Human supremacy leads to moral exclusion of animals.
One of the main problems with human supremacy is that it leads to moral exclusion of animals. Moral exclusion is the process of denying moral consideration and protection to certain groups or individuals based on arbitrary criteria, such as species membership. Moral exclusion allows people to ignore the suffering and interests of those who are excluded, and to rationalize their mistreatment as acceptable or necessary.
According to a study published in the Journal of Social Issues, People who endorse stronger beliefs in human supremacy over animals tend to show less moral concern for animals in general, and especially for low-status animals, such as farmed animals (e.g., pigs and cows) and unappealing wild animals (e.g., frogs and bats). These animals are often perceived as less worthy of respect and compassion than high-status animals, such as companion animals (e.g., dogs and cats) and appealing wild animals (e.g., dolphins and chimps).
Veganism, Animal Rights, Animal Liberation: what do these terms mean and how are they related?
Human supremacy and veganism: a critical perspective
Veganism is a way of living that seeks to exclude, as far as possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose. Vegans do not consume animal products such as meat, dairy, eggs, honey, leather, wool, silk, or cosmetics and household products that are tested on animals or contain animal ingredients. Vegans also avoid supporting industries that use animals such as zoos, circuses, rodeos, aquariums, and hunting. Moreover, people who perceive veganism as a threat to their traditional practices and values also tend to morally exclude food animals and appealing wild animals. This may be because these animals represent a challenge to their dietary habits and beliefs about human superiority.
Human supremacy and animal rights are controversial
Animal rights is the idea that animals have inherent value and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Animal rights advocates believe that animals have interests that matter to them and should not be violated for human benefit. Animal rights activists seek to end all forms of animal use and abuse by promoting legal and social changes that recognize animals as persons rather than properties or objects.
Animal liberation challenges the human supremacy paradigm
Animal liberation is the movement that aims to free animals from human domination and oppression. Animal liberationists challenge the speciesist assumptions that underlie human supremacy and advocate for a radical transformation of human-animal relations. Animal liberationists support veganism as a necessary but not sufficient condition for achieving animal emancipation. They also engage in direct action such as rescuing animals from farms and laboratories, sabotaging animal exploitation facilities, and exposing the atrocities committed against animals.
Veganism, Animal Rights and Animal Liberation, are related in that they all seek to challenge the dominant paradigm of human superiority
These three concepts are related in that they all seek to challenge the dominant paradigm of human superiority over animals and to promote a more compassionate and just relationship between humans and other animals. Human supremacy over animals is a dangerous ideology that needs to be challenged and replaced by a more compassionate and respectful worldview. Instead of seeing ourselves as separate from and superior to other animals, we should recognize our interdependence and commonality with them. We should also acknowledge that animals have intrinsic value and rights that deserve our respect and protection. By rejecting human supremacy and embracing veganism, animal rights, and animal liberation, we can work towards a world where all beings are treated with respect and dignity.
Recommended Reads: Compassion is the tool to evolve into Higher Consciousness. (choosecompassion.net)
