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speciesism

Speciesism is a termed coined by animal rights advocate Richard Ryder, who defined it as “a prejudice or attitude of bias in favour of the interests of members of one’s own species and against those of members of other species.”

It is based upon the assumption that humans are superior to other animals, and that we have a right to use them for our own purposes. It also applies to our arbitrary division of species: we love dogs, but eat cows; we care for our cats, but kill and consume pigs.

Speciesism presumes that humans determine the value of other sentient beings. In some cultures, cows are holy, while in others, they are viewed as “food animals”. In other cultures, dolphins are hunted and eaten, which others cultures view as barbaric. These distinctions we draw have nothing to do with the inherent value of the animals themselves.

Speciesism is the oldest form of discrimination on this planet. An increasing body of research indicates it is strongly linked to other forms of prejudice and oppression.

Recommended Posts for speciesism

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Sex With Animals: The Blurred Lines of Bestiality

In a beautiful scene, a large, truly gorgeous, dog sits on its hind legs waiting patiently whilst a small child reaches up and gently grabs the dog’s muzzle.

This video is for every animal-lover out there. It celebrates the lessons our pets teach us with their lives and their passing. It focuses on one "very important" lesson. One we can learn from our love for our pets.

If You’ve Ever Lost A Pet You HAVE To Watch This!

American dentist Walter Palmer is shown with another, pose for a photograph over the poor body of Cecil, a murdered lion.

The killing of Cecil the lion by American dentist Walter Palmer has created a worldwide uproar of disgust, anger, and indignation. But how different are Palmer’s actions from the everyday actions of the majority of the world’s population?

In Defense of Cecil The Lion’s Killer

Surrounded by a milling crowd, a poor dog is lifted into the air, as in triumph by a person in a tee-shirt. The person uses an animal catcher’s noose, which is tight around the dog’s neck to lift it. The animal is in distress.

The Yulin dog eating festival sparks enragement and controversy every year with a strong global outcry for its banishment. But, in all honesty, is it really that bad? How is it any different than what every other country is doing every single day?

Why the Yulin Dog Meat Festival ISN’T A BIG DEAL!

A large random in size, value and position set of green numbers are shown against a dark background.

The numbers in this video are shocking. We are great at counting calories, measuring profits, quantifying just about anything. But when it comes to knowing our impact on other beings, we fall short. How many animals do we eat every year?

How Many Animals Do We Kill Every Year?

In a dark, monochromatic image, a single goldfish can be seen.

Do fish feel pain? Fish are often relegated to a somewhat sub-animal status. They are hard to relate to and not as emotionally expressive as other animals. But does this mean they don’t feel?

Do Fish Feel Pain?

Emily Moran Barwick of Bite Size Vegan is shown on the left, author and vegan activist Gary Yourofsky on the right. Between the two is a close-up view of a beautiful white cow.

Speciesism is the assumption of human superiority leading to the exploitation of animals. It is the false belief that non-human animals do not have nor deserve the same rights as we humans. It is the oldest form of discrimination on this planet

Speciesism: The Original Discrimination | ft. Gary Yourofsky

All Posts for speciesism

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    Read more about How Autism Connects Me With Animals
  • Emily Moran Barwick of Bite Size Vegan speaking over video conference to the students in Contemporary Issues Through Video Conferencing class at Passaic Valley Regional High school in New Jersey about the animal products industry's influence in government.

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    Read more about Vegan Ruins School Lunch
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  • Emily is shown seated and looking into the distance, down and to her right.

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    Read more about Why I’m A Vegan Against Animal Welfare
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    Read more about The Best We Have To Offer? | How Ireland Exposes “Humane” Farming
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