A couple of years back in 2018, I felt the urge to get involved with some local animal activism. A google search turned up a group that was planning to meet at Dayton’s cat cafe (Gem City Catfe if you’re curious) on a winter’s Sunday evening. That was easier than I thought!
The day came and I made my way towards the Catfe. They have an upstairs work/meeting space and I was nearly the last to arrive. It was an informational meeting for the local chapter of Anonymous for the Voiceless (AV). I didn’t know anyone there, so I mainly listened quietly. It was the first time in a long time that I was around other vegan animal rights activists and I was a bit overwhelmed if I’m honest. But in a good way. I felt inspired to get involved and made plans to attend the next event coming up during the Arnold Classic in Columbus at the beginning of March.
So, what was the event? It was a Cube of Truth demonstration which the group defines as “a peaceful street activism demonstration that employs direct action with the public.” Again, I was the last one getting to the meetup spot at the convention center in downtown Columbus. In my defense, parking SUCKS in Columbus and even more so when there’s an event or concert happening. Let’s just say I didn’t plan accordingly nor was I going to pay a small fortune. Parking several blocks away and walking beats paying nearly $20 to park closer any day. Anyway. I digress.
I attended my second Cube of Truth (“Cube”) a couple of months later in May. This time at Fountain Square in Cincinnati. It was decidedly smaller, with only 4 people in the cube and a few others speaking with the public. I took a turn in the cube holding a laptop but spent most of my time taking photographs of the demonstration on my iPhone. I was in my element as the “group photographer” and managed to get a few really good shots! I spoke with the chapter organizer about doing photography at future demonstrations. She seemed interested, but I could sense that it wasn’t going to go anywhere (it didn’t). I left that evening wondering if I was wasting my time instead of the previous feelings of inspiration. I still didn’t feel all that comfortable participating in these demonstrations.
Although there were more Cubes throughout the summer, I couldn’t bring myself to attend any of them. I’d consider it. That’s about as far as I got. Just the thought of actually going exhausted me mentally. I’m the first to tell you I’m an awkward introvert, but it wasn’t that. Not really. It took me a few more weeks, but I finally put my finger on what it was that caused those feelings.
Simply put, AV’s “in your face” approach to activism did not suit my style. I was never convinced it’s the only path towards a world in which animals are not exploited, abused and killed for food, greed, entertainment and the like (in itself a version of utopia, sadly). It drove me so crazy hearing or reading online that taking “baby steps” or becoming vegetarian first isn’t enough. That it’s going all vegan or nothing. End of discussion. Having gone vegetarian then vegan myself, I felt that I was somehow less than. I felt instantly defensive. I’d see others with a similar story get blasted (and god help you if you were still vegetarian working on going vegan).
Overall, it was (and still is) the black and white, no nuance to anything attitude. No listening. Only preaching. The militant, preachy vegan stereotype wasn’t created in a vacuum after all. I’m human and have my moments (I do want a complete end to animal suffering of all kinds), but that’s just not my style.
I prefer methods of activism that meet people where they’re at as individuals. I want to fundamentally change the world for animals. For people too. But I want it to stick. I want to not only be heard, but I want people to really LISTEN to that message for change. I want to lead by example. I want to create a sense of community that leads to more of us living the compassionate lifestyle. It’s why I named my “brand” “Neighborhood Vegan”. I want to be inclusive and help others along the way. I’ve experienced first-hand that it works.
Living your truth isn’t always easy. Especially now that it is the shitshow that is 2020 and people are more divided and full of hate than ever. It’s an easy trap to fall into for sure, but it’s worth fighting the tide for our future. It’s worth it for humanity, the planet and the animals.