- Activist Feedback
- Essay: Nonhuman Beings as Scapegoats
- This Week’s Sermon from Rev. Frank and Mary
Hoffman
1. Activist Feedback
Regarding leafleting at a recent youth event in St. Louis, Rick
Hershey writes:
Chip, Michael, and I handed out 1450 booklets today
and enjoyed beautiful warm weather. This was mostly kids as
usual and they were receptive toward accepting the booklet.
Upcoming Outreach Opportunities
6/12
IA Bettendorf
Esterlyn Christian Rock Concert
6/14
AL Birmingham
McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour 2012
6/14-16
MI Allegan
Big Ticket Festival Christian Music Fest
6/14-16
GA Atlanta
Christian Music Festival
6/16
GA Valdosta
Sanctus Real Christian Rock Concert
6/16
IA Sheldon
RiseFest
6/16
AR Little Rock
Women of Faith
6/16-17
NY Rochester
Rock The Lakes News boys and more!
7/14
MN Minneapolis
TABLE Twin Cities Veg Fest
6/20-23
KY Wilmore
Ichthus Music Festival
6/23
IL Hoffman Estates
Women of Faith
6/23
NC Greensboro
Women of Faith
6/23
VA Richmond
TABLE Richmond Vegetarian Festival
6/21-24
NC Pittsboro
TABLE Wild Goose Festival
6/27-30
PA Mt Union
Creation Fest Northeast 2012
6/28-30
OH Kings Island
Spirit Song 2012 Festival
6/29-30
IN Nappanee
Friend Fest 2012 Christian Music Festival
6/30
NC Mount Airy
DecembeRadio in Concert
6/30
IL Carbondale
Remedy Drive Christian Rock Concert
7/3-5
IN Independence
Heartbeat Festival 2012
7/7
IL St. Charles
DecembeRadio in Concert
7/11-14
MN Willmar
Sonshine Festival
7/11-15
WI Oshkosh
LifeFest 2012
7/13
OH Cleveland
Joel Olsteen Ministries
7/14-15
CO Olathe
Night Vision Festival
7/21-22
IL Schaumburg
Ignite Music Festival
7/21-22
SD Rapid City
Hills Alive 2012 FREE Christian Music Fest
11/17
NY Albany
TABLE NY's Capital Region Vegetarian Expo
2. Essay: Nonhuman Beings as Scapegoats
Last week I discussed how animal advocates are often scapegoat
victims. I suggest that an important foundation of animal exploitation
and abuse is that nonhuman beings themselves are victims of
scapegoating. Guilt reflects a conflict between what we do and what we
believe is right. Most people agree that we should not abuse animals,
yet most people want to enjoy the (supposed) fruits of animal abuse,
such as experimenting on animals, eating animal flesh, and consuming
other animal products. One effective way to resolve this internal
conflict is to blame animals for the abuse they receive.
Often, people regard animals with contempt, attributing to them
ugliness, stupidity, cowardice, and a host of other features. Calling
a person by the name of an animal who is routinely abused by humans,
such as “pig,” “chicken,” turkey,” and “cow” is meant to convey
disregard. Nonhuman beings have no way to counter these simplistic and
generally inaccurate stereotypes.
It is unclear whether or
not such stereotyping derives from scapegoating – the process of
transferring blame. A more clear manifestation of scapegoating is how
those bent on abusing animals tend to project human attributes of
which we are often ashamed onto animals. Therefore, nonhumans are
often seen as sexually promiscuous (and therefore immoral) or
ruthlessly violent. Humans often regard behaviors that are natural and
adaptive for animals as evidence of immorality, and therefore animals
deserve whatever treatment they get. Ironically, humans have choices
as to whether they will be sexually promiscuous or violent, whereas
nonhumans act according to their natures. Whether or not we should be
ashamed of our sexuality or when we use force, projecting this shame
onto nonhumans is unwarranted and constitutes scapegoating.
Next week, I will explore how people derive a sense of self-esteem by
harmfully exploiting nonhumans.
Stephen R. Kaufman, M.D.
3. This Week’s Sermon from Rev. Frank and
Mary Hoffman
Living as Compassionate Peacemaking
Children of God