So I agree that it’s a book that individuals and organizations should read, if only (but not only) because it gives opportunities for reflecting on these kinds of issues, in addition to issues about the practicalities of running (and building) an organization for animals, etc. I think it’s also an excellent primer (especially for the new activist) on what a strategic movement is and on the stages a movement goes through (the backlash part was interesting to me–there begins external pressure that results in internal pressure, and people squabbling about “freakiness” vs. “mainstreaming”).

I couldn’t agree more with you on your agreement and support of the book’s focus on inclusiveness. Racism, sexism, and etc. definitely can and does exist amongst activists, just as it does in the wider world.

However, I was really disappointed in your interpretation of Joy’s brief advice to dress conservatively. Where in the world does she say anything about women wearing makeup or anything about wearing chinos? I looked through my book again, wondering how I could miss it, and saw nothing.

Chapter 1: At the same time, activists must do everything in their power to come across as conventional as possible. If the aim is really to liberate animals, and not to gratify our own egos, we must be willing to wrap ourselves in the garb of the mainstream.

Chapter 4: For instance, when talking to a Buddhist, you should refer to basic Buddhist tenets such as nonviolence and compassion for all beings; and when advocating to a Quaker you should connect animal liberation with peace, justice, and conscientious objection. You should also dress and act in accordance with the norms of the group you’re reaching out to, so that your message is more likely to be heard.

Chapter 5: When planning to engage in civil disobedience, activists should prepare ahead of time by learning about their rights and the tactics of intimidation used by law enforcement officials, and by dressing as conservatively as possible so as not to be perceived as “terrorists.”

In regards to chapter 1, I think how one responds indicates what their priorities are. Is it more important to me to look like a punk (which I once was) or is it more important to me to reach out to as many people as possible, including…people of other races and ethnicities, as the quote from chapter 4 alludes to. In regards to chapter 5, again, I think the quote speaks for itself. Is the message more important or the medium? Is animal activism a style, or it is a meaningful political and ethical action?

That you spent a portion of your review rallying against Joy for a sexist comment that she never made (about makeup) is really disingenuous.

So I agree that it’s a book that individuals and organizations should read, if only (but not only) because it gives opportunities for reflecting on these kinds of issues, in addition to issues about the practicalities of running (and building) an organization for animals, etc. I think it’s also an excellent primer (especially for the new activist) on what a strategic movement is and on the stages a movement goes through (the backlash part was interesting to me–there begins external pressure that results in internal pressure, and people squabbling about “freakiness” vs. “mainstreaming”).

I couldn’t agree more with you on your agreement and support of the book’s focus on inclusiveness. Racism, sexism, and etc. definitely can and does exist amongst activists, just as it does in the wider world.

However, I was really disappointed in your interpretation of Joy’s brief advice to dress conservatively. Where in the world does she say anything about women wearing makeup or anything about wearing chinos? I looked through my book again, wondering how I could miss it, and saw nothing.

Chapter 1: At the same time, activists must do everything in their power to come across as conventional as possible. If the aim is really to liberate animals, and not to gratify our own egos, we must be willing to wrap ourselves in the garb of the mainstream.

Chapter 4: For instance, when talking to a Buddhist, you should refer to basic Buddhist tenets such as nonviolence and compassion for all beings; and when advocating to a Quaker you should connect animal liberation with peace, justice, and conscientious objection. You should also dress and act in accordance with the norms of the group you’re reaching out to, so that your message is more likely to be heard.

Chapter 5: When planning to engage in civil disobedience, activists should prepare ahead of time by learning about their rights and the tactics of intimidation used by law enforcement officials, and by dressing as conservatively as possible so as not to be perceived as “terrorists.”

In regards to chapter 1, I think how one responds indicates what their priorities are. Is it more important to me to look like a punk (which I once was) or is it more important to me to reach out to as many people as possible, including…people of other races and ethnicities, as the quote from chapter 4 alludes to. In regards to chapter 5, again, I think the quote speaks for itself. Is the message more important or the medium? Is animal activism a style, or it is a meaningful political and ethical action?

That you spent a portion of your review rallying against Joy for a sexist comment that she never made (about makeup) is really disingenuous.