Opinion Assignment 1

I know the constant worry of radicalism and assimilation has in deed been a constant worry for the social movement progress.  It is however, hard to state which tactic is more valuable.  I will be discussing the diverse difference between each movement based on the provided course readings this week.  It will be intriguing to compare these components to other protests and see the distinctive outcomes of which they better.  To start out with the Chicano movement in the 1960’s through the 1970’s the public watched as this social topic captured people’s thoughts.  After reading The Origins & History of the Chicano Movement by Roberto Rodriguez, it was clear that this movement was structured very similarly to the gay rights movement along with woman’s rights movement, we will touch more on those issue later on.

            To start with the anti-Vietnam war movement founded in 1960’s through 1970’s Wells examines groups who engaged in assimilation, or those who used brutal protest for their strategies.  This groups used aggressive attacks as their way of protest,  trying to get their message across with the use of endangering peoples lives in order to gain followers.  Killing innocent military officers for attentions and frightening people into committing themselves to follow this movement was a true tactic used to cause fear within the public to gain control.  Even though this did heighten people attention, students organized protests and marched to move forwarded in the anti war movement, gaining more followers not by force but because of their passion and strength as a whole.  However because of the strong courageous move of the students from Kent State, many of them lost their lives fighting for what they held true.  The government did not respond well to the students defense and this curved peoples opinions right back around making it clear to them that anti-war rights where those to follow.

            More about the women’s rights and gay rights movement it was clearly coherent for the format and foundation of the Chicano development relied solely on academic writings and findings to support Chicano’s rights with no harsh treatment, terrorization, or hostility of any kind was present.  The modern gay rights movement on the other hand has enlarged with support from its followers primarily because of majority of representative, homosexuals representing large forms of mass media.  For example, “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”, which demonstrated that in order to get the straight man in shape, in regards to fashion, grooming, interior design and overall likeability.  Came to the heart and homes of America in 2003.  This show also was some of the first exposed acceptance of being openly gained through network mobility.  People watched the show and ratings went through the roof, having a positive affect on the culture exposed to these highly innovatively gay men helping to better the “average Joe”.  This show helped people warm up to the idea of watching and accommodating this new generation and sub group to their lives.  This was one of the perfect ways to gain approval and nudge their way into people’s area of normality.    This does not stop with television, comedians, films, and writers are all becoming more and more present as gay acceptance is coming to life.  This act or movement has truly made a place for its self and is here to stay.  As you can see though, that gay rights would never have been so widely accepted had it not have been for the thoughtfully light introduction to the public through comedy and humor. Things could have been surprisingly different had this new way of life had been broadcasted or introduced another way.

            The key to all of these movements has been strong leaders and innovative idea for introducing an uncertain new way of life to people.  All of the point’s discussed previously all have one thing in common, student research and campus protest, without violence or discrimination of any other viewpoints.  It is clear that the students have used their intelligence over strength to show examples of their protest and to gain followers by this way instead of forcing views upon people.   When new things come along to introduce to people and protest about people will listen and not shut down new ideals because of the way last protest have underwent. 

            I must agree after examining the readings, Carson’s way of life in which he believes to better yourself and ideas to people without violence and radicalism and recognized as more efficient.  In order to have a well played out protest it is almost mandatory for both sides protesting to uphold this agreement of none violence or discrimination if everyone is willing to let bygones be bygones and just hold true to their beliefs the people will decided which ideas to follow and digest.    In the readings of Coretta Scott King, Malcom X’s theory comes to life.  A conversation they are having is about how the white people do not want to listen or even grasps King’s speeches then maybe they will listen to a more persuasive approach, meaning violent measures.

            As you may have noticed, my blog is pushing for the rights to band animal cruelty.  The conflict that stands out the most is that animals deserve proper care and treatment and many people sadly do not follow these measures.  I believe in the case of animal testing and food distribution processes these testaments are the most fluent in animal torture.  Resulting in injured animals and ultimately death.   In which case I feel that these issues are where I believe Dr. King and Malcom X’s teachings unite.  The two founded teaching protest styles are very different, Dr. King believing that the voice and strong words will infinitely case change amongst people or help them to better understand ones thoughts, where as Malcom X’s believe in punishment for power.  In this case of animal cruelty I believe that both of these measures of protest should be used.  Yes, words do go along way but how far have they really got us?  Animals are still facing torture and abuse, if somehow Malcom X’s theory were made possible I believe the inhumane treatment to animals would stop.  Not being one hundred percent sure as to how this would go, however it would still go to show that what ever abuse you implement on an animal should happen to you.  Passing a new law or making some sort of new boundaries for humans against animals is what is still need and will ultimate change the cruelty associated with animals. 

