In class, the question was raised about how the human treatment of any being or entity that is not the same as us may be justified or not simply because we do not care to understand life from any other perspective than that of our own. About something that PTJ mentioned in terms of animals and our treatment of them, I find this discussion immensely interesting. While I am in no way comparing the treatment of Native Americans to the treatment of lab mice, I am interested in speaking a bit about what some differences and similarities may be.
The world has become run by humans. We have ruined the environment and now the preservation must be falsely generated to account for the damage done. Due to this, animals and plants have a new interdependence on humans. They were once able to survive alone and independently but now must rely on sanctuaries and research funding to maintain their species. Although Koko the gorilla was able to be taught sign language and prove more similarities these animals have to humans, they are still placed as inferior to us. Is this done because of the ignorance that humans have towards understanding the language and society of different animals, or is it because instead of understanding, humans instead force their language onto animals. When they are unable to completely adapt, they are deemed as inferior.
This relationship is interesting, and I am not sure what the answer is… as it seems like it has many different possible routes. While there are millions of ways in which humans mistreat and abuse animals for all sorts of goods and services (for no reason), I am not sure if other species of animals, no matter how advanced, will ever be considered equal to humans. Despite this, I will always be out supporting animal rights and cruelty- free world because whether one being is superior to another or not, I do not see any reason why there should be so much abuse of power and cruelty on another living thing.
I think that although it has been scientifically proven and universally accepted that humans are intellectually superior to animals, you are right in that this in no way justifies cruelty or mistreatment of animals. That makes me think: What would a society in which animals are equal to humans look like? Would they get to vote and have to pay taxes and stuff? Will animals ever be able to have extensive conversations with humans?
ReplyDeleteI think that a society in which animals are equal to humans would be disillusioned to believe they could vote, pay taxes or speak. My main point, which may of been shaded over, was that I believe humans have established too much control and dictation over animals and species that have their own communities and communication, however are not our own. I am not sure exactly what this equal society would look like, however, I find the mistreatment of animals simply because we cannot decipher their language or society, to be dishonorable.
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