Tag Archives: animal activism

Vegan Like Me No. 21

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Vegan Like Me aims to profile fellow vegans, from all walks of life from everywhere in the world! We’ve all been beginners and I think its important for folks to hear people’s stories in order to motivate themselves to keep going. This feature is intended to do just that. If you are vegan and would like to participate, get in touch with me and I’ll be sure to send our questionnaire along to you.

Name:  Lisa Drapkin

Lisa D., vegan 1 & 1/2 years

Lisa D., vegan 1 & 1/2 years

Where do you live?  Ditmas Park, Brooklyn

How long have you been vegan?  ”1 and a half years”

What inspired you to take on a plant-based (vegan/vegetarian) diet?  ”

“My journey to veganism started when I stumbled upon the Mercy for Animals web site.  On their homepage was a video of an undercover investigation (
http://www.mercyforanimals.org/calves/
) they had recently done on a dairy farm in Texas.  It was devastating, and showed calves being tortured.  I had never even thought of calves being associated with dairy, and it was very clear to me from that point on how consuming dairy products directly related to this cruelty.  I immediately stopped doing so entirely, and soon after became aware of how horrible animals were treated in the meat and egg industries as well.  Before this I had no idea what factory farms were and the horrors they inflict upon so many innocent, helpless creatures.  This information affected me greatly.  However, my transition from here was kind of a weird one.  I decided to try not eating any animal products at all anymore, but didn’t express to anyone what I was doing because I wasn’t really sure myself.  At the time, I didn’t know anyone vegan, and had the idea in my head that it would be too hard.

After a couple of weeks, I was already giving up, as I wasn’t fully invested in the idea of being vegan yet, and so hadn’t even tried researching all the amazing vegan food options I now know to exist.  Instead, I started looking into “humane” farms.  I decided I was ok with the idea of an animal being killed for food as long as they lived a good life.  Though I knew I didn’t want them to be abused, I didn’t think that unnecessarily killing a chicken or cow for human consumption was wrong because in my mind they were in a separate category of animals than the dogs or cats I had known.  I researched all the different “humane” farm labels, and only one – Animal Welfare Approved – held any even remotely significant standards relating to the welfare of animals.  They accounted for LESS than one percent of farms in the U.S., and it happened that a venue in a nearby Farmer’s Market sold their products.  So for about a month, I was in this kind of limbo period in which the only animal products I was consuming at all were from this stand.

Either way, what I had learned about the abuse of farmed animals was something I couldn’t get out of my mind.  I wanted to become involved in some kind of activism for this cause but I had no idea how.  I decided to call a friend who I hadn’t seen in a long time, one who I knew was an activist for many causes.  This person had always been someone who I found to be incredibly intelligent, inspiring, and who I respected greatly.  Though at the time I contacted him, I didn’t know he had himself become vegan a few months back.  When we met one day, I started off by saying that I had recently been informed of the suffering of billions of animals, and felt deeply disturbed by it.  The first thing he said excitedly, was, “are you vegan now too?” And I told him yes, I was.  I knew at once it would appear ultra-hypocritical to tell him the truth that no, here I was asking him how to help resolve my pain that came along with empathy for these animals, while still contributing to their exploitation myself.  So, from that moment on the lie that I told my friend became a truth, but I proclaimed it with the intention of that happening.

From then, I let my heart open fully.  My perception of the world completely altered, and my psyche evolved into who I have become over this past year and a half.  I now realize how crazy it was that I wanted animals to live a good life, but then didn’t care if they were violently killed for my consumption.  I now understand that eating animals and their secretions is far from being a personal choice, because the animals didn’t have a choice but to be confined, mutilated, and slaughtered.  I began to see all animals as individuals who deserve to be free from harm and suffering, and how warped society causes our minds to be in the way in which we feel only certain animals should be treated with compassion.  However, I know fully that I never would have even come close to comprehending this had I not stopped contributing to their exploitation.  I had to first take that step back and see things from a different perspective.  I now recognize the cruelty that lies behind every facet of our society, and am aware that animal exploitation is absolutely everywhere.  Although, despite the sadness that occurs when that veil of ignorance is lifted, I wouldn’t go back to my blindness for anything in the world.”

What do you love most about being vegan?  ”What I love most by far is the fellow vegans that I’ve become connected with just through our shared beliefs, and the community of like-minded people I now have in my life.  I’ve met some of the greatest people I’ve ever known over this time, especially those I’ve met from doing advocacy work together.”

