the thought of slaughtering/consuming another intelligent creature
that makes what can only be described as – and let me clarify, I am in no way
trying to anthropomorphize the animal kingdom here, just stating fact – an
emotional connection with its young. Regardless of my feelings on eating
mammals, I understand that that’s how people live, that’s how the food chain
works, that’s how nature intended it, that’s how we avoid a complete ecological
disaster, etc. I’m not and never have tried to push my meat preferences upon
anyone else.
What I have
absolutely no tolerance for, however, is the unethical treatment of the
creatures we share this earth with.
First, I’m
tired of people scoffing at my willingness to stand up for the humane treatment
of animals. I’ve heard everything from “you’re wasting your time” to “aren’t
you concerned about the HUMAN population?!” Next person to say something like
that to me is going to learn about my personality very quickly. Of course I’m concerned about the human
population. I’d like to ask these people if they’ve ever trekked across the
Sahara to bring medical supplies to villages in Africa, or led a food
distribution team through the impoverished mountains and inner-cities of
Mexico, or built homes for underprivileged families within their own county.
I’m not claiming to be a hero, but let’s face it – these people who throw the
“you’re wasting your time worrying about animals?” at me are always, always,
ALWAYS the people who’ve done absolutely nothing for another human being. So,
if you’re one of those people, kindly SHUT UP AND DO YOUR PART BEFORE YOUR
CRITICIZE SOMEONE ELSE. The ethical treatment of animals is a problem. Animals
are powerless. I’d like to do something about it. I’d like to be their voice.
Unless I’m infringing upon your rights, stop trying to rob me of mine. And, just to clarify – John Locke never said
anything about mistreating animals.
Now the
inconvenient associations: I don’t belong to PETA. If I did, I’d have every
right to do so; but it’s my personal belief that associating oneself with an
umbrella group such as PETA means people automatically assume I’m just
following along with said group, and are inclined to tune me out by association.
It is my personal, individual, self-educated choice to stand up for the ethical
treatment of animals. But I should note that I am grateful for the “extremists” at PETA who’ve dedicated funds and
time and have even risked their lives to obtain footage of the kinds of things
you’d never be able to sear from your memory.
And now, my
favorite part of taking a stand – the general ignorance of the population. 99%
of the individuals who give me grief are completely and utterly uneducated on
the matter. I strongly suggest, when arguing/bashing/criticizing someone for
their cause, that you inform yourself on the issue at hand. I am VERY open to
opposition and discussion – in fact, I believe it is necessary if one is to
have an objective stance on anything in life. But when someone who merely
rejects an idea or a fact simply because he or she has not heard of,
experienced, seen, or found the information on his or her own, to blindly
argue, reject, or deny something without doing research for yourself is very
unwise and extremely immature. People like to argue, I get it – but do yourself
a favor. Don’t put yourself out there if you don’t know what it is you’re
fighting against or about. And, just to be clear – I’m not talking about people
who just disagree with me or decide to live a different way, or know the
situation and just flat out don’t care. I’m talking about those people who like
to scream and spit and curse at me for my own opinions and, in addition, are
very clearly uneducated about the way animals are treated.
Here’s
another favorite: people who argue that dogs and cats are “forced” to live in
our homes and to do tricks for humans and, therefore, there is no justifiable
argument against the exploitation of animals at the circus, or those in
captivity for human entertainment and not rehabilitation. It is times like
these during which I am again embarrassed for humanity in general. The moment I
encourage these people to properly define domestic vs. wild, the hilarious
“Well, dogs were wild too once, and humans domesticated them, even though the
never asked for it! What about that!” ensues. Um, really? Dragging us back to
20,000 BC won’t help you. There are currently
domestic animals and wild animals. GET A GRIP. Are there a ton of animals that
have been called domestic but should,
in reality, NEVER be an option? Animals that only within the past couple of
decades have mysteriously disappeared from their natural habitats and appeared
on the market?
Without question.
Sugar
gliders, anyone? I was literally yelled at when questioning a sugar glider
salesman at the mall. I was very polite and stating my curiosity about the
means and whereabouts of capturing these creatures for domestic sale, and I,
the “consumer,” was shouted at. Without having even made an accusation. (Of
course, my horrible temper promptly showed itself and I walked away shouting as
well, hoping not to be escorted out of the mall, but that’s beside the point.)
All I’m saying is that orcas and elephants and thousands of other creatures
have SOMEWHERE ELSE TO BE. They were not created for our entertainment.
I’m not saying
become a vegan. I’m saying buy cage-free eggs and free-range chicken. Buy local
beef from a farm whose conditions you’re able to view. Hunt – I can’t think of
a better way to eat meat than to use an animal that has lived its life in the
wild. Stop supporting the circus – it’s sickening to watch these magnificent
creatures live in captivity so morons can capitalize on their misery. Adopt
from shelters, not breeders. PURCHASE DOMESTIC PRODUCTS and steer clear of
items made in China – stop supporting an economy that is fueled in part by
clothing companies which SKIN ANIMALS ALIVE FOR THEIR FUR (don’t believe me? research
some videos).
Most people
reading this couldn’t care less about the ethical treatment of animals, and if
you don’t, that’s your right. Not caring, however, is one thing; interfering
with my rights to protest is quite another. Please educate yourself before you
try to destroy someone’s campaign.
