Hello friends - before sharing the awesome interview you're about to read, I have some wonderful news:
Kiss Me, I'm Vegan! has our first sponsor!! I am happy to announce that Moo Something, a company that sells custom animal paintings, photos and apparel that promote humane treatment of all animals, will be sponsoring this blog for the next three months! See the side of the blog? There's already an adorable link to their shop right next to this post, so go check it out people!
Want to learn more about Moo Something? Well, don't worry - I will be doing an interview with Moo Something founder, Cary Smith, in the very near future!
Speaking of interviews...
I came across today's interview subject - Joshua Katcher of The Discerning Brute - last year, when a friend of mine sent me a link to the video below:
Already someone who passionately opposes fur, I totally agreed with the message behind Joshua's video and immediately wanted to know more about this funny, bold, and stylish activist (look at him rockin' that popped collar and black scarf above). I was also inspired by how completely fearless Joshua was in making this piece - for someone to stand face to face with New Yorkers (!) and tell them how their fur coats, earmuffs, and hats were really made, all with a smile on his face - it was something I had never seen before in animal advocacy videos. I was so intrigued that I continued to follow his website for a while after. Our paths crossed again more recently when he posted about my March WFAS/FS fundraiser on The Discerning Brute, so I felt doubly compelled to reach out to him to find out more about his own vegan journey. What I have learned in the process is that not only does Joshua find unique and innovative ways to help expose the horrific state of animal exploitation, but he also shows us a side of vegan culture that is positive, hip, and attainable. This guy makes veganism and animal advocacy cool. And that is an awesome thing.
Photo courtesy of Ryan Pfluger.
Joshua Katcher created The Discerning Brute in 2008, a lifestyle website focusing on fashion, food and etiquette for the ethically handsome man. The Discerning Brute features contributors, recipes, reviews, thought-provoking articles, and monthly contests to win sought-after organic and eco apparel, accessories and specialty items, and keeps readers up to date on environmentally, ethically, and socially responsible news and indulgences. Joshua is an artist, writer, self-taught vegan chef, businessman, activist and television producer living in Brooklyn. He is a committed environmentalist, vegan, and social justice advocate. He is critical of unbridled consumerism, backwards pop-economics, and most things that do more damage than good. He encourages skepticism, critical thinking, and accountability.
Kiss Me, I'm Vegan: What was the turning point in your life that led you to veganism? Was it one huge moment, or a collective group of small moments that changed you?
Kiss Me, I'm Vegan: What was the turning point in your life that led you to veganism? Was it one huge moment, or a collective group of small moments that changed you?
Joshua: What led me to veganism was surprisingly simple and logical. I was always fascinated by and loved animals, and I had a really great relationship with the woods behind the house I grew up in. So naturally, when someone mentioned to me that animals on farms are mistreated, I didn't want to believe it. I loved the taste and traditions associated with eating animal products. I worried what would happen to pizza parties, trips to Friendly's for ice-cream sundaes and my dad's favorite hot-fudge, and backyard barbecues? What about my mom's brisket and family holidays? It seemed overwhelming, but, being a huge comic book fanatic, I had a deep respect for the pursuit if justice. I was determined to find out what happens in that incredibly tenebrous space between the farm and the plate. Needless to say, I was shocked. I felt ashamed for being duped by this manipulative industry and enraged by the impassivity all around me. This was also around the same time I began to realize that adults are not as perfect as children often believe they are. When I realized that I had the ability to avoid causing so much harm and suffering to animals on factory farms and in laboratories, zoos, circuses, and in the wild, I was empowered and began to carve out a lifestyle for myself that included compassion for others as a primary focus. Of course I also discovered amazing new foods and brave friends.
Joshua Katcher for Vaute Couture Menswear (Photo courtesy of Anthony Two Moons).
KMIV: What have been the greatest rewards of your vegan lifestyle? What have been the greatest challenges?
Joshua: The greatest rewards are the community. I've never met so many creative, attractive, passionate, and warm people. There is also the peace I feel knowing that I am not supporting industries that capitalize on something so devastating and unnecessary. Then there's the food! The stereotype that vegans eat rabbit food couldn't be further from the truth. I have become an avid foodie and been exposed to more cuisines and cooking and baking techniques then I ever would have otherwise. It's poetic when you go into something that at first seems limiting, only to find out that it opens up a whole world of new possibilities. The side-effect of being really healthy and shocking doctors who analyze my blood-work during my annual physicals is always fun, too.
The challenge is remaining relatable and living outside the comfort of a bubble. I am in this movement because it's a social justice issue, and that means people who are not aware of what's happening to the animals, people, and ecosystems need to be able to relate to me and understand my lifestyle and message, so they can come to be aware of this. It's not like a religion where I ever ask anyone to believe something that's not in this physical world. The evidence out there is so commonplace that it's almost invisible. And it's understandable to want to push all of mainstream culture out the window and close the blinds and throw a vegan party, but that becomes self-serving. We must still socialize in mainstream places, patronize mainstream restaurants that offer vegan options, and find joy and fun in art, culture, music, fashion, sexuality and everything else. In other words, we have to know where to put the dark things we know, and not allow them to make us miserable people. Half of making a lifestyle desirable is looking great and having fun. The other half is effectively communicating information.
Joshua Katcher for Vaute Couture Menswear (Photo courtesy of Anthony Two Moons).
KMIV: What inspired you to create The Discerning Brute?
Joshua: I saw a void in the sustainability movement. No one was really talking to men on any level. Veganism (and just caring about stuff in general) has the stereotype of being feminine. But being a protector and a hero is very masculine. I try to provide advice and information as it relates to male identity. I also maintain the only database of fashion designers making ethical menswear. It's amazing what a handsome pair of vegan shoes and a vintage tie can do to a man's self-image.
KMIV: What advice would you give someone who is interested in veganism, but afraid of taking the leap?
Joshua: I would say, be practical. It's not a religion, and it's not about being perfect and puritanical. Take your time and get all the information you need. It's out there. Watch some documentaries like Earthlings and Peaceable Kingdom. Read some books like Animal Liberation or Skinny Bastard. While there may seem like pressure to leap in, it's better to make slow, steady changes in your lifestyle, and over time you'll realize you haven't really given anything up that you ultimately didn't want to, and in exchange you'll have gained so much. The fear of "Once you know you can't go back" has crossed every single current vegan's mind. We all said "I could never go totally vegan", but then we did, and we lived to tell the tale.
KMIV: Okay - you're stuck on a deserted island with three vegan food items - what are they?
Joshua: Easy! Kale. Coconuts (with water inside), and Dr. Cow's Aged Tree-Nut Cheese.
Many thanks to Joshua for sharing his story with the KMIV! community. To learn more about Joshua Katcher's work and website, please visit www.thediscerningbrute.com.
Interview Series #7: Joshua Katcher of The Discerning Brute
Reviewed by citra
Published :
Rating : 4.5
Published :
Rating : 4.5
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