What three items do you always have in your pantry?  “Peanut Butter – always a great source of quick protein, especially when I’m broke:)

Nutritional Yeast – used to think it was a weird food item but now I LOVE sprinkling it on pasta

Olive oil – always using it to cook”

What is your favorite vegan comfort food?  “The all-vegan Champs in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is my go-to place for vegan comfort food and pretty much everything I’ve gotten from there is amazing – whether it’s chili, pancakes, burritos, cheese fries, nachos, or apple pie – for vegans that love having those items we thought we would miss (but don’t have to) –  Champs is a great place to go.”

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about taking on a plant-based (vegan) diet?  “I would say, start reading, and learn all the facts for yourself.  Know why you are doing it.  If to you, the reason means something, than it will be much easier to do, and to stick with.  Start substituting foods you like with vegan options, like soy milk and veggie meatballs.  Go at the pace that works for you.  The more foods you find and like, the easier it will be.  If there’s one thing you can’t seem to give up right away, then give up everything but that!”

Do you find anything difficult about being vegan?  “What I find difficult is the absurdity of living in a world where we (vegans) have to justify and are considered abnormal for thinking it’s wrong to inflict suffering onto powerless beings for the mere fact that we can.  I don’t know how that part will ever get easier, unless more and more people start to wake up to the truth, but besides for that, everything about it is wonderful.  The food part is the easiest because you start to learn just how many amazing options there are that you never would have tried previously.”

Any other comments you or words of wisdom you would like to add?  “If you’re vegan and you’d like to help educate others learn about the cruelty behind animal products, a great way to do so is through leafleting.  Vegan Outreach is an organization that provides wonderful leaflets to distribute to students on college campuses, or in busy areas.  Go to VeganOutreach.org to learn more, or contact Emily for my information if you’d like to help me leaflet at a school in the NYC/NJ area in spring 2013!”

I can’t even begin to tell you what an awesome advocate Lisa D. is in the AR world!  I met Lisa last year when we were both volunteering at the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary’s rooftop benefit in Brooklyn… she told us about Vegan Drinks, marching in the NYC Pride Parade with Mercy For Animals, and we see each other at countless AR/Vegan events around the NYC area.  Her story is compelling and I’m so grateful to have her share it here on Jersey City Vegan.  Thank you Lisa, for all you do for the vegan movement, animal rights and most of all, the animals.  

A reflection on Kaporos

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I’ve had a day to process what I witnessed on Sunday & Monday night of this week.  I went to bear witness to the inhumane and cruel practice of Kaporos (read all about this horrible ritual here) in Brooklyn.  I really wasn’t prepared for what I was going to see, despite my best efforts to mentally prepare myself.  I don’t think anyone is really ready to witness animal cruelty and abuse right in front of their very eyes.  Upon walking up and out of the subway station at Kingston Ave, you were smacked in the face of the stench of feces and urine, as the crates of chickens had already been there for several days. 

We were penned in (similar to the chickens) for our protection by the police.  Yes, the police were there, witnessing this cruelty as well, but just allowed them to do it.  We chanted, held up posters and were mocked and laughed at.  Lots of young boys came over to engage with us.  But most of all, I couldn’t keep my eyes off of what was going on at the scene.  I couldn’t engage with anyone on the first night.  In fact, I could barely speak to my fellow activists.  At one point, I was overcome with emotion, tears streaming down my face, hiding my bloodshot eyes behind my big sunglasses. 

Nearly every man, woman and child that I saw holding a chicken held it by the wings.  This is INCREDIBLY painful for the chicken, as you can see in the video above.  Their wings are not made to bear their weight like that.  Many chickens suffer broken bones and sprains because of this.  Meanwhile, we are told repeatidly by the young men (and some grown men) surrounding us that they do not hurt the chickens.  Yet not a single one of them knows how to properly hold a chicken. 

On the first night, since it was “children’s night”, none of the chickens were slaughtered on site.  I find it ironic that they want to protect the majority of young ones from seeing the taking of the life for their ritual, yet continue to defend this cruel practice.  If they really believe in this ritual, why would they protect the children from seeing it?  One observation I did have was how many children and babies that were hysterically crying.  The second night we stationed ourselves down on President Street, where a big platform stage had been set up, under shiny bright lights, to conduct the kosher slaughters.  Again, we were surrounded by men, young and old, heckling us and taunting us, being completely unreceptive to our cause.  There was a young man protesting along with us, a Jew, who was trying to educate them on how to properly hold a chicken, if they are going to insist on using the chicken.  Time after time, the men and boys on the other side took his paper, ripped it up or crumpled it up, and threw it back at him.  Unbelievable.  The second night I managed to have a few productive conversations, where we actually were speaking to each other in a kind way, which felt good.  One fellow in particular, and older, Iraqi Jew, we talked for quite a while.  He sympathized.  We discussed.  He told me he has rescued chickens of his own.  I asked him if he would get me some chickens for us to rescue, telling him we have been rescuing a few and they would be going to Sanctuary.  With regret in his eyes, and I could tell in his heart, he shook his head no.  Nothing can shake them from their ritual. 

