The Vegan Winter 2010:The Vegan Winter 2004 03/11/2010 12:41 Page 12
Why isn't Everyone
Vegan Yet?
Dr Melanie Joy coined the term 'carnism' in 2001, to describe the invisible belief system, or ideology, that conditions people to eat certain animals. Dr Joy, a social psychologist, has argued that unless eating meat is necessary for survival, it is a choice—and choices always stem from beliefs.
J
oy explains that, because
carnism is an inherently
violent belief system, it has to include social and psychological defence mechanisms to block our empathy and awareness whilst we eat meat. In other words, carnism is an ideology that leads humane people to take part in inhumane practices - and not even realize that they are doing so. Carnism is made possible by the broader ideology of speciesism, which creates the belief that other species are less worthy of consideration than your own species or than
other preferred species. In this interview, Melanie Joy talks to Amanda Baker about carnism. Joy explains that meat eaters may feel powerless to change until they become aware of how they have been indoctrinated all their lives with the ideology of carnism.
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Q: Why do you believe that understanding carnism is so important for the vegan movement and vegans? A: I think it is vital that the vegan movement and vegans understand, and promote understanding of, the concept of carnism. There are many reasons for this, but I’ll share just a few of them here. I believe that the movement needs to shift its focus from veganism to carnism. Veganism is the solution, but carnism is the problem, and we must identify and illumine the problem before we can expect people to be open to the solution. Also, by not focusing on carnism we play right into the hands of the system by helping to maintain its invisibility; dominant systems maintain themselves largely by remaining unexamined. Moreover, understanding carnism will help the movement shift its focus from the individual to the system that shapes individual behaviours. We must stop thinking of eating animals as simply a matter of personal ethics and see it instead as the inevitable end result of a deeply entrenched belief system. We can then stop trying to change the world one carnist at a time and instead work toward transforming the system itself. Also, carnism has a specific structure and if we don’t understand that structure it’s like we’re fighting blindfolded against an unseen entity. Finally, understanding carnism can help vegans advocate more effectively and have less strained relationships with the carnists in their lives. Q: Why are so many of my family and friends still meateaters, even the most obviously compassionate and ‘animal loving’ ones, and even after learning the truth about meat production? A: One important reason is because when we ask someone to stop eating animals we’re not simply asking for a change in behaviour, but for a shift of consciousness. For instance, we’re asking them to see themselves as a strand in the web of life, rather than standing atop the so-called food chain. We’re asking them for a change of identity, to risk becoming marginalized, and likely to cause conflict in important relationships. We’re asking them to be open to the enormity of animal suffering in this world, and when you take in that reality, your life is never the same. So even the most compassionate individuals won’t stop eating animals until they’re psychologically ready to do so.
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Q: What is ‘witnessing’ – what does it mean, and what do you believe it can achieve for the vegan movement? A: I define witnessing as being willing to see the truth, with our hearts as well as with our eyes. “Bearing witness” is an active process in which we are not simply detached, impassive observers, but are emotionally and psychologically engaged with that which we are witnessing. When we bear witness to another, we do our best to put ourselves in his or her shoes, to connect with the truth of his or her experience. We empathize. When it comes to farmed animals, such empathy is typically what compels us to act on their behalf. Witnessing is the kryptonite of carnism; the whole system is organized to block witnessing. Thus, the goal of the vegan movement is to help others to bear witness - not only to the truth about farmed animals but also to the truth about carnism.
“Witnessing is the kryptonite of carnism; the whole system is organized to block witnessing. Thus, the goal of the vegan movement is to help others to bear witness - not only to the truth about farmed animals but also to the truth about carnism.”
I have so often heard activists saying they “have to,” for instance, watch a graphic film about meat production because they “owe it” to the animals, and the suffering they’ll endure from witnessing “is nothing compared to what the animals go through.” This is irrational and counterproductive thinking; over-witnessing does nothing to help the animals and actually increases the likelihood that the activist will burn out. We each need to work for veganism in a way that also works for us as individuals. Some people can witness far more than others; some can no longer witness at all. Find a way to help the cause that works for you. Q: How can I talk to my loved ones about veganism without them getting upset and defensive? A: First, expect that the very issue of eating animals will cause some defensiveness, since the carnistic mentality is built on defences. If you understand carnism, you are less likely to get pulled into a defensive argument. Also, make it your goal not to convert the other but to have an authentic conversation in which you come to a greater understanding of each other. Moreover, I always recommend sharing your own story, using “I” statements, rather than simply listing all the reasons people shouldn’t eat animals. For instance, whenever people ask me if I’m vegan, I say, “I am now, but for much of my life I wasn’t….” This immediately creates a sense of connection, where the carnist knows I understand what it’s like not to be vegan. And finally, if you model the qualities you’re asking for (empathy, open-mindedness, etc.), you’re much more likely to encourage such qualities in the other and cultivate a productive, meaningful conversation. Understanding carnism is vital for the vegan movement and vegan advocates; since carnism is the reason why animals are turned into food in the first place. Indeed, the goal of the vegan movement isn’t simply the abolition of the production of animal products, but the transformation of carnism. As advocates, we are ambassadors for the movement and if we understand carnism, we are much better able to avoid the frustration and embitterment that can lead to burnout, and to communicate our message effectively. Understanding carnism, in my opinion, is fundamental to the empowerment of our movement, and ourselves.
Understanding witnessing can help us understand why carnists often don’t change their behaviours even after being exposed to information about the reality of animal agribusiness; many carnists witness with their eyes but not with their hearts. Q: How can I be a positive active ‘witness’, without becoming traumatized by all the suffering involved in animal exploitation? A: As vegans, it is essential that we bear witness to ourselves. We must pay attention to our thoughts and feelings, and notice when we are starting to become distressed.
Dr Melanie Joy is the author of Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs and Wear Cows: An Introduction to Carnism (reviewed in The Vegan Summer 2010).
Those of us who are vegan tend to overcompensate for the lack of witnessing among carnists; we often over-witness.
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