Do you rant, or model?

Image credit: Luke Redmond

I have a few strong convictions, but I don’t YELL THEM IN MY FACEBOOK STATUS or join a bajillion groups or tweet associated rants.

I try my very best to model my convictions. I’m not perfect, so sometimes I might, say, get takeout in styrofoam, but I own that.

I have a friend who models veganism by making AMAZING vegan dishes for book clubs and potlucks. Other friends model sustainability by biking everywhere, even in the rain (really, it’s not so bad, and can actually be very refreshing).

However, if you are going to rant publicly about your convictions, I feel that you better live that way publicly, and privately.

I have friends (who I love dearly, but) who were quite vocal against the Olympics publicly, but who also jumped at chances for free tickets to events. I totally respect their convictions and beliefs on this topic, as they also were respectful of my volunteering with the Games. But they didn’t model. They ranted publicly, and flip-flopped privately.

Maybe this makes me more of a pacifist than I imagine myself to be. Maybe it’s my weariness for confrontation. But I don’t think you can rant all things animal rights and then go eat a Big Mac. If you’re a staunch pro-lifer, you better be rethinking that stance if you’re helping your daughter get an abortion.

I’ve argued in the past that support of one cause doesn’t define the rest of your beliefs.

But if you do find yourself doing something that you’ve argued against in the past, you better be open minded to broadening your beliefs, and your public rants.

Posted March 25, 2010

2 Comments - Leave a comment

April

I absolutely agree about living your convictions. (As you know) I am a director of a pit bull advocacy group and I am fanatical about my dog’s training and behaviour. Why? Because although publishing pamphlets and updating blogs is important, I have just as many opportunities to start conversations and challenge perceptions when my dog behaves politely in the elevator of my condo building. And I LOVE doing it.

A devil’s advocate question though! Say you’re against the Olympics, but are offered a free ticket. Would it be so wrong to go and check it out from the inside? You’re not investing any additional money into the Olympic machine, and if you don’t take the ticket it will just go elsewhere.

I believe that to be an effective advocate you have to explore both sides of the issue and not *just* rant. Perhaps attending an Olympic event with its Coke-emblazoned signage would further someone’s convictions…or maybe seeing the genuine emotion and passion of athletes and spectators would give them a more nuanced take on the issue…?

I can’t think of a similar rationale for eating a Big Mac though. If meat is murder, it doesn’t matter what it tastes like.

I’ll get back to you on that one.

http://trinaisakson.com Trina Isakson

Good devil’s advocate Q. I think some the same argument has been made by recycled-fur wearers or flexitarians.

Some issues are more nuanced, and are shades of grey rather than black and white, but I still believe if you have ranted like this issue is black and white, not standing by these public expressed convictions is weak. If you are open minded to the issue and exploring all sides, that needs to come across in your activism and advocacy and the way you model your convictions. And if your convictions change or are less radical – share it and own it.

PS. I think you do some great modelling with Chica!