QUESTION: When I call myself an "animal activist" people sort of freak out and
think I'm some radical, bombing animal testing centers and breaking in to
free animals. How can I break that stereotype? I explain that I just love
animals and don't buy animal ingredients in my food or stuff I use, but I
would like to do more to teach people.
ANSWER: A simple question to answer: don't introduce yourself as or mention
animal activists. Tell people you are an animal lover or animal welfare
advocate. Express your concern for animals, and you will gain their respect.
When you have their respect they are more apt to listen to what you have to
say. Don't expect them to change their morals right then, but feel good that
you gave them the information so that they can think about it, and make
their own decisions.
Back to the list of questions
Please feel free to e-mail me any thoughts, ideas, or comments about my column. I am always looking for ideas to write about, and I am here to answer any questions you may have about the animal rights movement or a vegetarian diet. I can be reached by e-mailing: ryan@vegetarianteen.com.
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