STAND IN THE GAP: Where you stand on animal rights reflects where you would have stood on slavery
If you want to know where you would have stood on slavery, you should not look at where you stand on slavery today; you should look at where you stand on animal rights. Are you willing to recognize the inherent value and dignity of all living beings?
ROLAND AZAR: Slavery was not only a violation of human rights, but also a threat to the moral fabric of society. Many abolitionists fought against slavery on ethical and religious grounds, arguing that all human beings are created equal and deserve freedom and dignity. Slavery also had a significant impact on the global economy, especially in the Atlantic world…
However, slavery was not inevitable or natural. It was a social construct that was challenged and resisted by many enslaved people and their allies. Slavery was abolished in most parts of the world in the 19th and 20th centuries, thanks to the efforts of social movements, political leaders, and international organizations…
Animal rights advocates believe that non-human animals should be free to live as they wish, without being used, exploited, or otherwise interfered with by humans. They argue that animals are sentient beings who can feel pain and pleasure, and who have their own interests and preferences. Animal exploitation is also a major driver of economies worldwide today…
However, animal exploitation is also a source of immense suffering and environmental destruction. Animal agriculture is one of the leading causes of deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, biodiversity loss, and antibiotic resistance⁸. Animal agriculture also involves the confinement, mutilation, and slaughter of billions of animals every year.
Therefore, if you want to know where you would have stood on slavery, you should not look at where you stand on slavery today; you should look at where you stand on animal rights. Are you willing to recognize the inherent value and dignity of all living beings? Are you willing to challenge the systems and practices that exploit other animals for our self-interests and benefits? SOURCE…
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