SDI 108

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Nathan Schneider (nathan22t@gmail.com) April, 2008 www.vegan-abolitionist.blogspot.com Cincinnati, Ohio page one of two --> Time to Get Serious rethinking our relationship with non-human animals [ Homo Sapiens ] Humans belong to the animal kingdom. We are vertebrates, mammals, primates, and great apes. We inhabit earth alongside millions of non-human animal species. [ Relationship Overview ] Non-human animals are generally seen as things or resources
that we may freely dominate and manage. Legally, domesticated non-humans are property,
which authorizes industry to consider them commodities. Humans use non-human animals
to satisfy wants and needs that run the gamut from food and clothing to entertainment,
sports, companionship, experimentation, transportation, draft (pulling), and education. Additionally, byproducts of the slaughterhouse are found within various commercial items.
Though perhaps impossible to conceive, humans exploit billions of lives. For example, this
year in America, over 9 billion chickens will be purposefully brought into existence and later
slaughtered primarily so people can eat their muscles, skin, and internal organs. [ On Breaking Away ] Non-human exploitation pervades society; it is deeply entrenched.
Participation is mainstream and non-controversial, so exploitive conduct is accepted rather
uncritically. This dynamic helps in establishing social pressure, which weighs heavily on the entire population. Resistance, perhaps even from our friends and family, should be expected
any time we decide to leave the status quo behind. Our consciences must guide us. [ Prevalent Concerns ] Nearly everyone believes we are obligated to behave humanely,
which underlies widespread opposition to unnecessary suffering. ~~ Imagine that you enter my apartment and witness something ghastly: my hand with a knife, bloodied because I am
mutilating several caged dogs. To justify this torture, I describe the enjoyment it brings me.
~~ Such an explanation is unacceptable because the dogs suffering is obviously unnecessary.
Discussions about the definition of necessary could last forever, but whatever the criteria
necessity cannot possibly be met or satisfied merely by pleasure, amusement, convenience, tradition, and/or culture. These factors are not ethically sound defenses for any behavior.
For example, we would not approve human slavery on grounds of convenience, tradition, or
culture. Nor would we support human rape that provides pleasure or amusement for rapists.
Yet these are the five justifications upholding over 99% of non-human use. Our relationship
with other animals invariably generates mild suffering at least. Predominantly, it guarantees
horrendous suffering. ~~ Because we can easily thrive without meat, bird eggs, and inter- species milk consumption most objections to unnecessary suffering ring hollow. [ Frequent Hypothetical ] Imagine that on consecutive days, you pass a burning house.
Each house contains two trapped strangers, and is near collapse. There is time to rescue just
one individual. Monday: human child or elderly human. Tuesday: human child or canine. On both days, you elect to save the human child. ~~ Assuming popular agreement with these
decisions, what daily guidance can we draw from them? None. They simply reveal criteria to
resolve ethical dilemmas during extreme and rare situations. But to favor children at such
times, does not suggest that canines and elderly people are exploitable resources. Nathan Schneider (nathan22t@gmail.com) April, 2008 www.vegan-abolitionist.blogspot.com Cincinnati, Ohio <-- page two of two [ Conflicting Facets ] People love dogs, cats, and many other non-human species we have taken from nature and domesticated to near total dependency. These companions are seen
as sophisticated individuals who cherish their own lives. Meanwhile, domesticates like sheep
and pigs, no less sophisticated, are regarded as means to clothing or food. Whereas pets are
deemed inherently valuable, equivalent animals are valued strictly relative to us. [ Vital Distinction ] It is preferable that slaves experience less misery rather than more.
However, when we focus on the treatment of non-humans, we ignore their underlying use. [ Drawing the Line ] Sentient beings have these complementary traits: 1} Self-awareness.
2} Preferences and desires. 3} The ability to feel pain and experience pleasure. ~~ Plants are
alive, but not sentient. Whether or not worms and gnats are fully sentient cows, chickens,
goats, fish, and rabbits unquestionably are. Sentient beings have basic interests: 1} Freedom
from arbitrarily imposed death and violence. 2} Freedom from all forms of subjugation. ~~
Genuine fulfillment is impossible without the reliable safeguard of basic interests. [ The Paradigm Shift ] Now is the time to get serious with ourselves. By nurturing and
extending our empathy for non-human animals, we begin to question the moral legitimacy of
using them for no good reason. Vegans embrace alternatives to exploitation, and respect the
basic interests of sentient non-humans. Veganism is everyday activism within the individual.
Conscientious non-participation stems from the marriage of behavior and belief. [ Alternatives Overview ] We have the diverse and bountiful plant kingdom available to
supply food, clothing, and personal care. We have each-other for sports and companionship. Games, books, movies, and music offer entertainment. Machines and our own bodies allow
transportation and draft. Education can embody hope and liberty, not violence and coercion.
Scientists can reassess the few experiments not already known to be superfluous. [ Ovo-Lacto Vegetarians ] Acquiring eggs and milk requires violating the basic interests
of chickens and cows. When production has decreased, following miserable lives of toiling
endlessly for humans, all dairy cows and layer hens are slaughtered for meat. [ Recurrent Questions ] Q1} Where do vegans get their protein? A1} There are vegan
bodybuilders and athletes. Sufficient calorie intake will generally provide adequate protein.
Plant based diets can easily deliver all 9 essential amino acids. Popular notions about protein have been manipulated by industries that reap profits from exaggerated requirements. Q2}
How about the fact that I could never give up cheese? A2} Absolutely anyone can eliminate
cheese from their diet. It demands recognizing what cheese stands for, and the exploration of
delicious new foods. Q3} What if my preferred religious text can contradict veganism? A3}
There are vegans of every faith. Religious texts are written by humans, who integrate cultural norms. Passages can support patriarchy, human slavery, and other vile practices. [ Important Tools ] 1} Investigating what any given food, product, or behavior actually
represents beyond its meaning to us. 2} Confronting the internal conflict and discomfort
we often experience during exposure to new ideas. 3} Disavowing past actions, and focusing
on personal growth. 4} Appreciating our potential for wonderful transformations.
[ Final Thoughts ] Adjusting or regulating our relationship with non-humans misses the
point. Each vegan represents an incremental step toward days without a direct relationship. Veganism is the lived affirmation of a far more benevolent and principled future.

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