TIPS Vegans can remain true to their ideals regardless Some specific activities that can lead to of whether or not they engage in traditional people learning about are: FOR methods of activism. Although striving to acquire • Putting a reference (URLs or quotes) great wealth is seen by many as the antithesis of in your email address or email signature. activism, those who earn large amounts of money SPREADING Wearing clothes that say “vegan” or through business can have an enormous impact • “vegetarian.” This creates opportunities to on animal liberation when they contribute funds give literature to people who ask. to organizations/activities aimed at reducing animal suffering. • Writing articles for/letters to publications, including newsletters of local groups (e.g., your Diverse and committed people have lent their local chapter of the Audubon Society, the Nature talents to all aspects of . However, Conservancy, , etc.). Tell a story if not for those who pursue other fields and tailored to the audience that gives the readers financially support the printing of WHY VEGAN and a way of identifying with you. V GANISM VEGETARIAN LIVING, we would be unable to reach E Displaying information in public areas, anyone with our information. It is because of our • such as hanging copies of WHY VEGAN and/or members’ hard work in fields not directly related VEGETARIAN LIVING* on your office door. Many to that we have the funds needed have reported great success in displaying them to print and distribute literature around the world. PLAYING TO Living one’s life as a vegan at health food stores, restaurants, libraries, etc. is a clear first step for many, Also, posters and display prints can be downloaded In order to spread STRENGTH but then what? There are CONSTRUCTIVE from the Vegan Outreach web site—perfect for and veganism countless ways in which motivated individuals can campus bulletin boards. OUTREACH effectively, our focus should use their gifts to reduce animal suffering each day. *A less graphic version of WHY VEGAN, with a different be on educating people with credible, persuasive, The possibilities are limited only by our creativity. order and weighting of subjects, which and focused literature; providing well-documented may be more appropriate for some There is no one-size-fits-all method of activism. and thorough answers for specific questions; audiences and may be allowed for display What are your strengths/weaknesses? What do supplying educational materials to schools; in areas where WHY VEGAN is not. you enjoy doing? How can you live a happy, pur- working to get vegan options in various settings; • Providing people with good poseful life and help the animals to the greatest working with food manufacturers, grocery stores, vegan food. Although this sounds degree possible? The answers, of course, are dif- and restaurants for more options; and supplying obvious, it is far from easy. Our ferent for each of us, and sometimes our answers people with lists of local restaurants and shop- general advice now is to serve change over time. ping opportunities where vegan options exist. easily prepared, relatively simple While creative thinking and playing to one’s Our experience has shown that the most foods (e.g., pasta, potatoes, beans, strengths can open up new avenues for promoting effective way to accomplish the above is casseroles) with different sauces, veganism, rigid adherence to doctrine can obstruct through understanding and constructive perhaps with a new food as an advocacy. Isn’t one’s time better spent distributing outreach. Positive outreach takes patience vegan literature than tracing the origins of obscure and can be frustrating, but it is worth the ingredients? In order to be effective advocates, effort. We don’t have to force people to notice ——IINSIDE— the decisions we make—both on a daily basis and us; simply being confident, articulate vegans Activism and Veganism Reconsidered . . . . 4 long-term—must offer a net benefit to the animals. in public is enough. Anger, Humor, and Advocacy ...... 7 Selecting Information for Advocacy . . . . . 8 Beyond Might Makes Right ...... 10 appetizer (e.g., hummus). If serving vegetar- same way, and at first I just cut back on meat. ian “meats,” we suggest providing standard Now that I’m vegetarian, I’ve found that I really (mustard, pickles, etc.). don’t miss meat. In fact, I feel good about my diet, being more at peace with the world around me.” • Joining/starting a local veg*an society. Many people will be significantly helped by Such an honest admission of your own feelings some support structure—shopping references, can build rapport. When people say something dining guides, potlucks, etc. Your group can write a little obnoxious, smile and wish them a good day. guest columns, seek out speaking engagements in If they say something really mean, you might say, schools and clubs, give cooking classes, work with “That was a mean thing to say.” If said as an local schools and restaurants to increase vegan observation, without a tone of bitterness, it will options, show documentaries, etc. There is really possibly get them thinking. no limit to this. SUGGESTIONS The great thing about SUGGESTIONS The initial impression is FOR EAFLETTING leafletting is the crucial in establishing a FOR LEAFLETTING lack of prepara- FOR TABLING dialogue. Displays, needed tion time required. At the right time and place, just to attract visitors, should clearly and simply convey one person can hand out hundreds of brochures in the area of concern. Large-screen TVs are always less than an hour. You will inevitably interest many magnets for attracting people, to whom you can new people in making their way toward veganism, then offer literature. Consider your audience and sowing seeds of change where they do not location when you choose which pictures to display currently exist. or videos to show. Graphic images of animal torture Students tend to be more interested in veganism upset children, while teenagers and younger adults than the rest of society, making college campuses are most likely to be moved by these photographs. good places to leaflet; weekdays before 3 p.m. are Be clean, well-groomed, and conservatively dressed. the busiest times. At large universities, there is Counter-culture attire, except where this is the normally a steady flow of pedestrian traffic some- norm, sends the message that your world radically where on campus at all times throughout the day. differs from that of your audience. This creates a Smaller colleges and universities usually have barrier between you and prospective visitors who a steady flow of traffic between classes. may react with a feeling of distrust, even hostility. You can find a spot where many pedestrians are Remember, you are there as a spokesperson for passing, or you can walk around offering the bro- the animals, and should not let anything come chure to people you come across (which makes between your audience and your message. you less conspicuous). Some schools have an open Your credibility will increase if you actively listen: policy on allowing leafletting, while others do not. repeat a visitor’s main points using different words, Even if someone eventually tells you that you are showing that you understand. Then, ask thought- not permitted to hand out literature on campus, provoking but courteous questions. Seek common it will likely be after you’ve given out a great ground with your visitors by emphasizing shared number of brochures. goals or concerns. Acknowledge your table visitors’ People who take part in walkathons in order to valid points or observations. Don’t turn the raise money for causes tend to be willing to encounter into a debate or personal attack; keep it a mutual exploration of the issues. If the main barrier seems to be the visitors’ desire to continue habits that they find pleasant—such as sport fishing or wearing fur—mention any of your own relevant changes in lifestyle. In response to a declaration such as “I could never give up meat,” you might relate something of your own eat- ing habits: e.g., “I used to feel the

