more thoughts on tactics, (non)violence etc.

from "the othering of violence" @ veganarky

... From cultural studies theorists through to activists challenging racism, the concept of othering is widely considered a central (and essential) part of racism. This is also the case for many other forms of oppression including those based on gender and sexuality. We tend to other someone, a culture, etc., to separate them from us.

... To other someone, whether they be a vivisector or a relative tearing into the flesh on their plate, is a form of dehumanisation. If we are opposed to the dehumanisation of animals, women, other cultures, races, sexualities and more how can we perpetuate violence on others. This is not some hippy attempt at moralising, and I agree with many of Ward Churchill's criticisms of moral adherents to nonviolence in this regard. ...

this is something i've often thought about exactly along these lines, but never articulated so succinctly. i do think othering is very much at the core of this issue. and i totally agree with that post - just read the whole thing.

two other posts that are quite relevant:

• "a comment on violence" to which i've linked before

• "media justice" (critique from malcolm x and response from m.l.k. - videos posted by brownfemipower)

and applied to animal rights specifically, an analysis that's just as nuanced, powerful and articulate (highly recommended, watch in its entirety):

"Armaiti May, DVM is an animal rights advocate and veterinarian currently practicing in Southern California. She became a vegan and activist as a student at UC Berkeley. An active officer in the campus advocacy group, Cal Vegetarians, she helped put on several vegan outreach and food giveaways. As a student at UC Davis, Armaiti helped coordinate a surgery "wetlab" training for fellow vet students as a humane alternative to the school's terminal surgeries. During vet school she volunteered with Rural Area Veterinary Services to provide free care and sterilization surgeries to dogs, cats, and horses in economically disadvantaged communities."