Tips for vegans relating to carnists

The Vegan Spring 2011:The Vegan Winter 2004 01/02/2011 12:09 Page 18

Tips for Vegans

Relating to Carnists

Melanie Joy

Principles and Tools for Effective Communication and Strategic Advocacy

M

ost vegans have had more than their fair share of interactions with carnists (non-vegans) that

resulted in frustration and confusion: simple conversations that ended in a heated argument, straightforward advocacy that backfired for no apparent reason, or even becoming the target of harassment simply for being vegan. And despite how often these experiences recur, vegans typically continue to be surprised by them; such resistance to veganism seems so illogical that it continues to catch vegans off guard.

These intense and illogical reactions to veganism, however, do not have to remain a mystery, nor do they have to shape vegan-carnist interactions. Following are principles and tools to help vegans relate more effectively with carnists in a variety of settings. Relating effectively will increase the likelihood that your interactions will be mutually satisfying and your message will be heard as you intend it to.

Understand carnism Carnism is the invisible belief system, or ideology, that conditions people to eat certain animals. Carnism is essentially the opposite of veganism. However, unlike veganism, carnism has not been named, and therefore eating animals is seen as a

“Carnism is essentially the opposite of veganism.

However, unlike veganism, carnism has not been named, and therefore eating animals is seen as a given, rather than a choice.

But when eating animals is not a necessity for survival, it is a choice, and choices always stem from beliefs.”

given, rather than a choice. But when eating animals is not a necessity for survival, it is a choice, and choices always stem from beliefs. Contrary to popular belief, vegans are not the only ones who bring their beliefs to the dinner table.

define, in large part, how carnists relate to themselves, to the animals they eat, and to vegans. Understanding carnism,

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Carnism is an entrenched, violent ideology that uses a set of

then, is essential for vegans who wish to relate more

social and psychological defense mechanisms that enable

effectively with carnists—whether the carnists are close family

humane people to participate in inhumane practices without

members, casual acquaintances, or those to whom you are

realizing what they’re doing. These “carnistic defenses”

advocating.

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Expect some defensiveness when communicating with

If you are unsure as to whether a comment is disrespectful, try

carnists

to imagine that same comment directed at someone for their religious beliefs or practices. Would it be acceptable, for

Carnistic defensiveness is normal and has more to do with the

instance, to tell a Catholic abstaining from meat on Good

broader system of carnism than it does with the individual

Friday that they’re “just being picky?” Or to try to convince a

carnist. Carnism is a dominant ideology that is automatically

Muslim who doesn’t eat pigs that his or her behavior is

internalized, or psychologically absorbed, by those born into

irrational? (e.g., “Cows are just as unclean as pigs, but you

carnistic culture—so the carnistic mentality, like the ideology, is

eat them…”). If you ever feel disrespected by a carnist,

organized around defenses. If you recognize that carnistic

politely point out what, specifically, has bothered you and then

defensiveness is normal, you'll be less frustrated and better

remove yourself from the situation if the disrespect continues.

prepared for conversations with carnists.

Take care of yourself Recognize that the facts don’t sell the ideology Vegan advocates can become traumatized from witnessing Carnism is an illogical system that creates an illogical loyalty to

animal suffering. Don’t overexpose yourself to traumatizing

eating animals. Carnistic conditioning distorts people's

material (e.g., you don’t need to continually subject yourself to

perceptions of animals and meat such that they selectively

disturbing imagery), and don’t overextend yourself so that you

notice, and selectively retain, the facts about eating animals.

become exhausted. The more sustainable your life is, the more grounded and effective you’ll be as an advocate. If you are

Appreciate that good people can, and do, engage in

overwhelmed and traumatized, you will likely project these

harmful behaviors

feelings onto the carnists with whom you relate, viewing them as “the enemy,” and they in turn will become defensive and

Relate to the carnist as a person, rather than as a “meat eater.”

shut down to your message.

All people deserve respect for who they are, even if we disagree with what they do. When discussing eating animals,

Learn as much as you can about veganism and carnism

focus on the carnist’s behavior, not her or his character.

The more you understand your own ideology and the Don’t reduce a carnist to nothing more than a behavior

opposing ideology, the less likely you are to be caught off guard by a carnist's defensive comments. If you are prepared

Carnists, like vegans, are complex individuals and cannot be

for carnistic defenses, you'll be able to respond thoughtfully,

defined by one aspect of their lives. Many vegans have more

rather than react defensively, to them. Knowledge is power.

in common with some carnists than they do with other vegans. Be careful not to lump carnists into a group and

Conclusion

project stereotypes onto them.

Understanding carnism and the principles of effective Don’t buy into the negative messages you may hear

communication can significantly empower vegans to relate

about yourself as a vegan

more effectively with carnists. And when we relate more effectively, we all win: carnists, vegans, and the animals.

The dominant carnistic culture often portrays vegans as picky or "difficult" eaters; eating disordered; hypocrites if we wear leather and extremists if we don't; overly emotional; flaky; and militant.

Recognize these vegan stereotypes for what they are so that you can counter them if they are projected onto you and so that you don't internalize them and feel badly about yourself.

Don’t let defensive carnists disrespect you Many carnists are defensive without being disrespectful.

However, some carnists attack vegans—by, for instance,

Dr Melanie Joy is the author of Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs and Wear Cows: An Introduction to Carnism (reviewed in The Vegan Summer 2010.

making insulting comments or telling subtle yet offensive “jokes” about vegans or veganism. You should never let people judge you, shame you, or deride your lifestyle and choices.

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