2 Tips for Spreading Veganism

Our conversations used to go somewhat like this: Potential Vegan (PV): Oh, so you’re a vegan. I know someone else who is vegan. You know, I really think it’s terrible how they treat the animals, but I could never do it. Animal products are in everything, aren’t they? Vegan: They are in a lot of things. But you figure out what you can and can’t eat and then it becomes easier. PV: It just takes too much discipline for me. Vegan: I could give you a list of the names of all the different possible animal ingredients. There’s less than 10,000 of them! And I can give you a list of accept literature. (We target these people because 500 companies and whether they test on animals we think they are likely to take a brochure, read it, or not. It’s not so bad. Hey, where are you going? and thoughtfully consider moving towards vegan- ism, not because WHY VEGAN has anything to do Now our answer goes: with the cause for which they are walking.) Animal- Vegan: To me, veganism is not about personal purity, related events, such as humane society benefits or but a way to stop suffering. You don’t have to avoid animal rights presentations, are also a good place every animal product, just the obvious ones for to reach interested and committed individuals who which an animal was bred, raised, and eventually may not have considered the implications of their killed. Some vegans avoid all they can as a sym- own diet, or the idea of promoting veganism. bolic gesture, but minuscule amounts of animal products or by-products will fade away as the While leafletting, keep in mind: meat, dairy, and egg industries fade. • We have found that “Would you like a pamphlet about vegetarianism?” or “Have you seen one of Sometimes a potential vegan will say, “I could just these yet?” are effective ways of offering literature never give up ice cream (or cheese, etc.).” Some to people (and minimize the number thrown away). vegans now reply, “Then give up everything but ice cream.” These types of reactions will often sur- • Many activists are nervous about leafletting. prise the potential vegan and make them realize In our experience, nervousness often fades once that veganism is not about making yourself pure, you’ve offered the brochure to a few people. but about doing what you can to stop suffering. • Besides WHY VEGAN, Vegan Outreach can sup- ply you with copies of our VEGAN STARTER PACK for People often try to sidestep the issue by talking people with questions. about everything from Eskimos eating fish to being stranded on a desert island. To be effective, we • One person can make an enormous difference. have to bring conversations back to the fact that Many people will pass the information on to others, eating animal products causes suffering, and each causing a chain reaction. of us can work to avoid creating this suffering. PERSONAL Few people have any interest in We should not simply try to feel that we have won engaging a religious zealot an argument with a meat eater. Rather, we need INTERACTION bent on converting them. people to consider the issues in depth and want Similarly, when animal rights advocates give the to change. If we are to reach people’s hearts and impression that they are trying to convert people, minds, and help them utilize the power of their people resist the message. One activist reports choices, we must make people aware that we are what has worked for him: sincere individuals who have made informed I started at a new university almost a year ago. decisions. We must show everyone that we have I wore my sweatshirt and t-shirts that say decided to use our choices to make a positive Vegan Outreach on them at least every third statement about how the world should—and can— day. For months, only a few be. Only then will others be inclined to join us in people said anything to me. creating a new world. Cover photos (clockwise): Basla Andolsun at U of NM; Some of them joke with me display set up by Precious James Powell at U of GA about eating meat. I don’t library; Chelsea Lincoln at U of OR; Marsha Forsman at Chicago Earth Day event; Philip Rutkowski at U act offended, and try to con- of PA Econference 2000. tinue the conversation. Slowly, Page 2: VO display table at AR2000; Mark McEahern at U of WI, Madison; Speak Out of Allendale, NJ; over time, more and more peo- Katja Hrores at Harvard; at U of WA; ple ask questions. I try not to at Seton Hill College, Greensburg, PA. Page 3: Joe Espinosa at Chicago Earth Day event; be pushy, but offer them a Philip at U of PA; Kevin P. O’Gallagher at U of CO at Denver; Dave Costa at MI State; Michael Tucker WHY VEGAN pamphlet when at FL International U; “Which item on this tray is the circumstances are right. the most harmful to the environment?” display by Vegetarian Solutions of Atlanta, GA; Tommy Nail of Allen, TX.

