There are many people out there who have a problem with those of us who don't
eat meat for ethical reasons. Some think we're preachy. Others think we're
misguided (for a variety of reasons). A quick look at any popular social media
post related to not eating meat will reveal a multitude of opinions relating to just
how ridiculous and plain wrong not eating meat is, according to these people.
I've already discussed why we shouldn't eat meat many times, so I'm not going
to go into this again. I would, however, like to remind my fellow vegetarians and
vegans who avoid meat for ethical reasons, to stay strong, and to not be
misguided into taking a soft stance on what you believe in.
When people who eat meat accuse you of being closed-minded, remind them
that it is your mind that is open to ending the suffering of all animals, while their
mind is the selective one, only caring about humans. Your adoption of a meatfree
diet shows that you have a mind that is open to diminishing violence in the
world. If they believe that it is alright to kill animals such as cows, pigs, sheep,
chickens, fish, etc., then their minds are not open to eliminating violence, no
matter what they claim. They claim that some animal rights activists (most of
whom are vegan) are violent, and this is true. But much of the violence that is
carried out by animal rights activists is done out of frustration of dealing with
closed-minded individuals who think it's alright to continue to torture and kill
animals, whether it be for food, clothing, entertainment, etc. The only reason
that people get outraged at animal rights "violence" is that they still see these
animals as less important, as creatures that are somehow born to suffer and/or
serve us. When people call you extreme, ask them this: Which is more extreme,
wanting to save the lives of animals or condemning them to death by either
being an apologist for meat or being indifferent and not taking a stand against it?
Is it more extreme to want to end violence than to make excuses for it? All
things considered, it is much crazier to eat meat than to not eat it. When people
say that it is OK to kill animals as long as we treat them humanely beforehand,
remember that, while better, this is not the ultimate solution. The most basic
right that we all have is the right to live. When people call your ideas a pipe
dream, remind them of the countless other pipe dreams throughout history that
led to a better life for both humans and other animals. Speaking up against
inequality is the first step on the road to obliterating that inequality.
When they say that we don't have the moral right to preach, tell them that
indeed we do. Yes, lots of us are shamed into being apologetic about what is
sometimes perceived as "preachiness", but in actuality we have every right to
speak out against violence and to protect animals. We are the voice of the
voiceless, and, as such, we are the ones that truly "get it". If the things that are
being done to animals were done to humans, there would be no discussion.
Everyone would get on board and agree that change was needed. We should be
proud that we have understood a very important truth, that all sentient life is
important. When it comes to our interaction with animals, we are the ethical
elite, and we have the responsibility to try to elevate others to the same level of
understanding.
Image: Franz Marc, The Fate of the Animals (1913)
