Becoming an informed and empowered community educator and advocate takes time. But with commitment and effort, we all have the potential to grow tremendously in our ability to cultivate peaceful change. Here are a few practices that may be helpful.
Use language mindfully. The meaning of words and cultural concepts matter--they are the foundation of rational thought and productive dialog. When corporations assume control of our language, inevitably, the meaning is shifted in a direction that serves that corporation's agenda. When we lose control of our language, we lose our identity as well as the cohesiveness of our community, which is bound largely by shared values defined in language that needs to be preserved and protected from exploitation.
By striving to think and speak with an awareness of the importance of language, we can be a role model for others. There is nothing rude about clarifying or even defending the meaning of a word or cultural concept, provided it is done respectfully, and with a genuine willingness to listen to, fairly consider and learn from the other person's point of view.
Develop critical thinking skills. We should try to look at these issues from several different perspectives, and not allow ourselves to be taken in by appearances. We have all known curdmudgeonly people who actually have a heart of gold, and sadly, we've all encountered people who put on the friendliest face in the world who turn out to be scoundrels. And there are also curmudgeons who are scoundrels, and people who act friendly who actually are friendly. The same is true in the realm of ideas, activism, and culture. To know for sure that we are part of the solution, and not part of the problem, means continually testing the truth and asking questions, especially of ourselves.
Critical thinking is a discipline dedicated to peeling back the layers, looking at history, psychology, language, and economic motives. It asks us to find out why things are the way they are, and how they got that way. It also asks us to be mindful of our own biases, unresolved traumas, and vested interests. It is about being clear, open minded, and fair.
Critical thinking has evolved partly in response to the unhealthy influence of the advertising and public relations industry on our society. Spinning the truth, manipulating perception, bold upfront lying -- these have become common experiences for us all, and by being on the receiving end of these things our entire lives, we have been conditioned to accept them as normal, and inevitable. It takes conscious effort and well-developed skills to understand and overcome this toxic trend.
Resist Objectification. There is a difference between teaching and marketing, between persuasion and manipulation, between ethical leadership and demagoguery. The difference is the character of the intent toward others, whether there is a willingness to use methods that damage the well being or retard the development of others as a means to an end. If we appeal to fear, ignorance, greed or self-interest, we may well advance our short term agenda, but the result is a society that is more fearful, ignorant, greedy and selfish. By refusing to look at any individual merely as a means to an end, we instead place our focus on methods that cultivate what is best in our own and others' nature, methods that lead people to the door of their own understanding and empowerment.
Demagogues try to con us into doing what they want. Ethical leaders inspire us to adhere to our values, to do right by others, to become ethical leaders ourselves.
Expose conflicts of interest. In today's world, conflict of interest has become so common and accepted that it is rarely even commented upon. Executives from the animal-using industry take posts in the government regulating the very same industry that once wrote their paychecks. Former government regulators take jobs as executives in the industry they used to regulate. Animal advocacy organizations take sponsorship money from corporations that make millions selling animal products, or partner with these corporations in mutually beneficial PR initiatives. These situations create an environment that breeds corruption.
Conflict of interest is particularly damaging in the case of animal advocacy, as animals do not have the ability to speak up when their cause has been exploited. Therefore, it is necessary to err on the side of caution, and scrupulously avoid not only conflicts of interest, but also the appearance of conflict of interest. Some boundaries are healthy. The boundary between the affairs of those who are advocating for animals and those who are making profits from using and killing animals should never be allowed to blur. Only a healthy community of well-informed concerned citizens can ensure this boundary is maintained.
Cultivate humility. Being an inspiring role model is so much more important than "winning" arguments. We are all works in progress, and any given person can go though an amazing degree of change in a short period of time. In fact, some of the greatest advocates for peace have been former soldiers. Some of the greatest advocates for animals have been former farmers. It is not about where we have been, but where we are going and who we are trying to be. If we are successful at cultivating humility, self-respect, and genuine appreciation for the potential of others, we will gain the ability to be diplomatic and highly principled at the same time, an amazingly effective combination.
Listen carefully, then speak up. More often than not, what is needed is that someone step forward and simply ask the questions that are begging to be asked, however awkward they may sometimes be. There is great wisdom in the human collective, and we only need to have the courage to trust the process of publicly examining the truth. Over time, what's real will emerge unscathed, and what is false will be seen for what it is. We each need to step up to the challenge and play our own small but essential role in bringing the truth to light.
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