3 Activism and Veganism Reconsidered:

In the past twenty years, the animal rights (AR) movement has made the public culture. Yet after two decades, with hundreds of B Y aware of many issues concerning animals. During this time, unfortunately, per- millions of dollars spent and possibly a similar M capita meat consumption has risen, and the number of animals killed in the number of hours of work devoted, almost twice A United States has increased by hundreds of millions each year. as many animals will be killed in the U.S. this T T year as were killed in 1980. It may be possible to help small numbers of animals by stopping blatant, socially B In the U.S., given the quantity of non-human A unacceptable forms of cruelty. But true animal liberation can only be possible by animals suffering, the extent to which they are L L changing deeply ingrained patterns of thought about animals—specifically, that suffering, and the reason they are intentionally animals exist for humans to use. made to suffer, I believe that animal liberation is the moral imperative of our time. Our entire Fundamental Facts The number of animals ations for improving advocacy, not as argument focus should be on ending the suffering as killed for fur in the U.S. each year is approxi- or judgement. efficiently and quickly as possible. mately equal to the human population of Illinois. Hoop Dreams A basketball coach once I believe we have an ethical obligation to The number of animals killed in experimentation told me: “Practice doesn’t make perfect. Poorly recognize and set aside all of our personal in the U.S. each year is approxi- baggage and to perform an mately equal to the human pop- objective analysis of both the ulation of Texas. The number of The number of animals killed for fur pros/cons and costs/benefits of mammals and birds farmed and our choice of focus, our choice slaughtered in the U.S. each year in the U.S. each year is approximately equal to of tactics, and the example we is approximately equal to one choose to present to the public. and two-thirds the entire human the human population of Illinois. Focus: Limited Resources population of Earth. Along with anger, guilt is a Over 99% of the animals killed in the U.S. highly motivating emotion among activists. each year die to be eaten. Everyone makes If we know of a highly visible case of animal choices directly determining the fates of these planned and executed practice, no matter exploitation, we feel that we must take action animals when deciding what to eat each day. how hard you work, tends to just reinforce against it. Because most people eat animals, the bad habits and will ultimately only make you As much as we don’t want to admit it, commonplace view remains that animals are a worse player. though, we can’t do everything: when we tools and commodities. There are a million “Only perfect practice makes perfect.” choose to pursue one thing, we are choosing symptoms of this view—small- not to pursue others. scale yet highly visible abuses Compared to the public as that always seem to demand The number of animals killed in experimentation a whole and the companies our attention: canned hunts, which exploit animals, AR circuses, cockfighting, fur, horse in the U.S. each year is approximately equal to activists have extremely limited racing, etc. Many activists burn resources: money, time, and out because of the never-ending the human population of Texas. emotional energy. Instead of torrent of these “battles” around reacting to whatever visible them and the difficulty in winning even the abuses that come up or following the leads of smallest “victory.” other activists, utilizing our limited resources This cycle will continue until there is a so as to maximize their results should be our fundamental change in society. The only way The same can be said about activism. first priority. to make this happen is by convincing people No matter how angry we are, how much we There are a host of people out there who to stop . believe in something, how hard we work, or are open to our efforts, while those who profit Question Authority We expect the gen- how much we suffer, our activities can be use- from the industries that exploit animals are not. eral public to question everything they assume less or even counter-productive. We should Shouldn’t we gain strength in numbers by first and have ever been told about food, traditions, always strive to think clearly, get good counsel, focusing the bulk of our energies into persuad- health, etc. Given the enormity of the task at be willing to admit our mistakes, and change ing those people who are willing to listen hand, the increase in the number of animals course in midstream if necessary (however to our message? killed each year, and the relative paucity of our ego-damaging this can be). If our efforts are Money, Immediacy, and Victories resources, I believe we too must constantly not part of a well-defined and thought-through Some contend that small-scale, high-profile question everything we assume and have ever plan, we will spin our wheels. cases provide a hook to allow organizations been told about our activism and veganism. Main Point During the time the AR move- to raise money and gain new members. Others My assumptions and ego have harmed the ment has been visible in the U.S. (since ~1980), argue that victories can help energize activists effectiveness of my advocacy in the past. I AR activists have stopped some abuses, received who would otherwise burn out on actions that offer these lessons learned solely as consider- media attention, and become a fixture of pop don’t have a tangible payoff. Although these

4 Activism and Veganism Reconsidered: Personal Thoughts at the New Millennnnium

Personal Thoughts at the New Millennium

are valid considerations, these potential posi- Nor is there time enough to get into important “battles.” It can be hard to put fundamental tives must be weighed against other factors. nutritional aspects that need attention in order change ahead of expressing our anger in small Hegins One example of our movement’s to follow a vegan diet successfully. Furthermore, battles, but it is necessary if progress is to be priorities is the Hegins pigeon shoot—one of the media makes opponents aware of our made towards animal liberation. the primary AR accomplishments of the 1990s. efforts. This enables animal exploiters to mobi- The Health Argument As Donna Maurer Immense amounts of money and human effort lize against us, as well as providing them with concluded in her dissertation (1997) about went into this campaign. Ending the Hegins a free venue in which to disagree with us, since the vegetarian movement in North America, pigeon shoot has saved ~5,000 animals each reports invariably give them equal or better air- “the strategies that vegetarian groups enact year—the number of animals that die in U.S time. Many in the media will only air something to promote ‘healthy diets’ for each individual’s slaughterhouses every 16 seconds. if they feel they are able to make us look silly, personal benefit inhibit people from adopting In the future, we need to decide if the ani- or like vandals and terrorists. Others make the a collective vegetarian identity based on moral mals are best served by this type of allocation entire issue of animal liberation (regardless concern regarding human/animal relationships; of resources. If we choose not to decide, we of whether it was originally about fur, meat, without commitment to this moral concern, still have made a choice. or hunting) into “your baby or your dog.” ‘being a vegetarian’ is a lifestyle vulnerable Tactics Given the wide range of animal All of the above drawbacks can be avoided to changing personal and cultural tastes.” abuses and the various situations in which by handing out detailed and accurate informa- Many activists believe the health argument activists find themselves, I believe it is not pos- tion about veganism in one-on-one situations. to be the most effective for promoting vegetar- sible to make a blanket statement that a specific You might reach fewer people, but you will ianism because it is the least threatening and tactic is unquestionably positive or always be providing them with thorough information, appeals to people’s self-interest. We question harmful. For example, a certain type of dem- versus a sound bite that is easy to dismiss whether this is really the best tactic for the onstration, when run in a relevant situation or forget. following reasons: and with a respectful, ■ Even if ethics is clear message, can pos- not as effective as the sibly raise the public’s The number of mammals and birds farmed and slaughtered health argument at ini- awareness, receive fair tially persuading some media coverage, and for food in the U.S. each year is approximately equal to people, those who are encourage some activ- motivated to change ists. The same type of one and two-thirds the entire human population of Earth. based on ethics will be demonstration, run better spokespersons under different circum- for veganism. In the stances and with an outrageous message made Why Veganism? Spreading information promotion of animal liberation, each individual’s through chants, shouts, and/or stunts, can about how veganism prevents animal suffering example and actions as a spokesperson are at serve to harm the progression of animal libera- helps to move individuals (and thus society) least as important as the economic impact their tion by alienating the public and frustrating away from relying on animal exploitation for individual choices have. Promoting a “- thoughtful activists. a fundamental, daily activity—eating. Once based” diet for health reasons feeds our society’s Like deciding where to focus our limited individuals have broken their attachment to focus on selfishness by implying that animal resources, decisions about tactics must be a daily reliance on animal exploitation, it is suffering is not worthy of people’s concern. made in the larger context of our goals. Why much easier for them to reject all animal It delays the time when we, as a society, will are we doing this (e.g., is it because of anger exploitation, rather than just the high-profile come to terms with our treatment of animals. and guilt, or because it is a strategic step that abuses committed by others. As more people ■ Diets based on health claims are subject serves our larger goal)? What is the most prob- understand and act by the tenets of veganism, to further change based on new, low-fat animal able outcome? What effect will it have on the it will be significantly easier for others to join products and fad diets (THE ZONE, EAT RIGHT public? On other activists? What other activities them. This will bring pressure to bear on other FOR YOUR TYPE, etc.). People who follow a could we do with the same time and resources, animal issues, and achievement of our goals vegetarian or vegan diet to feel healthier will and would one of those options have a greater will be accelerated. resume consuming animal products if they feel effect overall? Again, I believe that we have an But we don’t need a majority in order to no improvement. Because they do not neces- obligation to ask these questions. make a huge reduction in animal suffering by sarily have their hearts into being vegetarian The Media Circus Many activists feel spreading veganism: if 5% of Americans were or vegan, they often will not experiment with it that the worth of their activism or event is to stop eating animals, more suffering would be long enough to find a way of eating that makes based on how much media coverage they prevented than if we completely abolished every them feel healthy. This can have far-reaching, receive. It is not necessary, however, to focus other form of animal exploitation in the U.S. negative effects as they go on to tell others one’s activism on getting media attention. Promoting veganism brings about the how unhealthy they felt when they were veg. Trying to use the media has a number fundamental change that is needed. Done at ■ In the past twenty years, the number of of drawbacks. There is rarely enough time to a reasonable pace, it can sustain activists who animals killed has skyrocketed because of the present a full and compelling case for veganism. would otherwise burn out in the face of endless move toward eating more chickens and fish,