On my way out, I witnessed the actual act of the slaughter.  I could only bear to watch two birds get killed, but I made one distinct observation:  the dead birds were being tossed directly into a garbage bin.  I am kicking myself for not getting footage of this.  After time and time again the young & older men told us, the chickens get donated to the needy, the chicken is serving a good, we are elevating the chicken to benefit others… yet anyone who knows anything about animal slaughter knows that if the blood isn’t drained from the body properly, it will be no good for human consumption.  I did not see any of that taking place.  Not to mention the sheer volume of chickens they had on hand – thousands upon thousands – there was no way they could keep up with the proper processing of the birds.  My suspicions were confirmed when I found out that indeed, dead chicken bodies could be found in dumpsters all over Crown Heights.  Some of the following images are graphic.  (Photography credit – Enid Crow) 

Dumpster full of dead chickens, covered by a tarp.

Another view of dumpster, full of dead chickens.

Dead and discarded chicken

Sacrificed chicken

As hard as it might be to believe, there is a bright side to this story.  We were able to save the lives of about 20-40 chickens (final count is unknown, but it is in that ballpark).  It is for that reason alone that made this emotionally disturbing experience worth it.  And you know what?  I would do it all again in a heartbeat if it meant more lives could be saved.  After all, my emotional disturbance is nothing compared to what those chickens were put through. 

Some of the rescued

If you would like to be kept informed about future protests about this issue, please visit Alliance to End Chickens as Kaporos to sign up for their mailing list.  Many thanks to Rina Deych and Karen Davis for organizing this event and all of the other organizers, supporters and fellow activists for their participation.

09/27/11 UPDATE:  I have learned that the total amount of rescued chickens by our group was actually 76!  Again, for those 76 individual lives, it was all worth it.

An open letter to Lady Gaga

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Recently, there has been some backlash against Lady Gaga because she wore a fur coat made out of pink rabbit fur.  Well, we don’t know for sure whether it was real or not because she would not disclose it… which really can only lead you to believe one thing, right?  Gagaloo put out a statement, where she says, amongst other things,

“I want you to know that I care deeply about your feelings and views, and I will always support your philosophies about life.  I do not however support violent, abusive, and childish campaigns for ANY CAUSE. Particularly one I respect: Animal Rights.” 

Whoa.  Whoa.  Whoa.  Violent?  Abusive?  Childish?  Ahkay.  Here goes.

Dear Lady Gaga,

I read your statement about “Furgate”.  I thought about it.  I thought about how I would address what you presented if someone was standing right in front of me and said those words.  I tried to imagine how you might say those words.  I tried to think if you have ever looked into the reality of what wearing fur means.  Have you?  You can be honest with me, here.  I don’t think you have, because I honest to goodness do not believe that someone who has done so would say the words that you did.  I’m a little bit confused by all of this because didn’t you previously speak out AGAINST fur?  And then you were photographed wearing fur while holding a dog.

A lot of people “know” the fur industry is brutal.  But I really don’t think that they know know. 

Everyday you ask millions of people a day to be loving and kind to their fellow humans – it’s time to extend that to ALL beings.  All beings have the capacity to feel pain and suffer.  Not just humans.  What gives us the right to bully and electrocute animals via an anal probe, just in order to wear them as “fashion” or as you said, “museum pièce de résistance”? 

It doesn’t take a strict vegan to know that wearing fur is so backwards.  Fashion luminaries such as Stella McCartney and Tim Gunn are both staunchly against fur, amongst many others.  People often say they have a “choice” to wear fur… but what about that poor animal who had no choice to be killed (violently) so you could wear him or her? 

Cruelty towards others needs to include animals and “fashion” or “art” is not an acceptable excuse.  What you’ve worn in the past is in the past… you can make a difference choice going forward.  It’s ok.  I wasn’t always vegan – we all had a starting point.  Why don’t you make today your starting point?  Acknowledge your past, and pledge going forward that you won’t harm beings just to wear them.  Our past should not stop us from moving forward towards a more compassionate future.  Let’s widen the circle of compassion and be the compassionate change we wish to see in the world.  Stand up against cruelty towards ALL beings. 

With love and compassion,

Emily

PS:  There would be more grain to make bread for hungry children if more people went vegan!

 

To learn more:

Cruelty-free designers

PETA

Learn more about dogs/cats in China that are used for fur & animals that are farmed or trapped in the wild for fur.

