Animal Rights Activists Aren't Stupid

There are A LOT of people out there who make comments like "those guys are such idiots" and "they're so stupid - why do they act that way?" in regards to  animal rights activists. This is infuriating on two levels.

1) Animal rights activists are NOT dumb, contrary to popular belief. The board of directors and the leadership of The Humane Society of the United States are comprised of lawyers, MBAs, PhDs (in biochemistry, wildlife ecology and management and economics) veterinarians, doctors, CPAs and individuals with history and literature degrees (cough: Wayne Pacelle and Mark Markarian). These folks are most assuredly not stupid. I have a Masters of Science in Animal Science and it was a rough process and journey in my life. Getting a PhD is not any easier.  

 PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals - by the way, I don't know anyone who isn't for the ethical treatment of animals) is not much different. 'Leaders' armed with degrees in communications, journalism and accomplished debaters man the helm of perhaps one of the most extreme animal rights groups in the world.

2) I have said before how I am a very passionate person about a few things: rodeo, agriculture, K-State and my family. Because of this personality characteristic (which some cite as a flaw), I have deep respect for others who show that same amount of passion towards their hobbies and causes. Unfortunately, that respect flows over to people who want to put my family and I out a job. Ironic, eh? So these folks may be misguided - they don't rely on proven science when it comes to livestock production and they do crazy stunts to get people's attention - that's passionate and smart, even if it is misguided.

By thinking that the other side is stupid, we're putting them at a huge disadvantage. Underestimating our opposition is a costly mistake. Growing up playing softball, basketball, volleyball and roping I was taught to never underestimate the talent of the other team/individual. Just because someone may not consistently be winning doesn't mean they won't whup you if you're not playing your best. You see it in college sports all the time - the underdog wins by a small margin because the bigger, better team thought it would be a cakewalk (cough: KU here, here and here).

 Lastly, although they may be extreme, the actions taken by groups like PETA are effective because they garner hordes of media attention and they go after celebrities who don't align with their views. Here are a few examples:
 - Convincing Calvin Klein to stop designing with fur after leading a raid of his office, 
 - Pressuring GM to stop using animals in crash tests by storming the auto company’s float in the Rose Parade
 - Lobbying Gillette to halt tests on animals by wheeling a TV into the company’s cafeteria to show graphic undercover footage of the gruesome experiments.

Don't forget stunts like this:

 or this

 or this

and this commercial that somehow tried to connect veganism and bedroom activites (although it was met with harsh criticism as being too sexually abusive in nature).



These were all smart campaigns and they won't stop happening. The sooner that we as agriculturalists stop saying "they're stupid" and start respecting their ingenuity and meeting it head on with our own intelligent acts, the sooner we can make headway on our own endeavors. I know that agriculture is doing a much better job than we were 5 years ago at outreach and engagement but we can always do better.

Until next time,
~ Buzzard ~


As usual, this is my sole opinion and is not reflective of any other entity or individual's thoughts or ideas.

OH! and p.s. - I am not a fashionista and this is not a fashion blog but I was so proud of myself for putting together a professional outfit that I just have to post it here! If you want real fashionista looks check out Sheridan's blog

 Dress: Banana Republic  - clearance at Outlet Store (it has pockets!!)

Shoes: Guess - courtesy of Rebecca Acheson

Necklace - Francesca's Collections in blue (turquoise is gone)

Cuff - Maurices

Turquoise Ring - South African gift from hubsy

 

Hatred In The Most Flattering Form

I've been in a writing rut lately. Between my full-time real job, blogging for the NCBA Young Producer's Council, freelancing and finishing my thesis corrections, Buzzard's Beat has been neglected. Thinking of blog fodder is difficult when my brain is dried up - looks like #drought12 isn't just affecting the crops. I love to blog but don't want to spit mindless chatter out into the web-verse just for the sake of blogging.

Well, we're in luck because a few days ago some fodder showed up in my inbox.

I want to preface this entire post by stating that I am a very headstrong and vocal advocate person. By blogging, writing and promoting agriculture I am putting myself out there for people to criticize, hate, loathe, gossip about, yell at etc. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but I have never engaged in such malicious attacks as what I experienced today. We are all still human beings and as such, deserve common courtesy, even from those who despise us.

So, without further ado.

I received an email from an Ethan Smith, [ethan smith's email address], that was very simple in its nature. It was only 28 words but those few words conveyed a malevolent hatred that I've never experienced before.

Subject: Swine

It would please me greatly to learn that you had been s*******d with the hottest of hot irons, you disgusting, ugly hick. It would be your just desserts.

He didn't even sign it. #Rude.

After I stopped shaking and regained my composure, I Googled the terms "animal activist" and "Ethan Smith" for obvious reasons:
1) The subject line was 'Swine'; this is clearly someone who likes pigs (funny, I do too) and wants them to be treated humanely (again, I do too).
2) I'm trying to put two and two together - this certain someone doesn't like that I support modern ag; especially pork production.
3) Someone who is vocal and ballsy enough to send such a hateful email probably has presence in other areas, too.

What I found, among many other Ethan Smith's (quite a popular name), is an author and animal rights advocate. I am not certain if this is the same Ethan Smith and in no way am I blaming that author for the nasty email. I'll let you do some searching to ascertain the truth for yourself. I'm just informing the public of what Google found.

The very sad thing in this instance is not the email itself but the complete disregard for open lines of communication. I haven't the slightest idea what I wrote that prompted the email. My column for SwineWeb.com was about a feed purchasing website and I haven't blogged about hogs in awhile. It seems that the mysterious Mr. Smith may have stumbled upon some of my past handiwork and been so angered by my apparent disgusting nature and ugly physical characteristics that he blasted off this email without thinking. My regret is that Mr. Smith didn't provide the opportunity for open dialogue. Instead, he didn't tell me what caused him to be ticked off and simply wished me some pretty violent bodily harm.

Mr. Smith is obviously a very passionate person. I admire that. I have nothing but for respect for people who are passionate about their causes and devote that passion to instituting change. I consider myself a very passionate person so I can understand how Mr. Smith felt in that my views may have been impinging upon his own. Kudos, Mr. Smith for speaking up for what you believe in; I’ll never criticize someone for having a backbone.

The point of this post is to let advocates know that haters are gonna hate; but don’t stop pursuing your passion, whatever it may be. If you are 150% pro-GMO then share the facts and engage your audience. Grass-finished beef? Go for it – let the world know you’re proud to be a beef producer and you provide your animals with the utmost care. You are making a difference. For every hater out there, there’s someone on your side. Let not the negative Nancys of the world bring down your aspirations and good intentions.

I'll wrap this up by stating that not everyone is overly open-minded but we can all be courteous to each other. Hate is not the way to deal with people who have opposing viewpoints. While I was brought up in a house where it was common to keep your mouth shut unless you had something nice to say, in today's media based society it's difficult to censor yourself when inundated with thoughts and opinions that are in the very least, upsetting.

My advice to anyone who experiences the same hateful feedback is to smile and say, "Wow, I'm making enough of a ripple with my message that someone felt the need to put me in my place."

I'll pray for your Mr. Smith - that no person ever speaks to your wife or children the way you just spoke to me. Pray that peace comes upon you and that you appreciate how very lucky you are to live in a society that allows you to speak your mind without any repercussions whatsoever.

Advocates, I’m sharing this one experience (because I’m sure there will be more) for the simple fact that if it happens to you, you'll know that you don't deserve that treatment and you shouldn't stop advocating for your cause. Be proud.

God Bless,
~ Buzzard ~