5 There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil… brought about in part because of people trying “meat,” drink wine, take photographs, use vegans. It will change, however, as the number to eat less red meat for health reasons. medications, etc.; some vegans even tack on of practical vegans expands and there isn’t an ■ Health claims regarding the benefits other political or religious ideologies. endless string of animals being slaughtered for of vegetarianism can often be exaggerated Busting the Vegan Police It is impera- food, making a substitute necessary. and/or incomplete. Because so many people tive for us to realize that if our veganism is a In dealing with others, practical vegans can have health questions regarding a vegetarian statement for animal liberation, veganism can- explain: “I don’t buy products that directly cause diet, all activists should honestly educate not be an exclusive, ego-boosting club. Rather, animal suffering—things for which animals are themselves with current and complete nutri- we must become the mainstream. Fostering bred, raised, and slaughtered. A symbolic vegan tional information. When people ask about the impression that “it’s so hard to be vegan— could add: “Personally, I choose to go further and health, we can confidently state that a vegan animal products are in everything,” and avoid film [sugar, etc.] as a symbolic gesture.” diet can be healthy and explain which nutrients emphasizing animal products where the con- Once the demand for primary animal might be of concern. (For the information nection to animal suffering is tenuous, works products shrinks and the by-products are Vegan Outreach considers the most up-to-date against this by allowing most to ignore us and no longer so cheap, companies will find new and scientifically-thorough, please see: causing others to give up the whole process filtering methods, new ways to cure concrete, http://www.veganoutreach.org/health) out of frustration. new means of producing steel and rubber, The Vegan Example In general, people The way veganism is presented to a poten- new blood-test methods, etc. As more people do not want to believe that they are supporting tial vegan is of major importance. The attractive are concerned with animals, farming practices cruelty by eating animal products. They don’t idea behind being a “vegan” is reducing one’s will be altered so fewer animals are harmed want to give up convenience and their favorite contribution to animal exploitation. Buying meat, and killed during planting and harvesting foods, and they don’t want to separate them- eggs, and/or dairy creates animal suffering— of vegan food. selves from their friends and family. So it is animals will be raised and slaughtered specifi- The Future: A New Vision We need unlikely that people will even listen to our cally for these products. But if the by-products an articulated and actionable plan for bringing message—let alone think about changing—if are not sold, they will be thrown out or given about animal liberation. In the current view, they perceive vegans as joyless misanthropes. away. As more people stop eating animals, the we spend our resources and energy “fighting There often appears to be a contest among by-products will naturally fade, so there is no battles,” where they occur and on the exploiters’ vegans for discovering new connections to ani- real reason to force other people to worry about terms. We need to move beyond this war mal exploitation (of course, links can be found them in order to call themselves “vegan.” imagery to a constructive approach. everywhere if one looks hard enough). This We want a vegan world, not a vegan club. No matter how many chants we shout, attitude makes us appear fanatical and gives Practical and Symbolic Vegans Most no matter how many sound bites we gain, many people an excuse to ignore our message. vegans have multiple motivations, but primary no matter how many labs we vandalize or Some vegans claim sugar (and products motivations often distinguish vegans, such as “enemies” we defeat, animal liberation will not containing sugar, like Tofutti) isn’t vegan “health vegans” or “spiritual/religious vegans.” occur until we join with everyone in a vegan because some sugar processing uses bone I see another type of distinction as being useful: world. If there is to be a fundamental change char as a whitening agent. Bone char is also “practical vegans” and “symbolic vegans.” in the manner in which other animals are used as a source of activated carbon in some Practical vegans avoid the specific products for viewed—if there is to be animal liberation— water filters and by some municipal water which animals are bred, raised, and eventually there can be no “us and them.” treatment plants. (These plants also use tests slaughtered. Every product they choose to avoid There is hope for animal liberation if and that involve animal products, and water itself can be directly and causally linked to animal only if we learn how to help people get past has been tested on animals.) So should we say suffering. Symbolic vegans, in addition to their wall of denial and manifest their latent water isn’t “vegan”? avoiding those products, go beyond this to compassion. To succeed, our interactions with The vast majority of people in our society some level (e.g., avoiding sugar but not water) others must be rooted in empathy and under- have no problem gnawing on an actual chicken so as to be able to make a statement (about standing—working with and from a person’s leg. Yet we make an issue of honey, despite the solidarity with the animals, personal purity, etc.). motivations, fears, desires, and shortcomings. fact that insects and other animals are killed in Illustration The gelatin in film makes Instead of approaching with a “fighting” mind- the process of planting, raising, harvesting, and many vegans uncomfortable. However, film set, which necessarily makes people defensive transporting our vegan food. It is no wonder companies won’t use something more expen- and closed to new ideas, we should provide that many people dismiss us as unreasonable sive because of this discomfort. As long as people with information that they can digest and irrational when they are told (or when it is animals are slaughtered for their flesh, gelatin on their own time and act upon at a sustainable implied by our actions) that they must not eat will remain a dirt-cheap by-product. This won’t pace. Only then will real progress be made. veggie burgers cooked on the same grill with change because of a relatively few symbolic

