The Animal Person Minute: On Purism
Our photo today is of Emily Fokker Loder, our kitty who has Feline Infectious Peritonitis, or FIP. FIP comes in two forms the effusive or wet form, which is the one that she has, marked by pot-bellied appearance that’s the swollen organs and fluid in the belly. The other form is the dry form, which her little boy Lars had, and it’s marked by anorexia nervosa among other things and is quite an ugly way to die. I know. I’ve seen it.
Today’s topic is: being a purist, which by the way all of my friends think I am and they nearly passed out when I told them that I’m considered by some to be a bit of a fraud and as my husband would say, "a piker." And I’m not talking about being a vegan, I’m talking about being an abolitionist. . . .
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I am glad you said this, there is such a problem with everyone seeking purity in the abolitionist movement. It is no longer good enough to be vegan, or to support vegan causes, you now need to support the "right" vegan causes, and since none of them are "right" or pure enough you should not support any cause. Ultimately this is so dividing that there will no longer be a movement and why even bother trying to get people to go vegan?
Of course those who deny they are following leaders will come along and attack you for this, but more power for you for both giving to the causes you believe in and having the guts to tell the world you are doing so.
Excellent topic and audio, Mary. This is something that has bothered me for quite a while, and I feel like it can spin off in some of the oddest directions. Helping feral cats is okay…or not? Helping homeless teens is okay…or not?
I have seen things like this questioned as to whether or not they are abolitionist, and I have to admit it blows me away. I'm going to continue to help the homeless teens and the feral cats. I'm going to continue to advocate veganism. As you said, if an abolitionist wouldn't do these things, then I'm happy to not be an abolitionist.
I was told that being an abolitionist is as easy as being vegan and promoting veganism. Clearly that isn't true, in the minds of some.
Thanks again for this audio/post.
Don't worry. There will be a higher tightrope to walk soon enough… At least breatharianism hasn't caught on. And, hey, listen: I'm an abolitionist. I just don't see the value in being so dogmatic that no one listens to you anymore.