We do not deserve the pedestal we have placed ourselves upon. Can humankind name a single species which has endangered itself -- much less to the point of extinction -- other than man? If this is human wisdom, I will happily glean my knowledge from non-humans.
For the survival of all, nature's rights must usurp man's hubris.
We need to denounce our faux superiority and begin actively changing public dialog concerning non-humans.
It enrages me when I hear the disgustingly disparaging remarks people make millions of times each day using non-humans as fodder: "You're a pig. "He's a filthy animal." "She's a dog." "What a bird-brain." "Don't try to weasel out of it." "He ratted me out.".....
These are not benignly innocent remarks. They perpetually reinforce the nefarious belief that humans are better than non-humans.
Even something as seemingly harmless as the term "pet," has major subconscious negativity attached to it. It seems a demeaning, superficial and frivolous label placed upon someone who deserves equal respect as a family member. It objectifies and creates an attitude of dominance and submission.
'Animal companion' on the other hand, connotes a mutually respectful relationship.
If we are vigilant, and outspoken in correcting animal hate-speak whenever we hear it, we will be well on our way to helping sensitize a callous society, and elevating non-humans to the status they deserve.
Our flawed human intellect, however, will never compare to those species born into a perfect state of knowing.
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