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CF Animal Advocates & Vegan Bingo Breeders
Nina Paley wrote:
> I've avoided animal rights groups because I can't stand the hypocrisy and
> pronatalism. You know, "as long as I'm vegan I can do no wrong - my
> children are messengers for the animals!"
>
> Recently I received a fan letter from an animal advocate who really liked
> "The Stork." He tells me there's a small but quiet contingent of animal
> welfare advocates who don't breed, and are committed enough to get
> snipped. I am heartened. When they go from quiet to loud, I'll join in.
>
> I complained about the dearth of CF articles in the vegetarian press
> (VegNews, Vegetarian Times, etc.), and the letter-writer pointed me to a
> brief "point-counterpoint" from 4 years ago:
>
> http://www.cok.net/abol/10/9.php (point)
> http://www.cok.net/abol/10/10.php (counter-point, aka Breeder Bingo)
>
> The first article simply asks "If we're opposed to breeding cats and dogs,
> why aren't we opposed to breeding humans?" and points out the negative
> consequences of human breeding on animals and the environment. Right on.
>
> The second is retch-worthy, from the first fallacious line to the
> delusional last. I present it here for your shredding pleasure.
>
> --Nina
>
>
> http://www.cok.net/abol/10/10.php
> Counter-Point:
> "Procreation" Is Not a Bad Word
>
> By Erica Fredericks
>
> The animal rights and eco movements are notorious for their criticism of
> human breeding.
>
> Why do we create such divisions among people working toward the same goal?
> Are my actions on behalf of animals somehow less pure because I have
> chosen simultaneously to create human life? Has this rendered my activism
> less potent? I think not. In fact, I believe that not only have I, by
> having children, not obstructed the path to animal liberation, but,
> perhaps, I have helped to pave that road.
>
> While we spend countless hours visiting schools trying to impart our
> message to our youth, in one fell swoop I have given the animals two more
> messengers. Rather than banking on other people's children, why not create
> our own little army of animal advocates?What could be more natural than
> having a child? The will to survive is our most basic instinct. We guard
> our lives jealously, aware that our presence on this earth is contingent
> upon our reproduction. Biologically, we are programmed for long-term
> species survival. While our minds may remind us that we suffer no threat
> of extinction, our bodies and hearts know no such logic. They are
> programmed to want a child. To deny someone the fulfillment of what is
> arguably the most basic, unrelenting longing, is both callous and
> unreasonable.
>
> Many people believe that bringing yet another human life into this world
> is selfish, but I feel the exact opposite. Having children has taught me
> the true meaning of altruism, and, luckily for them, my new sentiments
> have extended themselves towards the earth and her creatures.
>
> Since having my children, I have experienced compassion, empathy,
> sacrifice, and love at depths far greater than I thought possible. I now
> know what it is to be truly at another's service, holding a life so sacred
> that I extend myself towards it fully. These lessons have become gifts to
> the animals for whom I work; rather than detracting from my ability to act
> within the animal rights movement, they have strengthened and inspired me.
>
> It is not just I who has emerged from this mother-child partnership a
> stronger advocate for the animals. My children, to whom I am imparting all
> of my wisdom and values, are already using their voices on behalf of the
> voiceless. The world now has two more members willing to stand up for the
> animals. While we spend countless hours visiting schools trying to impart
> our message to our youth, in one fell swoop I have given the animals two
> more messengers. Rather than banking on other people's children, why not
> create our own little army of animal advocates?
>
> People often ask me why I did not choose adoption. While I readily admit
> that adoption can fulfill many people's needs, there are several
> undeniable differences between it and having one's own biological
> children. The first?the natural urge to reproduce?I have already
> discussed. A second issue is one of health, and, while it may be deemed
> selfish and peripheral by some, it is extremely relevant to many women. It
> has been found that higher estrogen levels are linked to increased risk of
> breast cancer. Child-bearing reduces a woman's estrogen levels, perhaps,
> as I suspect, reflecting our natural conditioning toward child-bearing.
>
> Finally, for some, adoption simply involves too much bureaucracy. Adoption
> in this country can be a nightmare. Countless couples, despite their clear
> predisposition toward wonderful parenting, have been locked out of the
> adoption system. When, in this case, they turn to natural reproduction
> options, can we rightfully deny them this choice? What right have we to
> deny them the fulfillment of so many dreams and desires?
>
> As such, I choose to bring into this world two beings from my own body?to
> learn and grow and, one day, surpass me in my own activism for the
> animals.
>
> ERICA FREDERICKS is a vegan activist and mother of two living in Richmond,
> Va.
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