Listening to opposite views

By adopting an overall non-violent approach we don’t weaken our connection with people or weaken our consideration of animals. We emphasise the way we intend to operate and the spirit of any reform that comes about. The underlying principle of non-violence is guardianship and that means encouraging a feeling of responsibility towards the animals in our care. It also implies that we are kind with one another and patient enough to allow people to change at their own rate and within their own capacity. Certainly change is urgent, certainly the horrors of animal farming must be stopped as quickly as possible but nothing can be hurried when we are dealing with free-willed people with firmly held opinions. That is what humans have fought so hard to get and what we now have plenty of. But it has let us slip into irresponsibility. If we want to alter people’s views about animals we certainly have a hard fight on our hands but it isn’t the sort of fight that requires us to be aggressive. It’s one that establishes connections with people, without rushing them. We have to listen, even to opposite views from those who still believe in their right to eat or exploit animals. It’s our biggest test: to show we can listen without feeling threatened or without violent reaction.
If we can get that straight, then we can go that extra step and resist the temptation to make personal value judgements. By not aggressively defending what we believe, we stand a chance of getting through to even the most obstinate people. If we attack, there’s going to be counter attack … and then no one is listening to anybody.