Speciesism.

Speciesism is defined as assigning different values or rights to beings and human intolerance or discrimination on the basis of species. The term was coined in 1970, by Richard Ryder. However, the word 'species' does not seem to have a set definition much like 'race'. In our society, we all commit acts of speciesism everyday. For instance, some people see it normal to eat cow for dinner but would never think of doing so with the family pet. We not only put ourselves way before other animals but we treat some animals better than others just because of their species. What I don't understand is that the smallest sexist comment or racist joke can label a person as sexist or racist for their entire life. It can really ruin a reputation. However, if a person eats a pig but treats his or her dog with the utmost respect, no one bats an eyelash. To be honest, I didn't even know the term speciesism existed until I took Ethics & Animals. It's interesting how other 'isms' are serious matters in our society but speciesism isn't really thought about and I wonder why. In fact, when I say I think animals should have rights just like humans and mention the word equality, I get confused looks. I do not understand why it is such a foreign idea to see animals as equal beings.

My question to you is: Topics such as racism and sexism are serious in our society but why do people push speciesism under the rug as if it is unimportant or a nonexistent problem?

Response to "PETA and Animal Rights."

Response #22

In Sarah's blog, she talks about PETA's intentions and how animal rights groups need to complement each other's actions but try different tactics to actually make a difference in the lives of animals. She asks the question, "Do you think the goal for animal rights will ever be reached?" I think, with all of the animal rights groups put together with the growing education of students and people about animal treatment along with books, videos, and other means showing how animals are mistreated can all come together to make a difference. The problem is how oblivious the public is and how everyone thinks the people around them just do not care about the welfare of animals. Some animal rights groups, like PETA, turn the public off by the ways they try to bring the concern for animals to the limelight. The shock tactic is a start but people need to be educated and actually shown how animals really aren't too different from humans and that they deserve rights just as we do. I think the goal can be reached if only people were willing to come together to save the animals we are currently hurting. There are so many ways humans cause suffering for animals but this can stop only if humans were willing to do it. Just by simply taking Ethics & Animals, I am much more aware about what animals go through to benefit the lives of humans and I realize how unnecessary it is. We cam start by taking this subject seriously and realizing we would never want animals to do such terrible things to us so why do we have the right to do it to them? Maybe I have more faith in humanity than other people but I think making people more aware and showing them how unnecessary and hurtful what we do to animals is, whether it be slaughtering them for food or testing makeup on them, then maybe we can stop it. However, I do not have faith this is happen overnight but will be a slow movement which has already begun.

Here is a list of the rights I think all animals should have and can obtain just by making people more aware and changing the ways our society and culture views animals:

• The right to be free from exploitation, cruelty, neglect, and abuse.
• The right of farm animals (if there must be farm animals) to have an environment that satisfies their basic physical and psychological needs.
• The right of companion animals (if there must be companion animals) to have a healthy diet, protective shelter, and medical care.
• The right of all wildlife to have a natural habitat, untouched by humans, and to have a self-sustaining species population as well as an ecologically adequate existence.
• The right to be freed from cruel and unnecessary experimentation and testing.
• The right to have their interests represented in court and safeguarded by the law.

To deny all animals these rights is to claim human beings have the power to control all other species and, to me, this is true speciesism. To choose humans over non-human animals and claim them as ultimately superior is morally unjustifiable.

My question to you is: Why do you think some people want nothing to do with animal rights and continue to advocate for our superiority (aside from power)? What would we really lose by granting animals basic rights?

New Student Group on Campus!

There is a new student group on campus called S.A.V.E. which stands for Students' Animal Volunteer Efforts and is being organized by Kimberly Capriola, a senior at MCLA. They have had one meeting so far and the next is this Friday at 6:00 p.m. in room 324A of the Campus Center. The club's main focus, as the title states, is sending students out to volunteer at animal shelters and hospitals. The Berkshire Humane Society's volunteer coordinator has produced a list of free slots for people to volunteer and if you are interested, e-mail Terry Bissaillon at tbissaillon@berkshirehumane.org or call her at 413-447-7878, extension 37. However, in order to volunteer as a dog walker or in general, interested students must take a short certification class.

Here is the list:

Dog Walking/ Care:
8-10 a.m. ---1 person on Mondays, 1 on Fridays, 1 on Saturdays
10 a.m.-12 p.m. ---1 person on Mondays
12-1 p.m. --- 1 person Tuesdays, 1 person Wednesdays
3-5 p.m. ---1 person Fridays

Feline Care:
(Cat Mall)
8-9:30 a.m. --- 1 person Saturdays
(Back cat room)
8-9:30 a.m. --- 1 person Sundays
2:30-4 p.m. --- 1 person Saturdays, 1 person Sundays

Front Desk:
(Note: may be slow now & then, need to be a self-starter)
1-4 p.m. --- 2 people Saturdays, 2 people Sundays
anytime within 10 a.m.-2 p.m. --- 1(?) person Tuesdays
10 a.m.-12 p.m. --- 1 (?) person Wednesdays
anytime within 12-4 p.m. --- 1 (?) person Wednesdays

The group may also volunteer at the Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter in Pittsfield. At the first meeting, students brainstormed ideas to help animals out and get the public aware of animal cruelty. Also, at the next meeting, students will be able to show interest in e-board positions. Here are other ideas the club has:

-Animal food drives.
-A 5K run to fund-raise for a local animal shelter (each runner would be sponsored by his/her family and friends with whatever donation amount).
-Publicizing animals in need of adoption.
-Publicizing local animal shelter events.
-Petitioning for humane treatment of animals while both learning and spreading awareness about animal cruelty.

If you are interested in the club, attend the next meeting or e-mail Kimberly Capriola and share your ideas.

Note: The club is not official but involved students are working on the logistics and constitution as we speak.