A Search for Compassion

Hi, and welcome to my blog! I’m Michelle Cehn, a college student at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. I have been the president of the Case Animal Rights & Ethics Society (CARES) for the past three years, during which I have put tremendous effort into spreading awareness about animal welfare and facilitating opportunities for students to make a difference.  I consider myself an animal advocate, but I am not an extremist by any means. I embrace a moderate utilitarian philosophy and strive for an ethical lifestyle. I believe strongly in the importance of being aware of how my actions and consumption affects others, and I am always looking to develop my understanding of people and society, and trying to inspire others to lead a more compassionate life.  

The Animal Welfare movement is a fight against passivity and ignorance, the two forces powerful enough to let us act without conscience or consequence. Powerful enough to let us watch TV for hours while children work all day making our clothes in China. Powerful enough to let us order a burger without a second thought about the suffering and struggling (and greenhouse gas emissions) that went into it.  Most frighteningly these forces are powerful enough to shield us from our guilt. 

At times I feel like I am battling black whole. Many people raised in this era of production and consumption feel no responsibility to society. I have encountered many people that touched me with their generosity, giving selflessly to their friends and family, however beyond their immediate relations they hesitate to give. So many people (myself included) claim to be “spent” with “nothing left to give,” but that is so far from the truth. Just by looking at our daily actions I guarantee every one of us can make little modifications that can build up to make a significant difference. Choose water over wine and donate the money you saved to someone in need. Choose pasta over beef and reduce consumption and demand for the slaughtering of animals. Replace an hour of watching TV with playing FreeRice and feed the hungry while improving your vocabulary skills! There are infinite ways to lead a more compassionate life without sacrificing anything, all it comes down to is being actively aware of the effects of the choices you make and the other options that are available.

This world can be a better place, and easily. We need to stop relying on other people to fix the problems that we perpetuate. It is by taking an active responsibility for our own individual actions that this world will change for the better.