Growing up

Now this is just my opinion, but ever since I got involved with the animal rights movement I’ve had this feeling that not all of us were nice people. We were hot on the trail of the criminals who hurt animals, we were outraged but we weren’t being gentle people. Now that may not be true of some activists but many of my own contemporaries aren’t always open to arguments if they contradict the no-use-animal principle. It’s great that this principle was so firmly established, but now in order to communicate it, the activist should try to come across as mature, clear, firm but gentle, and most of all have about us a sense of fairness. We mustn’t be seen to be taking advantage of the logic of our arguments because no one likes a smart-alec. Instead we should drive slowly along the approach roads, trying not to force people into the ditch. We should set the scene, allowing them enough space to weigh the evidence and be their own judge and jury.
If we expect them to respect our views we should respect their freedom to express their opinion. The sort of changes we want to see happen can only come about when free-willed individuals decide for themselves that it’s time to change. I believe that change happens when a good idea sparks excitement not guilt. Guilt may shift us at first but it usually dissipates, whereas inspiration resonates with something deep inside us, and it continues firing up new thoughts and fresh feelings. Something that inspires us is something we can identify with. And alongside, it lets us identify with the idea’s presenter; veganism, if approved of, reflects on the vegan who presents it. For that reason vegans have to be careful not to come across as people with good arguments but ugly personalities, which stop people identifying with us, and therefore with what we say. If we can hold their interest and leave them with something to think about, they won’t be so ready to run away. And then we’re half way to winning them over.