Kaitlyn Nguyen
806-50 Lotherton Pathway
Toronto, Ont.
M6B 2G7
(647) 542 – 2681
A vegan protest does not need to be this aggressive
In March 2018, GRASS became infamous for picketing outside of Antler restaurant. And on the last day of 2018, GRASS did another protest by picketing at La Palette, a restaurant that serves horse meat. I feel that GRASS has tarnished its own reputation because of its aggressive method of protesting. By attacking restaurants like Antler and La Palette, they have drawn the public attention from saving animals to making people feel guilty.
As a BPR student, I’ve learned that it would be more beneficial for a company or an organization to understand its mission and values. In order to do it effectively, An organization need to use appropriate and heartfelt methods. In GRASS’s case, the methods they used have created more blacklash than positive change.
Over several decades, there has been an increasing number of environmental organizations and GRASS is one of them. Its mission statement says, “Encouraging society to acknowledge that all animals are sentient and therefore have the right to live a life free of human exploitation.” However, it forgets something: People cannot be encouraged if they feel humiliated.
It all started in March 2018 when GRASS’ members stood outside Antler, a steakhouse restaurant, while visitors were having their meal. The protesters were holding many signs, one of which said, “Murder.” The other one said, “Animals are not ours to use.” They even had a sign to tell the restaurant to “please add vegan steak to the menu.” GRASS’ actions brought attentions to the public, but not in a positive way. People seem to be more sympathetic towards Antler and less to GRASS’ initiative. The group repeated its tactic again when it protested at another restaurant, La Palette by standing outside the restaurant and disrupting customers with signs.
By disrupting guests and making them feel guilty for eating meat, I’m not sure if the protest is encouraging anyone as outlined in the mission statement. In fact, people are more likely discouraged if they are humiliated. GRASS’ public image is now perceived as rude and disrespectful towards restaurant patrons.
There are other ways to influence people to change their eating habits. GRASS could have done a challenge that is similar to the ASL challenge to raise awareness for animals. It could invite influencers or celebrities who are animal advocates to participate in the challenge. The challenge can also encourage the public to adopt an endangered animal online. They can choose to send money monthly or annually to a zoo. People will get updates constantly during a progress. Another way is to partner with an animal/wildlife organization, maybe WWF, to do a campaign. It can be an educational program to advocate for the importance of animals in nature. For example, people can learn about the negative effect for the environment if the number of disappearing animals increases. Therefore, people can feel the deep connection to nature and any living being on Earth. And maybe from there, people may want to change their diet voluntarily. Even if they do not change, they do not have to feel ashamed and guilty for eating meat. GRASS could have persuaded people through encouragement and by forming a coalition of people who share the same values. Let’s join together in that vision to help save the animals.
By Kaitlyn Nguyen – Humber College BPR, North York, Ont.
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