Campaigning for animal rights...

So most people have heard of vegetarianism these days (hurrah), but it seems veganism is still trying to catch up in terms of recognition. I think, unfortunately, it also has some pretty negative connotations (see witty memes below… oh chuckle), that kind of brand us as arrogant and preachy. It's rubbish but it is something that from a non vegan point of view is probably quite hard to understand, especially if people aren't fully aware of the reasons perhaps why we may have made this lifestyle choice.

Anyway… I could talk billions about this and probably will at some point. But what I wanted to talk about was the point of people simply not 'getting it'. Most vegans, I believe, make this choice due to ethical beliefs regarding animal welfare and subsequently decided this is the best diet and lifestyle to avoid contributing even more to the cruelty and exploitation of so, so many animals.

As much as (I assume) many vegans might want to convince people to do the same, I actually see it much the same way as what I have learnt about trying to get smokers to stop smoking; you tell them, you warn them, you nag at them and they switch off, become defensive and ultimately do not make a change. It's hard (and not always fair) to tell people what to do; no one really likes it (I don't) and it is rarely effective. Over time I have started to believe that the best way to (I don't know the best way to phrase it) talk about your lifestyle change with people, without sounding like you want them to 'convert' so to speak, is to tackle one of the most inhibiting issues preventing more people from considering a more compassionate lifestyle, and that is: ignorance.

'The greatest threat to people is ignorance.

The greatest threat to animals is ignorant people.'   

This quote summarises what I mean really and is from the guide that I have been using a lot recently to help get me started on my quest of beginning more performance based campaigning for animal rights. 

Basically, I am a huge advocate of spreading awareness, in any way. In whatever way and to whatever degree, we can all have an impact upon people's understanding of these issues and that's the way to do it. Nothing spreads a message and makes a change more than word of mouth. We tend to trust those who we respect so sometimes all we need to do is talk to friends, family and colleagues (if they want to) and if they are moved, learn something and begin to see things in a new light, the chances are the message will begin to spread. 

And for those who perhaps want to do something bigger then I wanted to share with you the guide that I have found. Not only for those who want to campaign, as it has a lot to teach about the adverse effects the way humans live are having upon the planet, but an invaluable tool for those wanting to be involved  in or begin campaigning. 

Now I have my own problems to tackle, which is, how can I do a performance/ exhibition etc, without seeming like I am doing the whole preachy thing that I just suggested one might try and avoid? I have some ideas, but would appreciate suggestions. As it stands, I want to do a performance piece which focuses on the treatment of animals in modern society. This is not to focus on and promote a change to veganism, but to expose a truth to an audience, much like a lot of modern art and theatre. And I am not one to shy away from making an audience feel uncomfortable, no matter what the subject matter!

I think it is important to say that I don't dislike or look down at meat eaters or non vegans (both my parents and boyfriend eat meat), that is not the key issue in my eyes. For me, it is the knowledge that so many people just do the societal norm. It is what (especially the Western) world is used to. But without proper and full understanding. It's almost a reflex, something that is not mindful. In a way, I just want to know that people have at least put two and two together, an animal was slaughtered for this meal, and have gone on to make an informed decision. 

Of course I would love everyone to share the same viewpoint as me, but that's unrealistic and unachievable, and I don't see that as defeatist, I just see this (ethical beliefs) as being another of many things in this life that cause a divide of opinions, and we know the entire population of the world will never share religious, economical, political beliefs or beliefs about sexuality. But that knowledge doesn't stop people from wanting to learn, wanting to share and wanting to experiment. It doesn't stop people from making art and theatre about it. This is just a little more rare, and I believe I might have some quite strong opposing barriers to break through before it is accepted as art, rather than just a ploy to make people another crazy vegan monster thing! 

I got a bit carried away there, but I just want it to be clear that I (at least I think) am realistic about it all. 

I shall leave you with the links to the guide by Ben Isacat: How to do animal rights…

Online guide: http://www.animalethics.org.uk/How-to-Do-Animal-Rights-2013.pdf

To buy the full book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Animal-Rights-Ben-Isacat/dp/1291015922/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413673461&sr=1-1&keywords=how+to+do+animal+rights

Website of: http://www.animalethics.org.uk

and… 

hohoho 

Peace and hugs

Emily xxxxxxxx