Why DxE Wednesday XIV: Samer Masterson

This is the latest installment in a series of interviews with DxE activists by Rachel Waite, who is part of the blog team and an organizer for DxE Grand Rapids (MI)

Q: What inspired you to first get involved with activism and join DxE?

I saw a youtube video of a DxE action inside of a Chipotle on reddit. The comments all talked about how silly the action was and how it made vegans looked bad. I didn't know what to think at first -- I wasn't sure whether protests were effective -- but the people in the video were saying the things I felt on the inside. E.g. "It's not food, it's violence." I wanted to find out who these people were. When I learned that there was a DxE chapter in the Bay Area, I knew I needed to at least visit.

Q: What is your favorite or most accomplished moment in activism or other DxE activity?

The most important parts of my activism were the open rescues I was a part of. I helped rescue Emma from a "humane" prop 2 farm. When we rescued her, her leg was frozen in place and couldn't move. Wayne thought she was going to die. I was immediately attached to Emma and really wanted her to survive. We took her to a vet, who wasn't sure about Emma's state either. I helped make Emma a sling so she could rest her leg. She didn't seem to like it very much though, and she kept hopping out of it. I got to see Emma get better, which was really inspiring. When people are rescued from the hellish conditions on farms, they can bounce back. Emma is a testament to that.

Q: How did you first get involved with the Tech Team at DxE, and how has being a part of this working group positively impacted your activism and the network?

Brian Burns was the original one-person tech team. He got me involved to help set up the mailing lists. The DxE Tech Team is now half a dozen people. We've helped set up mailing lists, the chapter map, and databases for DxE.

Q: How do you stay motivated as an activist?

I remember what we're doing this for. The animals need us now, more than ever. This is the most important work we can be doing.

Q: What advice would you give to new activists?

I would recommend that new people become friends with people that are involved in their chapter, and those people will find ways for the new person to help out. There's no shortage of work to go around.

Q: Why Animal Liberation?

Because the animals need us.