If You Have a Voice, Use It.

Lauren Breuer
De Vo'Uo

Many of us share opinions about a lot of things we see wrong in the world, yet no one actually takes their words, and turns them into action, at least, it is not very common. I believe that if you feel very strongly about something, if you don’t know your facts or enough information about that topic, then you shouldn’t have much of a say except a few words. We are all entitled to our opinion, but your opinion comes with responsibility.

ETHICALLY EXPOSED

For me, my mission is to stop animal testing and abuse all over the world. I feel very strongly about this, and I constantly am involved and do research about this topic. I have been working with Legislators for a couple of years now, trying to increase penalties for animal abusers, starting in New York. We have finally proposed a bill to the Senate! 

(If you are interested in helping, or supporting the bill, please contact me, via the Home Page where the button says “Advocate here!”) 

Whatever your mission is, if it is truly close to your heart, and you are passionate about it, I think it should be a part of you. I don’t think it should be a separate cause, or a chore to speak to. If you have more than a sentence to speak your opinion, but you are doing nothing to improve it, then I don’t think you have a true mission to help it. 

Now, rather than scrolling through social media, a simple transition into developing an action is perhaps making a video/post about the topic. Again, if it is something that you don’t really want to put on your feed, because it doesn’t match, I don’t think it is something you feel strongly about. Maybe I am wrong, but I think your persona holds a lot of unspoken words, and if you don’t act on anything, it is hard to see your values.

Don’t get me wrong, I share opinions about things that I don’t do a ton of research on, but that is MY responsibility and I am accountable for my opinion. I will totally own up to not knowing much about it and tell people that it is not my main concern. If it was, I would know a lot more about and designate significant time to it. 

Sometimes I get frustrated with people who speak on topics when it is clear that they really know nothing about it. For instance, animal testing. People share the same lines below because they often hear others repeat them, or they just simply don’t know anything about it: 

  1. “If we don’t test on animals, who will we test on?”
  2. “Humans are at the top of the food chain.”
  3. “Survival of the fittest.” 
  4. “Human lives matter more than animals.” 
  5. “Animals don’t feel pain or emotions.” 
  6. “Animal Testing doesn’t exist anymore.”

The list goes on. If they did their research, they would know that: 

  1. There are plenty of more accurate and cost-effective alternatives. 
  2. Just because we are at the top of the food chain, doesn’t 

mean we should treat others with disrespect or cruelty.

3. It is proven that plant-based diets are healthier than meat-based diets, and it is possible.

4. Humans would not exist without animals, so if people think that they are more important, try living in a world with no animals. It is sad, and depressing to say the least.

5. Not only is it common sense, but it is scientifically proven that animals are so intelligent, and feel everything that we do, love, sorrow, anger, fear, etc. 

6. It does, and a lot of companies are still not cruelty-free, in fact, some companies make false claims in this regard.

These are just a bunch of common examples. This situation occurs with just about every topic there is. Just remember that if you have the ability to make a change, or speak on an issue, do it. There are many people and animals who are at a major disadvantage and cannot use their voice, so be their voice, not an echo.

Life is a business, how you speak and act determines how successful your business is.