AR 2009: How To Deal With Strangers (rap Session)
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Some of the events at the Animal Rights Conference in Los Angeles (July 2009) were “rap sessions”, group discussions led by a facilitator. For details about the conference, please
take a look at arconference.org.
“How to Deal with Strangers”
led by: Scott Sorrentino, animal advocate
The thrust of this session was how different activists handle hecklers and other questioners from the sidelines, primarily during a demonstration. The following are suggestions offered by the group:
Quick response: Offer a quick answer. Think of it ahead of time.
Appeal to motivation: Most people have selfish motivations – appeal to that. Explain that this animal rights activity promotes a win-win-win situation – good for you, good for the environment, good for the animals.
People tend to be less motivated by concerns for animals, but can see the connection between factory farm conditions and their own health. There is less universal understanding of other animal issues, for example, animal experimentation. Many people believe there is a benefit to using animals in research.
Group members pointed out facts in the animal research debate: effects not same on mouse as on human, animal research has not cured anything, has just alleviated symptoms, pharmaceutical companies are not interested in cures.
Talking points: It helps to have time ahead to develop and review talking points in protests. There was discussion about whether all protesters should take on questions or whether the questions should be referred to group spokespersons – having everyone answer can break up the group, but each member needs to be seen as more than a puppet. So it may be well to consider both angles before a protest begins and decide on a strategy.
Aggressive responses: Some types of events draw more aggressive responses and hecklers. Circuses, rodeos, bullfights especially. It is important to remember that sometimes the people who are reached are not those actually there – it depends on how the event is reported.
Bring business cards to a demonstration, with website with more information and contact information.
Children: The group discussed children: how much should you tell them and what do they understand?
There were several examples of how children understand more than we usually think they do, and how they are often ahead of their parents in grasping animal issues. However, be careful in how much detail you offer a child. The information can be overwhelming and disturbing and a child may not be able to cope with it.
Overhearing conversations: Sometimes we overhear others speaking about animal issues and we hear incorrect information. Should we step up and correct the speaker? Sometimes we can do so, graciously. And even if we appear to be annoying buttinskys we will likely become the topic of conversation later, and who knows where that may lead? It could be a good thing.
What about the people? A popular discussion was about the heckler’s question, “What about people? Why aren’t you protesting for them?” Group members offered several good comments:
“This particular event is not about people” – keep the conversation on the topic.
“Caring about animals doesn’t mean we don’t care about people.”
Hand the person a business card and say, “The next time you are going to a protest for people, give me a call and I’ll join you.”
Respond