…to one who is striking at the root… Henry David Thoreau, WALDEN, 1854

6 Anger,, Humor,, and Advocacy © B. Breathed 2000

BY MATT BALL

AS A REACTION TO WHAT GOES ON in factory world, I am adding to the suffering in the retrospect) rationalizations, I would certainly farms and slaughterhouses, very strong world. More importantly, I am saying that never have gone veg. feelings are understandable and entirely unless utopia is instantaneously established, My story is not unique. Not only does justified. But I believe that our inability— it is not possible to be happy. Thus, my goal it show the shortcomings of anger and the individually and as a movement—to deal is fundamentally unachievable. benefits of patience, it also indicates that with our anger in a constructive manner To have any change occur in the world, you shouldn’t give up on your friends if is one of the greatest hindrances to the we need to convince others to think beyond they don’t react to information as you advancement of animal liberation. themselves. We must be willing to do the would like them to. Shunning your friends Over time, people tend to deal with same. Just as we want others to look beyond because they don’t immediately adopt your their anger in different ways. Some take to the short-term satisfaction of following vegan views not only cuts you off from protesting, some to screaming, hatred, and habits and traditions, we need to move past the very people we need to reach, it also sarcasm. Others disconnect from society and our anger to effective advocacy (e.g., moving perpetuates the stereotype of the joyless surround themselves with only like-minded from yelling and chanting to constructive fanatic with no life other than complaining. people, seeing society as a large conspiracy educational outreach). If I claim that I can’t “Fighting” suffering is not the only way against veganism. I do not believe any of be happy—that I am a slave to my situation to make a better world; creating happiness this does much to move society towards —how can I expect others to be able to and joy as part of a thoughtful, compassion- being more compassionate. act differently? ate life can be an even more powerful tool A different approach is to try to main- It also helps to maintain a historical for creating change. tain a positive outlook and a sense of humor. perspective. I realize that I am not the first As long as there is conscious life on This makes it easier to continue in activism person to be upset by the state of affairs in Earth, there will be suffering. The question and to avoid self-righteous fundamental- the world. I can learn from the mistakes and becomes what to do with the existence each ism, and also makes it possible to interact successes of those who came before me. of us is given. We can choose to add our positively and constructively with others. Few people came to an enlightened view own fury and misery to the rest, or we can Unfortunately, there is no easy way to of the world by themselves and overnight. set an example by simultaneously working gain and maintain a sense of humor. It took me over a year after my first expo- constructively to alleviate suffering while One suggestion is to always remember sure to the issues to go vegetarian, and leading joyous, meaningful, fulfilled lives. your ultimate goal. In my case, it is the even longer after that to . If I had Being a vegan isn’t about deprivation, alleviation of suffering. If I allow myself to been treated with disgust and anger because sobriety, and wallowing in misery. It’s about be miserable because of the cruelty in the of my close-mindedness and pathetic (in being fully aware so as to be fully alive.

7 Selecting Information for Advocacy

BY M ATT B ALL

In today’s society, it seems that if you don’t scream the loudest, you are not heard. Because moderate voices are often drowned out, it can feel necessary to make fantastic claims in order to advance your cause.

There is a natural tendency for uncritical acceptance of claims we want to believe. In the long run, however, I believe that this causes more harm than good, because we lose support from people who have come to realize that we are not objective, and we miss chances to convince people who are inherently skeptical. Furthermore, most people are looking for some reason to dismiss us. Thus, it is imperative that we present information the public won’t regard as ludicrous and from sources that they won’t dismiss as partisan.

Some Potential Problems There are several traps when it comes to intentionally lying to the public or by deceiving ◆ Another trap involves a single number from choosing information. These include: themselves. an uncertain range. One example is the claim that 25% of college males are sterile. Many ◆ Starting with a desired claim and selectively Carl Sagan wrote: “Extraordinary claims require years ago, I gave a pro-veg pamphlet to my building an argument to support that claim. extraordinary [i.e. overwhelming and indisput- college advisor (an open-minded individual) This can be particularly harmful when the claim able] proof.” When we make an extraordinary who dismissed it out of hand after coming to is so at odds with conventional wisdom as claim without this proof accompanying it, we this. This is a reasonable reaction because to be easily dismissed, in which case anything lose credibility. Claims in this category include: research on the topic reveals information from else said is tainted or ignored. An example 75% of U.S. topsoil has been lost, with 85% of a variety of sources that is stating as fact that Jesus was a vegetarian this directly attributable to raising livestock; an indicates 25% is much when trying to convince someone that they, acre of trees disappears in the U.S. every eight too high. too, should be vegetarian. Some Christian veg- seconds; and one burger costs 55 square feet etarians are drawn to this contention because of rainforest. it connects their two strongest beliefs, while (While getting my M.S. in Forest Ecology, some activists like the claim because it receives I worked with people who have done extensive media attention. first-hand research on tropical deforestation. In the bigger picture, however, this claim, I also dealt with other foresters, as well as like others, can serve to harm the overall people working with the Soil Conservation spread of the vegetarian message. Since the Service. As much as I tried, Bible portrays Jesus as eating fish, any Christian I was unable to find proof devout enough to base their eating habits for the above oft-quoted on what Jesus did will probably believe the claims. Rather, I found con- Bible. Others will conclude that trary statistics or complex vegetarian advocates will chains of causation.) say anything to promote Similar claims include: vegetari- their cause, either by anism would extend the world’s petroleum reserves 20-fold; more than half the water and 33% of raw materials used in the U.S. go to livestock produc- tion; vegetarianism can solve world hunger; an epidemic of Mad Cow disease is “right around the corner”; and eating meat causes impotence. If we are going to make such extraordinary claims in our literature, they must be backed up with overwhelming proof in that literature if we expect people to believe them.

