A general post, before I lose my temper.

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.