Speak Out! A response
We heard from a number of you following the article by Jordan Protano-Byrne in the Autumn 2008 issue of Youth Rage, where he argued that a ‘true’ animal rights activist would campaign to stop all animal exploitation, and that campaigning for better conditions simply makes the animals’ suffering a little less. This is Katherine’s response:
‘Hi, I'm Katharine, I'm 14 years old and have been vegan for about four years and before that was veggie for my whole life. I live with my mum, my sister, three cats (two of whom were rescues) and five rabbits (three of whom were rescues).
Enough about me.
I would like to say that I thoroughly agree with Jordan, but know that there is a lot to be done before that can be accomplished, getting the message that animals aren't property out there will be difficult and will take awhile. We fight for the conditions of animals so that they can at least be more comfortable in the meanwhile, not because we agree with them being captive.
I don't mean to sound like I'm having a go, I've been on the other end of that on more than one occasion, but I'd like to say that we're doing what we can. Our message may be muddled and our resources may be scattered but we're making a difference. We can't just go in there saying ‘they aren't your property’ when people are barely aware that they are feeling creatures. It just won’t work. What we are doing may send a mixed message but at least it's one people will listen to. In the past few years things have changed dramatically. It may not seem like it at times but we are making progress.
Finally, I'd like to give my support to all those who are going vegan or are recently veggie, well done! It may seem like everything has meat, egg or dairy in but keep at it, it's worth it. And don't feel too guilty when you slip up. Every time you don't eat that burger or that cream cake you are making a difference.’
We want to hear from you! If you have something to say to continue this discussion, or you would like to write about another issue, please get in touch.
