The Vegan Spring 2011:The Vegan Winter 2004 01/02/2011 12:09 Page 18 Tips for Vegans Relating to Carnists Melanie Joy

Principles and Tools for Effective Communication and Strategic Advocacy

ost vegans have had more than their fair share of Minteractions with carnists (non-vegans) that resulted in frustration and confusion: simple “Carnism is essentially the conversations that ended in a heated argument, straightforward advocacy that backfired for no apparent reason, or even becoming the target of harassment opposite of veganism. simply for being vegan. And despite how often these experiences recur, vegans typically continue to be However, unlike veganism, surprised by them; such resistance to veganism seems so illogical that it continues to catch vegans off guard. carnism has not been

These intense and illogical reactions to veganism, however, do named, and therefore not have to remain a mystery, nor do they have to shape vegan-carnist interactions. Following are principles and tools eating animals is seen as a to help vegans relate more effectively with carnists in a variety of settings. Relating effectively will increase the likelihood that given, rather than a choice. your interactions will be mutually satisfying and your message will be heard as you intend it to. But when eating animals is Understand carnism not a necessity for survival, Carnism is the invisible belief system, or ideology, that conditions people to eat certain animals. Carnism is essentially it is a choice, and choices the opposite of veganism. However, unlike veganism, carnism has not been named, and therefore eating animals is seen as a always stem from beliefs.” given, rather than a choice. But when eating animals is not a necessity for survival, it is a choice, and choices always stem from beliefs. Contrary to popular belief, vegans are not the only ones who bring their beliefs to the dinner table. define, in large part, how carnists relate to themselves, to the animals they eat, and to vegans. Understanding carnism, Carnism is an entrenched, violent ideology that uses a set of then, is essential for vegans who wish to relate more social and psychological defense mechanisms that enable effectively with carnists—whether the carnists are close family humane people to participate in inhumane practices without members, casual acquaintances, or those to whom you are realizing what they’re doing. These “carnistic defenses” advocating.

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Expect some defensiveness when communicating with If you are unsure as to whether a comment is disrespectful, try carnists to imagine that same comment directed at someone for their religious beliefs or practices. Would it be acceptable, for Carnistic defensiveness is normal and has more to do with the instance, to tell a Catholic abstaining from meat on Good broader system of carnism than it does with the individual Friday that they’re “just being picky?” Or to try to convince a carnist. Carnism is a dominant ideology that is automatically Muslim who doesn’t eat pigs that his or her behavior is internalized, or psychologically absorbed, by those born into irrational? (e.g., “Cows are just as unclean as pigs, but you carnistic culture—so the carnistic mentality, like the ideology, is eat them…”). If you ever feel disrespected by a carnist, organized around defenses. If you recognize that carnistic politely point out what, specifically, has bothered you and then defensiveness is normal, you'll be less frustrated and better remove yourself from the situation if the disrespect continues. prepared for conversations with carnists. Take care of yourself Recognize that the facts don’t sell the ideology Vegan advocates can become traumatized from witnessing Carnism is an illogical system that creates an illogical loyalty to animal suffering. Don’t overexpose yourself to traumatizing eating animals. Carnistic conditioning distorts people's material (e.g., you don’t need to continually subject yourself to perceptions of animals and meat such that they selectively disturbing imagery), and don’t overextend yourself so that you notice, and selectively retain, the facts about eating animals. become exhausted. The more sustainable your life is, the more grounded and effective you’ll be as an advocate. If you are Appreciate that good people can, and do, engage in overwhelmed and traumatized, you will likely project these harmful behaviors feelings onto the carnists with whom you relate, viewing them as “the enemy,” and they in turn will become defensive and Relate to the carnist as a person, rather than as a “meat eater.” shut down to your message. All people deserve respect for who they are, even if we disagree with what they do. When discussing eating animals, Learn as much as you can about veganism and carnism focus on the carnist’s behavior, not her or his character. The more you understand your own ideology and the Don’t reduce a carnist to nothing more than a behavior opposing ideology, the less likely you are to be caught off guard by a carnist's defensive comments. If you are prepared Carnists, like vegans, are complex individuals and cannot be for carnistic defenses, you'll be able to respond thoughtfully, defined by one aspect of their lives. Many vegans have more rather than react defensively, to them. Knowledge is power. in common with some carnists than they do with other vegans. Be careful not to lump carnists into a group and Conclusion project stereotypes onto them. Understanding carnism and the principles of effective Don’t buy into the negative messages you may hear communication can significantly empower vegans to relate about yourself as a vegan more effectively with carnists. And when we relate more effectively, we all win: carnists, vegans, and the animals. The dominant carnistic culture often portrays vegans as picky or "difficult" eaters; eating disordered; hypocrites if we wear leather and extremists if we don't; overly emotional; flaky; and militant. Recognize these vegan stereotypes for what they are so that you can counter them if they are projected onto you and so that you don't internalize them and feel badly about yourself. Dr Melanie Joy is the author of Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs and Don’t let defensive carnists disrespect you Wear Cows: An Introduction to Carnism (reviewed in The Vegan Many carnists are defensive without being disrespectful. Summer 2010. However, some carnists attack vegans—by, for instance, making insulting comments or telling subtle yet offensive “jokes” about vegans or veganism. You should never let people judge you, shame you, or deride your lifestyle and choices.

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