ink for thought: on speciesism

Thursday 16 April 2009

on speciesism


Definition of Speciesism: Giving moral preference to the interests of members of one's own species, over identical interests of members of a different species, solely because it is a member of your species.


I really, really want to write something witty about this. I would like to know if Mr. Singer ever came across a sleuth of grizzlies debating over the social mores surrounding the tearing off of human faces. or, perhaps a pride of lions deliberating over whether or not their survival warranted their treatment of the slow antelope or wildebeest.

my point being that it is perfectly natural and acceptable to give preference to the interests of members of one's own species. it's called nature. I'm not saying cruelty to animals is justifiable, in fact, I am strongly against it. but I do believe that humane treatment of other species is a measure of our own humanity not a reflection on the value of the creature in question.

our power over the other sentient beings on this planet (by means of force and/or intellect) is without question. our power over ourselves, exhibited through compassion, kindness and self control....this is where the true battle lies.

4 comments:

Sarah Alway said...

Hello, saw you on 20SB and thought I would stop by and say hi. I admire your effort to be witty... I try all the time but I don't think I accomplish it, LOL. Please feel free to stop by my blog and let me know what you think!

Jen said...

If informative is witty, you were spot-on!
I agree with your views on this new-to-me word, too.

alaine said...

Hey gyasi! found you on 20sb too. actually I think you found me...
Anyway, speciesism. The word is new but of the definition isn't so - something like that actually happens even within the same species, usually when members of such species are in high school. Maybe we can invent a new word and call it cliqueism.
Btw, I think I did witness once, some cats debating on what to do with the lone mouse they were playing with one day...

joe ordinary said...

lainee, had a chance to observe some of these a couple days ago at work...maybe I need to write about cliqueism next