The Motives of Activists

[Shin'Ar]

I'm not sure why those here who have compassion for the animal kingdom have repeatedly been perceived as (and accused of being) extremists. :-/

I don't get that either. I mean, heeeeeello, there is a difference between someone discussing the spiritual implications of eating animals, in a spiritually-based discussion forum, and someone who vandalizes medical labs to rescue the monkeys. (And for the record, I've never even heard of any animal activists burning down a restaurant...but maybe I missed that bit of news.)

But whatever...I had a co-worker who called me "extremist" because I didn't eat meat or junk food. I left her alone but she kept leaving candy bars on my desk (which don't even register as edible to me) and insisting that she would "get me to eat meat" which I found highly obnoxious.

Who's the rude, pushy extremist here?

I think you guys are completely missing my point. and I really can't see how because I have constantly made it clear that noone is accusing and I have also clearly stated that I think it is okay to show compassion and have such noble causes.

I used the extreme action of burning down a restaurant as an example of extremity. I am pretty sure that you guys are smart enough to know that and also smart enough to know that I have not accused you of wanting to do such a thing, so what am I left to think about this. It seems like deliberate evasion of the points that I bring up.

We all know that some activists take their causes to extremity and become terrorists.

We all know that there are many people who are so fundamental about their beliefs that they will go to extremes to bring their goals to fruition.

Just because you would not do so doesn't take away from the credibility of what I am saying, and to use that as an excuse to dismiss what I am saying is not the way to have a beneficial discussion.

I bring up the role of extremity in this discussion because it is pertinent to the debate about WHY some people choose the way they do, and WHY compassion and common sense seems to fall by the wayside in these circumstances.

I point out that because of the complexity of society and human nature, that such matters will often result in extremity, and that we should consider these aspects of our reality when trying to make sense of the differences between those who choose one way and those who choose another.

I point out that though what you are trying to suggest is the simple matter of saving dogs from being put to sleep, is really a matter of much deeper and far reaching issues than simple common sense and rational thought processes. Culture, religion, human desire, and many other aspects of the human social experience are at work behind these complex problems.

And they will not be solved by standing one's ground and declaring that it is just a matter of compassion and common sense in complete and utter ignorance of the many aspects that I have pointed out.

Your cause is noble and worthwhile of your compassionate effort and you are to be respected for your concern and interest. More people should care as much.

We love you for your commitment and your compassion and in no way judge you for any of your choices.

That does not mean that as I try to discuss the deeper aspects of this discussion with you, and the things that in my opinion are serious issues that create many of the problems with which you are struggling to understand, that you should take offense or feel as though I do not approve of your compassion or that I am being compassionate.

I hate that animals are suffering. I hate that children are suffering. I hate that there are people that actually considering suffering to be catalyst for evolution. I hate that there are people who ignore such suffering. And I hate that there are people who make such things even worse by their extreme ways of dealing with the problems.

I am a Being of Light and Love.

But I am a being that tries to consider the All in all of its aspects so that I do not fall victim to the ignorance of those who do become terrorists and extremists. And that means understanding that the All, and the human race, is too complex a process of being to tackle with a narrow minded attitude that ignores the details and complexity as though their way alone is the only way that life should be lived.

I agree that compassion is not in the act of abuse or killing, or any extreme activity. I agree that compassion is in mercy and concern and love and respect for all beings.

But I am trying with all of my heart to help you realize that life is not that simple, and that there are many other humans sharing this experience with you that do not share in your definitions of compassion nor will they want to give up their religious and cultural traditions to conform to what you might think is the only way.

Have your say, bring awareness to the problems, but consider the complex issues involved and you will have a much easier time dealing with your struggle and understanding the criticisms you will face as you tackle those issues.

You might even have greater success in your efforts if you actually understand and acknowledge these deeper issues because you may tackle the problems from a different angle because of your higher understanding. And such thinking will also prevent you from ever getting caught up in the more emotional attachment to extremity that is ever present.

What you must battle here is not just their ignorance as you see it, but also your own. It is lack of understanding and evasion of wisdom that really creates the problems, on both sides.

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Now you see there! How is it that my trying to point out how extreme activism, and the fact that much of that sort of thing exists in the world, which should not be a shock to any intelligent observant person, gets twisted into the suggestion that I am accusing anyone here of being such?

Where did I say anything that pointed to anyone here as an extremist?

Fair enough. I retract any personal reference.

I'm just not sure why the subject of extremism keeps coming up in reference to any thread/post about compassion for animals. Surely, there are many more people who care about any subject than those who are extreme about it. The percentage of any extremists is very small, so why use that as the basis for making a post here--how does it apply? (I refer to general posts, not specific to anyone in particular.)

Well I am not sure why you are unaware of the great number of emotional issues in society that create many aspects of extremist activity, but I am pretty sure that you have seen everything from the activist spray painting a fur coat to people being shot at in boats as they attempt to interfere with whale hunters. And behind the scenes there are wars taking place involving espionage and assassination where corporate economy is involved in these seemingly smaller issues.

To pretend that these issues are just little matters of spaying a pet, or choosing to be a vegetarian does not consider the real dynamics surrounding the complexity of these problems.

Wouldn't it be great if life and its solutions were that simple!

You could just post a video of a slaughterhouse and the whole world would become vegetarians and not one more cow would become a hamburger.

Wouldn't that be great?