I don't really know if I can condemn PETA completely. Don't get me wrong, they shoulder their share of ridicule, but I'm confused by a number of comments in the threads. For one thing, I'm a vegan and consider myself an animal rights supporter, in that I oppose the slaughter of millions of sentient beings for human profit. But I'm also a radical feminist, and avid activist on the stance of equality. I'm also a person of color. So from my unique point of view, I don't consider PETA's stance (now, I may wind up eating my words, because I haven't read their exact statement yet...going to do so now) to be racist. I DO think the breeding of animals is a form of slavery, as is the sexual slavery of women in our Patriarchal culture. As is the slavery of the lower and working class to the wealthy class. As is the slavery of fundamental religious people to their 'god'. While the history of the African-American slavery is the biggest example Americans draw from, it isn't the only one. It's interesting how commentator after commentator says that animals are 'less than' and goes on about how human brain capacity is what makes our lives more deserved to live, when justification like that was used to enslave millions of black people. And let's not forget, about how women are always less than human in the patriarchy.
For all the good PETA does, they always undo it with their hysterical reactions to everything. Yes, animals should have rights. Yes, animals should be protected. Yes, we should not patronize companies that violate either ethic and we should be sure to let those companies know why. But I prefer discussion to shrill hand-wringing and pearl-cluthing.
I am not the least bit surprised at this. I've heard animal rights activists in Sweden claim that all ownership of animals should be banned, or that a pig is "as intelligent as a handicapped child." (The second made me go, "The pig could be as intelligent as EINSTEIN for all you know, so nice going picking the most offensive comparison possible there.")
All these good points being lost in piles of batshit...
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Date: 2007-09-06 04:18 pm (UTC)I don't really know if I can condemn PETA completely. Don't get me wrong, they shoulder their share of ridicule, but I'm confused by a number of comments in the threads. For one thing, I'm a vegan and consider myself an animal rights supporter, in that I oppose the slaughter of millions of sentient beings for human profit. But I'm also a radical feminist, and avid activist on the stance of equality. I'm also a person of color. So from my unique point of view, I don't consider PETA's stance (now, I may wind up eating my words, because I haven't read their exact statement yet...going to do so now) to be racist. I DO think the breeding of animals is a form of slavery, as is the sexual slavery of women in our Patriarchal culture. As is the slavery of the lower and working class to the wealthy class. As is the slavery of fundamental religious people to their 'god'. While the history of the African-American slavery is the biggest example Americans draw from, it isn't the only one. It's interesting how commentator after commentator says that animals are 'less than' and goes on about how human brain capacity is what makes our lives more deserved to live, when justification like that was used to enslave millions of black people. And let's not forget, about how women are always less than human in the patriarchy.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-09-06 06:52 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-09-06 09:41 pm (UTC)All these good points being lost in piles of batshit...