Book Review: The Lucky Ones

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It’s no secret that I am hopelessly devoted to Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary.  It is a magical place that changed my life.  I discovered it by chance, back in 2007.  Melissa and I were getting ready to celebrate our one year anniversary.  She had always wanted to take a class at The Center for Photography at Woodstock… so we ended up booking a weekend up in the area so she could take a class and we could spend some time away together.  Her course was two days long, during the daytime hours, so I was on my on for several hours during the day.  I knew the town of Woodstock was adorable, so I occupied myself discovering all the sweet shops and flea market on the first day up there.  While I was walking around town, I kept seeing posters for something called “The Blessing of the Animals” at a place called “The Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary”… I thought, oh, I love animals, this sounds right up my alley!  At the time, I was still eating meat and dairy full-time – the complete opposite of what I am now.  I even remember going to Woodstock Meats to buy some bacon!  Regardless, I decided to attend the Blessing ceremony, conducted by some peaceful Buddhist monks from the nearby monastery.  That was when the seed got planted.  I recall driving away from our rental cabin expressing feelings about wanting to give up eating animals.  I felt timid and overwhelmed at first, but knew that there was something to be said with that, and it was going to be the beginning of my journey.

Over the next few weeks, I had this nagging thought that was always in the back of my mind… I really don’t think I want to eat meat anymore.  It only took a few weeks before we took the plunge and gave up eating animals.  We made attending the Blessing a yearly anniversary tradition.  Each time I went, the nagging changed, and got louder and louder, urging me to go vegan.  Finally, last year we made the connection and went vegan.  And it’s all because of a woman named Jenny Brown, her husband Doug Abel and their magical farm sanctuary.

Jenny Brown’s journey was similar to mine in the fact that her enlightenment came in increments.  The path might have been different, but the final destination was the same.  And it is all recounted with joy, humor and honesty in her first book, The Lucky Ones: My Passionate Fight for Farm Animals.  Co-written by Gretchen Primack, Brown recounts her journey from a cancer-stricken 10-year-old amputee to her thriving career in film which led to passion projects for PETA and finally turned her into a full-time animal activist, hero and co-founder of the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary.

Interspersed with her personal journey, she includes mini-biographies of past and present residents of the farm.  She tells their story, as well as hers, in truth and with love.  She doesn’t shy away (nor does she ever) from exposing the truths of animal agriculture.  The key thing, though, is that she does so with such finesse that she leaves you willingly questioning your own contribution (read: consumption of animals) to the industry.  She makes you think.  She helps guide you to make that connection.  While she admits that she didn’t always have this knack of graceful truth-telling, it is something she can do now with ease.

This book was a pleasure to read.  It reminded me of my own journey, why we do what we do, and inspires me to continue in my own form of activism whatever it might end up looking like.  This world is a better place because of Jenny Brown, Doug Abel, and the other devoted animal caretakers and volunteers at Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary… and for that, I am grateful.

If you live in or close to the New York City area, there will be a party to celebrate the release of The Lucky Ones tomorrow night (August 7) at MooShoes.  Jenny will be there, signing and selling her books.  Stop on by for some vegan camaraderie and to celebrate the release of such a wonderful book.  Hope to see you there!

Photo Call: Critter Lovin’ @ WFAS!

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I spent an extended weekend with some dear family and friends up in Woodstock last weekend.  Of course, we paid a visit to see my critter friends at Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary!  We went on full tour, with co-founder Doug Abel leading the pack.  I brought along a bag full of goodies to share with my friends, including some grapes, watermelon and celery!  If I can’t win their love by slinging their poo, I sure as hell will try winning their love through their stomachs.  ;)  All photos by Melissa Cacioppo

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Do you “Like” Jersey City Vegan on Facebook?  No?!  What are you waiting for?!  I’ve uploaded the photos there, too.  Come and gush your love about the critters!

Just another day at Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary!

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We went up to volunteer again at Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary and just had to share our photographs (and some video!) of the day.  Some highlights included lots of loving from Seth & Sam, two little baby goats, the never-taken-for-granted attention from Star, worm adventures with one of the chicken flocks and seeing all the naked sheep!

There was a Girl Scout troop that came to visit and we got to chat with one of the leaders and her daughter before they went on their tour.  They told us that they try to eat vegetarian as much as possible, but the mom then said “OK, as a vegan, how do you cook?!”  This was a great opportunity to share our little tips of the trade, and I let her know that my blog has a whole section called “Vegan-ize It!” where I take favorite recipes and vegan-ize them.  The daughter shared that one of her teachers gives a select group of her classmates vegetarian/vegan info (articles and such) to those that are interested, and I think that is great.  Hopefully all of the girls learned a lot and that maybe it might inspire them to make more meat-less choices.

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As always, can’t wait for our next day up there!