Have you ever considered the fact that most of society in the West loves and adores their companion animals (dogs and cats) and yet will consume other animals such as pigs, cows, chickens, turkeys, sheep, goats, fish, and more?
Does that seem strange to you?
This form of discrimination is called “speciesism.”
Consider this definitiion:
“Speciesism is a term used in philosophy regarding the treatment of individuals of different species. The term has several different definitions within the relevant literature. A common element of most definitions is that speciesism involves treating members of one species as morally more important than members of other species in the context of their similar interests.” Wikipedia
And here is another, much shorter, definition found on Yahoo:
Speciesism
noun
1. the assumption of human superiority leading to the exploitation of animals
Sadly, from infancy and beyond, we are taught that some animals are valued over others.
Some animals are for cherishing while others are for eating, wearing and using.
It is imperative that we let go of this form of discrimination.
To come to the conclusion that ALL animal lives matter, regardless of species.
All animals have the capacity to feel a wide range of emotions.
They are sentient and care about what happens to them.
They have experiences and a strong will to live.
I firmly believe that instead giving our little ones stuffed animals and then serving them those same animals at mealtime, we should foster their innate compassion for all animals and raise them to love, value and respect all beings.
If this was the norm, imagine what a very different world we would live in!
I want to end this entry with a quote from Philip Wollen, Australian Philanthropist:
“I discovered when we suffer we suffer as equals, and in thier capacity to suffer- a dog is a pig- is a bear – is a boy.”
Something to think about.
