I have been thinking about this quote a lot lately. It is so simple, and yet it couldn't be more true. Which got me thinking, are we- as human beings- predisposed to kindness over cruelty? It's an interesting question and one that I am certain would be difficult to answer.
I don't hold any degrees in psychology and don't know too much about how the mind works. However, what I can comment on is they way that I see people interact with animals. I have seen people pull over on the highway to help a wandering dog. I have seen people dedicate their lives for the wellness of animals. In my own experience, I have seen people go above and beyond to help my dogs in some tough times. When you look around, there really is kindness everywhere. I realize that there are exceptions in every case. But just for a moment, let's look at the rule and not the exception.
As children, we don't think about killing or harming animals. Our default is to play with animals, to nurture them and to love them. This leads me to believe that we are predisposed to kindness and it is only our experiences over the years that make us numb to this default behavior.
Through the years, the meat and dairy industries desensitize us to the depravity that is a result of consuming their products. They tell us that we need milk to grow tall and strong. They show us happy cow commercials, where the cows talk and stroll in green pastures. But the reality is that they are merely masking the destructiveness of their products.
So let me ask you this: If we, as Americans, are so okay with how our food is produced and where it comes from, why are not able to watch the process? I recently watched the Oprah episode on veganism. It was interesting in so many ways, but to me the most interesting part was where a correspondent went to the Cargill- the single largest (in terms of revenue) meat producer- and toured the facility but was unable to show how our meat is actually slaughtered. Why is that? Maybe if people knew what their meat went through to get to their plate, they would think twice about other options. Maybe that is why Cargill didn't want the footage seen by millions of viewers.
I can’t imagine that if you’re putting something in your body that’s filled with fear or anxiety or pain that that isn’t somehow gonna be inside of you.” ~Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen's words are so true. But if eating meat is natural, why do most Americans have such an adverse reaction to viewing the process that their food goes through? It doesn't make sense if we are not predisposed to kindness. So instead most people choose indifference- if I didn't see it, it didn't happen. I suppose ignorance is bliss to most Americans.
Perhaps the only way to face in the inhumanity is to stop the desensitization and to expose these industries for they are- pure cruelty. My inclination is that if people regularly saw what their meat has been through, they would be less likely to eat if everyday. Below is this great video that PETA has out about where you food comes from. It is honest and scary, but true. If more Americans knew about their food, do you think they would still eat it? Maybe they would, but do you think they would think twice before bringing that fork up to their mouth?
I love my friends who say "Oh I only eat chicken". As if that is better? In fact, it is worse. The FDA actually imposes fewer restrictions on the humane slaughter for chickens because they are classified as birds and birds apparently don't have the same rights as cows. I wonder, if they saw this video, I mean really watched it, if their minds would change.
“Be the change the change you want to see in the world.” ~ Ghandi
It is human nature to believe that just one person cannot make a difference. With this popular notion ingrained in our minds, we are content going about our lives the best way we know how. Then one day, we are struck with a reality check that changes our view of the world and our purpose in life forever.
For me, it took volunteering and realizing that I was being a complete hypocrite- being kind to the animals that I saw everyday and oblivious to those who went through so much just to end up a steak on my plate. Today, nearly two years later, I can say that my eyes are open. And through that realization, I have become a kinder person. And you know what? I feel better as a human being.
I do believe that just one person can make change happen. I have seen it occur. I have spent my life seeking out opportunities to make a difference on the issues that are most important to me. I have had the privilege to see first hand real people making a real difference.
But our jobs are easy. Kindness is in our nature, we have just have to remind people that violence is not our default. That big industry can't always win and sometimes, the little guy is the champion.
Last week I had a unique opportunity to meet some truly amazing people. People who are the shining example that kindness is in our nature. At a rally to protect baby seals, I was surrounded by true champions. And you know what- people were receptive. Cars of people supported our voices. The only question in my mind, is how do we get them to take that home? Or to the grocery store? Or even to mall? It's an interesting question that I don't know how to answer. How do we get people to practice kindness when we are not reminding them of it all the time?
"Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace." —Albert Schweitzer, Nobel 1952
For now, I will leave you with this thought. Maybe the answer to peace is ending the circle of violence in all things. Maybe if we practice the kindness that is in our nature, peace will happen organically. What a novel concept.
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