apricotpajamas

hi Jon! Just saw via MFA (on facebook) that you are doing this-- I would love to pick your brain about something. I've been considering using reddit (or attempting to) to springboard the large problem of Chinese medicine and its destruction of the big cats, elephants and rhinos (plus "bile bears" cat and dog fur, fur in general etc). Violence against those protecting the big African animals has increased; the populations are dwindling fast. The only avenue I can think of that might cause a shift in thinking in China is social ridicule-- maybe even coming from youth/young adults in China). I was considering writing a research paper and posting a link in Ask Reddit for a brain storming session on what can be done...would be great it it was upvoted enough to gain some momemtum. China's population will wipe out these animals forever-- for ivory chopsticks and sex potions. What can we do?!

While I agree with you, the majority of non-vegans are likely more concerned with extinction of entire species than they are of factory farmed animals. (That being said, I've been a vegetarian since I was 15 and now vegan for 6 years, and I have helped more than a handful of people go plant-based as well; I advocate for factory-farmed animals every day). Reddit isnt just made up of Americans-- which is why I think that getting the information out there about what is happening to the big cats, elephants and rhinos, maybe we could impact the way young Chinese see the issue, and maybe they could eventually change their own country, whether when they are older, or by talking to the adults who buy the products.

thanks =) I am already vegan and active in the community. =)