8 Selecting Informattiion for Advocacy

◆ Unwarranted generalization is a related Most people who hear this could, if they desired, problem, such as taking the results from a single easily find information that would indicate that study (e.g., heart attack rates of vegetarians being vegetarian has little to do with sterility— compared to nonvegetarians) and generalizing e.g., the Endocrine Society lists nothing related those rates as facts for the entire population. to diet as a cause of male infertility. Often this is done when there are other Judging & studies indicating Presenting more conservative Information figures, or even The general public opposing conclusions. is constantly being bombarded with In THE AMERICAN JOURNAL “documented facts” OF CLINICAL NUTRITION from all sides (e.g., (1999:70S), Walter Willett THE ZONE/low-carb/ gives an example of the EAT RIGHT FOR YOUR difficulties we face in getting TYPE diet gurus). good information: “Although These and others are an association between red totally and passionately meat consumption and colon convinced of the truth cancer has been observed in of their facts. We can’t many studies, the available assume that the public evidence suggests that there will be swayed by our is little such relation with claims, just because we breast cancer. Within Seventh- too are convinced that our day Adventist populations, little facts are correct. We have if any reduction in breast cancer to go beyond finding claims incidence has been observed and research that appeal Finding & Sharing in comparison with the general to us, and use materials that Accurate Information population. Positive relations our target audience will find Getting accurate, complete, and unbiased between consumption of red compelling and convincing. information can be difficult. Until 1999, some meat and breast cancer were Specifically, we need to be of the information in noted in a few studies, but a appropriately skeptical of Vegan Outreach’s tendency to report positive claims which support our pamphlets had associations but not to pub- position, and not dismissive been based on lish negative findings may of claims that don’t. The pro- secondary sources. have resulted in an over- veg case is valid—and not When we finally had all bias in the literature.” easily dismissed—even with the time to go to the ◆ Some also extrapolate epidemiological data less fantastic contentions. original sources, they from another country to our own. Many activists often did not corre- use the results of research done in other cultures Nutritional Information spond to what was as though it necessarily applies to vegans in the In order not to scare off potential vegans, some being attributed to U.S. But there are a wide variety of confounding advocates don’t mention any difficulties in them. Even first factors that make many extrapolations difficult, being vegan. This can backfire by not preparing sources have such as the amount of weight-bearing exercise people well for a vegan diet: our experience problems, and in women as it relates to osteoporosis, and the indicates there are a large number of people thus cannot be fact that very little of this research is done on who become vegetarian or vegan, don’t feel viewed in isolation. actual vegans. healthy, and go back to meat-eating. As one Being rigorous and nutrition professor recently told a director of ◆ Another problem is connecting unrelated or thorough may seem Vegan Outreach, “You’re the only vegan I know. loosely-related facts, such as arguing that one like an overwhelm- I know a lot of ex-vegans, but no vegans.” should be vegan to ing task. But in avoid sterility. For example, much vegan advocacy literature addition to being implies that being vegan reduces the risk of more effective at osteoporosis, and thus, vegans do not need reaching our target to be worried if they get less calcium and audience, these efforts vitamin D than non-vegans (most vegans do will increase our confidence get significantly less calcium). However, recent in the information we are using, studies do not show vegans to be more pro- and may even lead to other important facts tected from osteoporosis than non-vegans. and understandings.

