The Ostrich Complex

I know there are many people who don't care for some of my animal and vegan-related Facebook posts. Trust me, I don't like some of them either. Who wants to see pictures that paint a darker side of humanity or the evil that really does exist in this world?  If these images invoke sadness, anger, compassion, or indignation, somehow that makes them offensive to us.  But how else are we going to know that bad things really do happen and that sometimes it is incumbent upon us to do what we can to stop injustice and abuse?

I once suffered from what I call "the ostrich complex." Conveniently looking away from disturbing images amounted to sticking my head in the sand and pretending that such things didn't exist. Therefore I had no obligation to do what I could to to solve them.  That all changed a few months ago. Now as an advocate for animals and a vegan lifestyle, I do run across articles and posts that I think are important enough to share with those I care about. To be honest, I was ignorant of so many things but I have never regretted the day Joy sat me down to watch a documentary that broke my heart and set my world view on its side. She risked an adverse reaction from her mother but instead found a partner who would join and support her efforts to make this world a better place for her generation. This has become our mission and purpose because we believe it matters not only to our world and all its occupants -- human and non-human -- but also to the God who created each one of us.

Yes, Facebook would be a much happier place if people, including myself, stopped with the social injustice posts. God knows my heart's desire is to present the information I share with grace and compassion. But I'm not perfect and neither is the world in which we live.  If I risk offending someone because I care enough to share certain information, that is a risk I am willing to take,

God help us all if caring people cease to act on their convictions and strive to make a positive difference in our world.

If this post -- or any post I share -- offends you, I'm truly sorry.  You are free to unfriend or unfollow me as you wish. I will still consider you a friend.

Dee Dee


Copyright 2016 by Dee Dee Wike and Joy Wike. All rights reserved. www.feelingveggiegood.com