            

TEXT ASSIGNMENT 1

Protest for Animal Rights

It is stated that every state in the United States and the District of Columbia has a law prohibiting cruelty to animals.  These laws do not give animal’s rights per say, but do afford some legal protection.  The purposes of these laws is to prevent violence by humans in any form as well as to protect animals from mistreatment and cruelty by imposing a penalty for those acts.  Most of these laws fall under the purpose of morality, meaning the purpose is not to protect the animals, but to keep people on the straight and constricted vows of respect for animals.  Whatever the reason, many more states are recognizing that animal cruelty, neglect and abuse are serious issues.  There are now 41 states plus the District of Columbia with felony provisions for animal cruelty

            Throughout my post, I will discuss animal cruelty within experimental research, food production and housing pets.  The first law passed for animal welfare was enacted December 24, 1970, (Public Law 91-579) expands the list of animals covered by the Act to include all warm-blooded animals determined by the Secretary of Agriculture as being used or intended for use in experimentation or exhibition (except horses not used in research and farm animals used in food and fiber research) a later law was passed for these animals we will get more into that later. Exhibitors are included into the act and research facilities are defined. Retail pet stores, state and county fairs, rodeos, purebred dog and cat shows, and agricultural exhibition s are exempt from the Act. This makes me wonder why they would exclude these others animals? Was it because it would hurt production and/or profits?  The Secretary is directed to develop regulations regarding recordkeeping, humane care and treatment of animals in or during retail, display, experimentation, and transport. There is also mention of inspections, and appropriate anesthetics, analgesics, and tranquilizers.

            Another act passed was on November 28, 1990 and established a hold period for dogs and cats at shelters and other holding facilities before sale to dealers.  This law gave people basically a second chance to find their animal incase of a run away or mishap.  However the need for more pounds and housing units for unclaimed animals was rising, therefore new places were being made for housing more and more animals.  Giving someone beloved lost pet a second chance. 

            Taking a deeper look into one of the questions asked, how does mass society theory play its role in animal cruelty?  Well referring back to the class text, The Social Movements Reader Cases and concepts by Jeff Goodwin and James M Jasper they described this theory as follows: “Mass society” argued that social discontented individuals could join social movements in order to maintain happiness.  These might be trade unions, individual and government, aggregating individual preferences and proving outlets for letting off steam.  These “regular” organizations were thought to be stable and normal for healthy, unlike social movements.  This brings to mind in case of animal cruelty the vast majority of individual movements in which take place.  People around the world hold organizations and support groups to help but and end or at least bring to surface the horrible effects of animal abuse there are.  PETA, an organization against the usage of animal torture, fur, meat, and exposure has grown greatly.  This facility started out just like any other organization but it had a greater impact on its truths to the public and made heads turn, in the right direction.  Celebrities are hoping on board to help promote the nature of animals being pure and to not forget about animal rights and treating them with respect.  With PETAS innovative ways of capturing the publics attention for this very serious matter was great.  Helping to awaken the large public views on such an important matter.  Which demonstrates how everyone can help to make a change.  PETA would also be known as a mobilization resource, this means that these social movements usually consisted of formal organizations; in this case PETA would be the facility.  The usual prerequisite for becoming a mobilization resource, for any organization must have a certain level of resources, especially money to sustain it.  Pita has many people who fund this organization causing it to grow amongst the pubic. 

            The standard explanation for social movement mobilization, known as political process theory, emphasizes the role of political opportunities, mobilizing configurations, and framing routes, along with objection rotation and debatable repetition.  This theory is often argued that its success or failure of social movements is primarily affected by political opportunities.  Meaning that if the issue holds up to political viewpoints it is usually seen as rather important, many issue are not head of as high of importance because it cannot withstand political structure.  For example Gay marriage has seen its time of political spotlight but because of the diverse background and the many ideals people have it has a difficult time holding its own because it has very mixed emotions.  Animal cruelty holds its own in which no one wants to see any animal being abused and people are more likely to fight for animal rights then for something they have very mixed emotions about. 

            Cultural and emotional approaches are also key in having a backed protest.  In order to have a fully viewed testimony you much involve your culture, in Animal cruelty’s case, protesters often you the shocking information tactic.  Showing gruesome photos and facts about animal abuse in many different examples.  For example Pitas videos in which you can watch on youtube show you the true and horrifying facts about what some animal organization do.  Food service, especially fast food industries pay very little compared to higher end restaurants for their food, using every part of the animals and in some cases animals in which you did not know you were eating.  These animals are born and raise for slaughter and live an inhumane life while alive for their short and brutal existence.  It is what people do not know about this information that is what is keeping them protected.  Bring these matters to light shows people what has been hidden behind the scenes and made more aware for the public eye.  Now that more people are aware of what has been happening over decades of abuse people are starting to fight for more humane handling of animals, all animals.  Emotional tactics are also key because then you are pulling at consumers heart strings, not covering up any of the detailed issues that are usually left covered and unspoken are vital to gaining full attention from the public. 

I think though that the most important theory discussed would have to be a tie between mass society theory and culture and emotional approaches.  In order to make your cases seen and felt you need to gain the communities attention and show them what they are missing but what is in deed happening to innocent animals.  With these two valued aspects you can enter peoples heart to help better animals and save them from lives that seem a lot more like living in hell.  

About Me:

My name is Robyn Biliack and I am a senior at ASU, I will be graduating in May if everything goes accordingly.  I am graduating with a BA in Communications, and have a minor in Sign Language.  This is my second Justice class, I liked the first class I took so much I thought I would try another.  

I will be focusing on Animal Cruelty throughout my blogs because I think it is such a serious topic that is sadly overlooked quite often.  I am a major pet lover, I currently have a Weimaraner, German Shepherd, and a Rhodesian Ridgeback.  Having grown up with animals my whole life I feel many people take their pets for granted.  I will discuss animal abuse on many different levels, such as the food industry and milling.  I am very interested in this assignment and hope to discover new things right along with my blog followers.  Can’t wait to see what everyone will be discussing with their own interests.  Hope you enjoy the blog!
-Robyn