9 WHATISMEANTBY“RIGHTS” THOSE WHO EXPLOIT AND MISTREAT ANIMALS Ⅲ Among the genes that determine In most of the world, human beings GENERALLY DEFEND THEIR ACTIVITIES ON THE GROUNDS one’s eye color, etc., which gene is it are granted basic rights. These funda- THAT ANIMALS LACK EVEN BASIC RIGHTS. that confers rights? mental rights are usually (at a mini- Ⅲ If rights should be based on mum): the entitlement of individuals IS THIS TRUE, OR DO PEOPLE DENY ANIMALS RIGHTS genes, why should the line be drawn to have basic control of their lives and SIMPLY TO RATIONALIZE EXPLOITING THEM? at the species level? Why shouldn’t the bodies, without infringing on the rights line be drawn at race, order, phylum, IN SEARCHING FOR AN HONEST, CONSISTENT ETHIC, of others. In other words: the right not or kingdom? to be killed, caged, or experimented IF ONE BELIEVES THAT HUMANS HAVE RIGHTS, A thoughtful person might find on against their will at the hands of WE FIND THAT THERE ARE NO LEGITIMATE GROUNDS having their rights (or lack thereof) moral agents (persons able to under- FOR REJECTING RIGHTS FOR ALL OTHER ANIMALS. determined by a molecular sequence stand and act from a moral code). to be a bit absurd. It is no better than It is assumed that the reader believes basing rights on the pigmentation of humans to have these rights. one’s skin (which is also determined BEYONDBEYOND by the individual’s genetic code). A DIFFERENCE OF DEGREE Consider if we could genetically Many say that humans deserve rights MIGHT MAKES RIGHT engineer humanoids who were biolog- while other animals do not because M M R ically distinct from humans (could not humans have a greater level of certain reproduce with humans) but shared by Matt Ball & Jack Norris characteristics: humans are more human emotions and intelligence. intelligent, creative, aware, technologi- for a first-principle discussion, see http://www.veganoutreach.org/ethics.html Could we justifiably enslave, experi- cally advanced, dominant, able to use ment on, and eat such people? language, able to enter into contracts, able to make moral choices, etc. Thus, THE LAW humans deserve rights because they either one is granted rights by being valued by Some argue that infants and the mentally have a greater degree of these characteristics. an adult human—and thus everything valued handicapped deserve rights because the current This argument has two problems: by an adult human has rights—or there must laws grant them rights. However, legal rights Ⅲ Rights are not relevant to a group (e.g., be different criteria for granting rights. are not the same as moral rights. Legal rights “humans”), but only to individuals. Individuals, People who believe that rights are granted change over time and by the whim of public or not groups, are exploited and are capable of to infants because of their value to adult governmental opinion, whereas inherent moral suffering and dying; individuals, not groups, are humans would have to admit that infants who rights do not. For example, the law in Nazi denied rights when there is a morally relevant are not valued by other humans could be used did not respect the inherent rights reason (e.g., after committing a crime). in medical research. Indeed, this would be of Jewish people. Ⅲ Not all humans possess these character- morally imperative in order to benefit infants istics to a greater degree than all other non- who are valued by others. Most people would ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND humans. There are non-humans who are more contend, however, that even unvalued orphans ABSTRACT CONCEPTS intelligent, creative, aware, dominant, techno- have rights. Therefore, rights must be based on It has been argued that non-humans do not logically advanced (in reference to tool making), other criteria. deserve rights because they cannot understand and able to use language, than abstract concepts, such as death. some humans (such as infants or Yet anyone who has observed severely handicapped humans). If rights should be based on genes, why should pigs in a slaughterhouse, for Furthermore, many animals per- the line be drawn at the species level? example, would find it difficult not form actions that, in humans, to conclude that pigs understand would be labeled moral behavior; Why shouldn’t the line be drawn at race, order, death to the extent that they are oftentimes some animals act more phylum, or kingdom? terrified when confronted with ethically than many humans. If it. What more do humans rights were granted at a certain understand about death threshold of intelligence, creativity, moral BIOLOGICAL RIGHTS that is morally relevant? behavior, etc., some animals would have rights Another argument is that humans have rights and some humans would not. because they belong to the species Homo THE GOLDEN RULE sapiens. In other words, a chimpanzee may In the past, humans may VALUE TO OTHERS very well be as intelligent (or creative, etc.) have respected each Some say that even though infants do not as some humans, but chimpanzees do other’s rights in order possess high levels of some characteristics, not have rights because they are not to survive without they should be granted rights because they are members of the biologically-defined, constant violence. valued by other humans (their parents, for rights-bearing species, Homo sapiens. Many people still instance). By this argument, infants themselves In the past, there have been a number function on this do not possess any inherent rights, but receive of biological definitions of what constitutes level. Yet over time, them only if valued by an adult human. a species. Today, it is defined genetically. more civilized peo- At the same time, being valued by an adult The questions then become: ple have evolved a human does not grant rights to pigs, parakeets, Ⅲ Why should rights be deserved solely on moral system that pet rocks, or Porsches. This is inconsistent: the basis of a certain arrangement of genes? grants rights not just

10 Beyond Might Makes Right

APPEALS TO EMOTION AS SUFFERING JUSTIFICATION FOR VIVISECTION Searching for some characteristic to justify Vivisection defenders often use emotional, granting rights to all humans while denying hypothetical choices to make animal exploita- rights to all other animals is futile. A moral tion appear necessary. For example, concerning system based on any of the characteristics her daughter Claire, who has cystic fibrosis, discussed so far would either include many Jane McCabe wrote in NEWSWEEK (Dec. 26, 1988): non-human animals or exclude some humans. “If you had to choose between saving a very To have a consistent set of ethics, a character- cute dog or my equally cute, blond, brown-eyed istic must be found that not only allows for daughter, whose life would you choose?… the inclusion of all humans, but is also morally It’s not that I don’t love animals, it’s that I love relevant. The only characteristic that simply based on self-protection, but on the Golden Claire more.” and consistently meets these requirements Rule—treat your neighbor as you would like A single dog experiment could never cure is the capacity for suffering. to be treated. We know that we want to stay her child’s disease, but the alive, do not wish to suffer, etc., and we assume moral issue is whether others like us have the same desires. Being personal attachment The question is not, Can they reason? nor, capable of looking beyond our own individual justifies harming innocent Can they talk? But rather, Can they suffer? interests, we apply the Golden Rule even to others. Since McCabe people who could not harm us. probably loves her daughter How much like us do beings have to be more than other children, would she endorse As Jeremy Bentham, head of the Department before we include them under the Golden Rule? experimenting on other children (a scientifically of Jurisprudence at Oxford University during the At one time, women were not enough like the more productive research strategy than exper- 19th century, said in reference to his belief that men who held power to be granted many rights. imenting on non-human animals) to save animals should be granted moral consideration, Neither were minorities in the United States her child? “The question is not, ‘Can they reason?’ nor, and other societies. Even though the circle has ‘Can they talk?’ But rather, ‘Can they suffer?’” expanded to include these individuals in the STRICT UTILITARIANISM If a thing cannot suffer, then it does not United States, today other animals are still not Still, many people view vivisection as a morally- matter to that being what happens to it. For considered sufficiently like us for the majority defensible trade-off of lives. For example, the example, computers have forms of intelligence of people to treat these animals as our neigh- transplant surgeon involved in experiments (in many ways greater than that of any human), bors under the Golden Rule. such as the baboon heart/Baby Faye operation but these machines do not care whether they assumes that the are turned off or even destroyed. life of one human On the other hand, if a being is able to How much like us do beings have to be before is worth more than have subjective experiences of pleasure and we include them under the Golden Rule? that of one baboon. pain, then it does matter—to that individual— This issue—inter- what happens to it. Irrespective of intelligence, species transplants language, etc., a conscious, sentient being has THE SOUL —most clearly demonstrates the problem of interests in its existence—at the very least to Some would say having a God-given soul is determining morality from a utilitarian algebra avoid pain and to stay alive. Any complete what gives one rights. There is no way to prove of worth. ethic cannot ignore these concerns. that humans have souls, just as there is no Using simple equations to determine the way to prove that all other animals lack souls. morality of actions, it would be acceptable to FOR THE LOVE OF ANIMALS Those who insist that only humans have souls take the life of one human infant to continue There are many who claim that they love ani- (and thus rights) are faced with a theological the lives of two other infants in need of organs. mals and don’t want them to suffer. Few oppose dilemma: it would require a cruel God to create Indeed, arguing from the perspective of worth, “humane” treatment of animals. But fewer still beings with the capacity to feel pain and the importance, or priorities, taking the life of one are willing to give up their prejudice of human desire to live, if these animals’ purpose was infant to extend the lives of two would be superiority. Thus, the distance between the to suffer at the hands of humans. imperative. If this is not considered to be acceptable treatment and the actual, institution- acceptable, is the first infant alized treatment of these animals ANIMALS KILL EACH OTHER then “more important” than is greater than ever: Some defend humans killing animals on the the two who are allowed slaughterhouses grounds that animals kill each other in nature. to die? These people would be hard pressed to show Most people will agree that our modern systems of animal agriculture that it is not justifiable to or experimentation are “natural.” “sacrifice” one human for While it is true that some animals kill other the “greater good,” because animals in nature, moral philosophy is based each human has a right to on principles, not excused by the actions of live. This right is not to be others. As writes: “You cannot violated, regardless of pos- evade responsibility by imitating beings who sible benefit to others. But are incapable of making [an ethical] choice.” when it comes to animals, Some humans assault, rape, or kill other they are assumed not to humans, yet we do not condone these actions. have this right.

