Facing Attacks & Insults

"Oh fuck off you annoying hippie."
"The only wolves are bad wolves, and dead wolves."
"Stick that up your pretentious ass."
"Tree-hugging libtard."
"Snowflake."
"PETA - People Eating Tasty Animals."
"I'll kill you you faggot."
"Animals are ours for the taking."
"Why do you even care, they're not endangered or anything."
"I'll happily kill all the animals you refuse to eat."
"Fuck off you annoying tree-hugger."

All of these comments have been hurled at me through social media platforms when I've been advocating for animals. When I first started getting attacked, I didn't know how to react and would get very angry and defensive because naturally, nobody likes to be insulted or threatened. However, I've come to learn that retaliation is the last thing we should ever be considering when these sorts of comments are used against us. You see, someone hiding behind their screen is untouchable in their own eyes, they feel empowered by tearing others down and there is no opportunity for a healthy discussion on your topic. To debate with someone like this will only result in further aggression, which leads to continued name calling and threatening. I've learned that it is best to walk away from these conversations, however difficult that may be.

One thing that we have to keep in mind when advocating for animals, is that we must respond to these situations with the same compassion and empathy that we are advocating for. We cannot advocate for compassion to animals when we react so negatively and aggressively to being attacked or demeaned. It's hard at first, but when you are finally able to laugh the childish attacks off, you're in a much better position to continue advocating. I feel like these people are on social media platforms looking for opportunities to pick fights with people who share opposite beliefs. They're armed with their nasty words and they're ready to attack on a moment's notice.

WHY PEOPLE GET AGGRESSIVE / NASTY

There are a million factors at play when considering why someone is so eager to tear someone down who advocates for change. Are they simply having a bad day or did something I say trigger that kind of a response in them? Well, if you're being hit with any of the comments you saw at the top of this post, this person is incredibly defensive, stubborn, and unwilling to see any other side of a story besides their own. Through our advocating, they feel immediately attacked and this motivates them to become aggressive. Did I say anything personally derogatory? No, but because this person let's say, consumes the meat I'm advocating that we should be cutting from our diets...this is a perceived personal attack which I suppose gives them the justification for reacting so negatively. 

People who have feelings of guilt will become aggressive. If someone feels even an ounce of guilt over something that you're advocating for, they take it quite personally and will retaliate. People who feel bombarded with "propaganda" surrounding animal welfare or animal rights will immediately feel personally attacked, resulting in retaliation. You see, these sorts of people aren't interested in discussing anything, they're triggered and waiting for the right person to pounce on. That's why I've learned it's best to simply walk away. Save your words and resources for someone out there who is willing to have an actual debate, someone who is perhaps open-minded enough to receive your message in a positive way. As time goes on, you'll recognize the difference between those who want to discuss, and those who want to demean you.

What I want the main takeaway to be from this is that you will be attacked. You will be insulted, demeaned, harassed, and threatened by people sitting behind their computer screens. The only approach to animal welfare or conservation is through kindness and being informative. Fighting for compassion towards animals involves being compassionate even to those who are ready to attack you; and although it is incredibly difficult sometimes to brush off these comments, it is the only way to stick to your message of compassion.

Don't ever let negative comments bring you down. There are always going to be challenges when you're advocating for change, so be proud of what you're fighting for and stand tall, even as negativity is hurled at you from every direction. If you can reach even one person with your message, it's a job well done.

With love,

HAPPY VEG