Ep 24: Activism vs. Attractivism with Earthling Ed
May 9, 2018
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Renowned vegan activist and influencer, Earthling Ed, shares his personal journey to veganism and the confrontational style of activism he has become known for. He discusses the challenges of activism and the emotional toll it takes, as well as effective responses to criticism. The episode also explores the perception of vegans and the importance of empathy in promoting veganism.
Different forms of activism can be effective in creating change, and it's important to find an approach that resonates with individuals.
Street activism can be a powerful tool for connecting with others and changing minds, but it requires empathy and compassion when faced with defensive reactions.
Responding to trolls and engaging in difficult conversations on social media can influence others by providing factual information and logical responses in a patient and empathetic manner.
Deep dives
Activism versus Attractiveness
This podcast episode explores the topic of activism versus attractiveness, with a focus on vegan activism. The hosts discuss different forms of activism and how individuals are influenced by them. They share their personal experiences and preferences, highlighting the importance of finding an approach to activism that resonates with each individual. The episode emphasizes the need for effective communication and empathy when engaging in activist conversations, while also acknowledging the challenges and emotional toll that activism can bring.
The Power of Street Activism
The podcast highlights the power of street activism in creating connections and changing minds. The hosts discuss their experiences with street interviews and conversations, noting the importance of empathy and understanding when engaging with individuals who may have different perspectives. They also emphasize the significance of showing compassion and remaining calm in the face of angry or defensive reactions. The hosts acknowledge that street activism can be both energizing and exhausting, but stress the importance of the personal connections made through these interactions.
The Official Animal Rights March
The hosts introduce the Official Animal Rights March, an annual event organized to celebrate and promote veganism. They invite listeners to participate in the march, which takes place in major capital cities around the world. The event is described as a vibrant and hopeful celebration of the progress made in animal rights activism. The hosts highlight the importance of unity and community in the march, as well as the opportunity to feel connected and supported by fellow activists. They also discuss the role of social media in furthering the impact of the march, reaching a larger audience and inspiring change.
The Power of Responding to Trolls on Social Media
Responding to trolls and engaging in difficult conversations on social media can have a significant impact. By providing logical, evidence-based responses to irrational and hateful comments, it is possible to influence others who may be reading the discussion. This can lead to a change in mindset and even inspire some individuals to adopt a vegan lifestyle. The key is to approach these conversations with patience, empathy, and a focus on providing factual information.
Animal Rights Vigils: Bearing Witness and Raising Awareness
Animal rights vigils, a global movement, involve gathering outside slaughterhouses to bear witness to the animals being transported for slaughter. This practice aims to humanize the animals and create empathy by showing their fear and individuality. People at vigils may offer water or engage in conversations with the animals, but the primary goal is to capture footage and images to share on social media. This helps to raise awareness and demonstrate the emotional and ethical implications of animal exploitation.
Are you a militant vegan or an attractivist? Was your mind opened by vegan cupcakes or slaughterhouse vigils? Do you favour street activism or a fiery blog post? This week, Tylor and Evy discuss different types of activism and what methods were most effective in our own personal vegan awakening. Later on (7.37), Robbie and Evy interview the amazing and relentlessly passionate vegan activist and influencer, Earthling Ed, who shares his story of going from apathetic meat-eater to hardcore vegan, and the mindset he’s cultivated to do the confrontational style of vegan activism for which he has become known. Also on this episode…
Ed discusses his previous perception of veganism, and recounts how the wave of empathy he felt for a truck of injured chickens gave him pause as a meat-eater.
How becoming vegan connected Ed to a true sense of purpose.
Street activism - is it for everyone? Ed shares how he overcame his initial fear of confronting strangers about veganism.
How to deal with personal attacks from non-vegans.
‘It’s fear - all of this hatred always comes from fear, fear of change, fear of the unknown.’
Are our emotions a help or a hindrance in vegan activism?
Can we change anti-vegan trolls’ minds or is it a waste of energy?
The burden of empathy: Ed tells us about the personal toll of being a full time activist, and what drives him to keep going.
'It’s a heavy burden but we’re not the victims.'
What is a vigil and what is the purpose of them?
Come join the Animal Rights March on August 25th 2018!
Challenging the status quo - the line between legal and illegal activism and how far should we go for animal rights.
‘We live in a world of unjust laws and I thoroughly believe that those laws should be broken as they always have been for social justice issues.’
Are vegans morally superior to non-vegans? Ed, Robbie and Evy tackle this uncomfortable accusation often fired at vegans.
How educating children on animal rights is a crucial step towards achieving a vegan world: ‘We have to reverse that teaching of discrimination.’
Tylor shares a new vegan victory in the wizarding community!
