As a college student, I work as a server in a restaurant to
help pay my bills. It came to my attention today, although, that I have never
run across a group of more naïve people. Many of my co-workers were asking me
today how WeFest was – which is a large country music festival in Detroit
Lakes, MN. I proceeded to tell them that I did not go to the Carrie Underwood
concert, because many of my friends and I study agriculture and are extremely passionate
about it, and that Carrie Underwood is a vegan and goes against everything she
grew up with and associates herself with PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment
of Animals). I also was explaining to them how I have had many run-ins with the
HSUS through a few agricultural conferences I have attended. Curious, they
asked me what the HSUS is.
“Humane Society of the United States” I responded.
The servers then stated, “Well, they are in charge of all
the humane societies with the cats and dogs. So why is that bad?”
“Actually, they are not associated with them at all.”
I did not think I could be so shocked by what I heard next
in response. “Well, I’m from the cities so I don’t know about that stuff, so
I’m not going to believe that.”
I sit here now stunned and ponder multiple things:
1.
How does one become so naïve?
2.
Where does one get their facts?
3.
Why did I not respond with anything?
4.
How do I change someone’s perspective of
agriculture?
Ultimately, I have to keep educating myself in order to
educate others. I have gain their attention and keep their attention and make
them want to learn more about agriculture and what goes on in our country and
world.