Dropping the guilt approach

Now this is just my opinion, but ever since I got involved with the animal rights movement I’ve had a feeling we’re not all of us very nice people. Hot on the trail of criminals who hurt animals, outraged but not being gentle people. Not true of some activists but there are those who aren’t always open to arguments if they contradict the no-use-animal principle. In the beginning it was great that this principle was so firmly established, but now in order to communicate it, it still has to be clear and firm but gentle, if only because we can’t be seen to be taking advantage of the logic of our arguments. Because no one likes a smart-alec. We are without doubt on the moral high ground. So, we shouldn’t flaunt that but instead drive slowly along the approach roads, trying not to force people into the ditch. We should be allowing them enough space to weigh the evidence and set their own pace, make their own decisions and be their own judge and jury.
If we expect them to respect our views (because that initially is all that they are to them, 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 after a while. Quite different to when inspiration resonates with something deep inside us, when it continues firing up new thoughts and fresh feelings.
Veganism has the capacity to inspire. It’s something any one of us can identify with but it’s the way it’s presented that either impacts or doesn’t. Do we identify with the idea’s presenter, the vegan who presents it? When we’re talking about all this to people, we have to be careful not to come across as people with good arguments but ugly personalities. Just that can stop people identifying with us, and therefore with what we say. If we can be engaging, 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.