Animals as individuals

Vegans are at peace with pigs and cows. When we see them or come into casual contact with them, there’s no embarrassment. When we see a beautiful hen pecking on the ground we don’t feel guilty. We may feel ashamed on behalf of our fellow humans who abuse them, but we know we can’t be responsible for their actions. Of course this doesn’t stop us feeling angry, that people have animals on their plate, but what can we do? We can’t dismiss the whole of humanity or feel angry all the time. The people we are in contact with are our friends, kids, parents, partners, neighbours. All we can do is suggest they go cruelty-free shopping, because this is where it starts, and where, by way of incremental change, they will be able to step away from animal produce. By changing shopping habits, by making one small gesture each day and expanding on it, anyone can make a transition.
If we, as animal advocates, who try to lead a cruelty-free life, want others to do the same as we do, we need to sell it. Like any other product, it needs to be made attractive. We’re appealing to people’s higher instincts, to see for themselves that this new habit is ultimately attractive on its own account.
If we introduce it that way then, like anything intrinsically interesting, it doesn’t need to be pushed. The introduction of the subject is all a matter of good timing - of waiting, and then dropping the suggestion into the conversation when we get a green light. Once there’s an interest in finding out what we have to say then the pressure is off. We only need to talk through the issues without coming on too strong or going on too long. The curious might still be wary because they probably realise how confronting this is for them. They might be wanting to learn but be afraid of being overwhelmed. They may have the best intentions but not enough confidence to make the jump. The more practical information we can make available to them the better.