11 MIGHT MAKES RIGHT The children whom the Jane McCabes of the world hold up to defend vivisection have done nothing to deserve their disease. It is precisely these children’s innocence that makes their plight so heartrending. However, anyone who claims to be ethical must also ask what animals have done to deserve being imprisoned in cages, being infected with our diseases, and being carved up in our labs. No one would suggest that these animals “deserve” to be exploited and killed in experiments. Rather, we kill these healthy, innocent beings because we are hidden away from populated areas, and have the power to do so and it is convenient If asked to choose between the human vivisectors’ labs are closed and locked. for us. In short, we follow the principle of experimenters offering the macaques this Many scientists claim they use animals Might Makes Right. Faustian bargain and the macaques them- only when it is “absolutely necessary to save The ability to do something does not make selves—suffering from real hunger rather human lives.” Ignoring the question of whether it right. We are capable of many actions that than causing pain to others—our own moral or not their contention of necessity is accurate most contend are unacceptable—rape, abuse, sympathies do not lie with the scientists. and what is the ethical use of limited resources murder, etc. If we have any claim to “superior- But their experiments permit us to glimpse for medical care and research, these people are ity,” it comes from our ability to act according in non-humans a saintly willingness to make betrayed by their actions: how many vegetarian to moral principles, guided by justice, fairness, sacrifices in order to save others—even those vivisectors are there? They can hardly argue that and compassion. But we deny our moral ability who are not close kin. By conventional it is necessary for them to kill animals for food. when we selfishly harm others. human standards, these macaques—who In general, the animal welfarist have never gone to Sunday school, never position, which has been endorsed (but heard of the Ten Commandments, never squirmed through a single junior high sparsely adopted) by the meat industry If animals can feel pain as humans can, and pro-vivisection groups, is at odds school civics lesson—seem exemplary with a truly respectful relationship and desire to live as humans do, in their moral grounding and their coura- geous resistance to evil. Among these based on the recognition of the rights how can we deny them similar respect? macaques, at least in this case, heroism of other animals. Welfarists concede is the norm. If the circumstances were that animals have interests, but these reversed, and captive humans were offered animals remain human property. Thus, the ANIMAL MORALITY the same deal by macaque scientists, would fundamental interests of the animals remain Even though rights can only be granted consis- we do as well? (Especially when there is an secondary to any interests of the owners. tently and justly on the basis of the capacity authority figure urging us to administer the Laws based on the welfarist position, such as to suffer and not on the ability to make moral electric shocks, we humans are disturbingly the federal Act, have proven choices, there is ample evidence that many willing to cause pain—and for a reward to be almost useless in every practical sense, animals can and do make moral choices, often much more paltry than food is for a starving as any use/abuse of an animal is allowed to the shame of “superior” humans. As Drs. macaque [cf. Stanley Milgram, OBEDIENCE TO if deemed “necessary.” Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan relate in SHADOWS AUTHORITY: AN EXPERIMENTAL OVERVIEW ].) In Trying to legislate a humane balance OF FORGOTTEN ANCESTORS: human history there are a precious few whose between the interests of animals and the In the annals of primate ethics, there are memory we revere because they knowingly interests of humans sounds good in principle some accounts that have the ring of parable. sacrificed themselves for others. For each of and appeals to most. However, given that the In a laboratory setting, macaques were fed them, there are multitudes who did nothing. current system still allows such atrocities as if they were willing to pull a chain and elec- If animals can feel pain as humans can, and canned hunts, castration without anesthesia, trically shock an unrelated macaque whose desire to live as humans do, how can we deny factory farms, pain experiments, etc., agony was in plain view through a one-way them similar respect? As moral beings, how can animal abuse will mirror. Otherwise, they starved. After learning we justify our continued exploitation of them? continue until the the ropes, the monkeys frequently refused to We must stand up against the idea that current system pull the chain; in one experiment only 13% might makes right. We must question the status recognizes that would do so—87% preferred to go hungry. quo which allows the unquestioned infliction many animals One macaque went without food for nearly of so much suffering. We must act from our are conscious, two weeks rather than hurt its fellow. own ethics, rather than blindly follow authority sentient beings Macaques who had themselves been shocked figures who tell us it’s okay and even necessary whose rights are in previous experiments were even less to harm animals. independent of willing to pull the chain. The relative social Discussing the macaque monkeys who the interests of status or gender of the macaques had little humans. bearing on their reluctance to hurt others. chose to starve rather than inflict pain on another, Drs. Sagan and Druyan conclude, “Might we have a more optimistic view of the Many of the photos in this booklet were provided courtesy of , Green Acres Sanctuary, human future if we were sure our ethics were and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. up to their standards?”

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