What is speciesism?

Created on: 01.09.2025
Last edited on: 01.09.2025

Speciesism is discrimination based on species. It is often the first form of discrimination we learn as children. We are shown that we pet dogs, but kill and eat pigs, cows, or chickens. This separation is just as irrational as racism, sexism, or homophobia. Nevertheless, the ever-present speciesist statement "They're just animals" is used to justify unimaginable cruelties.

The categorization of animals into "farm animals" and "pets" is arbitrary and based on cultural traditions, not ethical logic. Where is the morally relevant difference between dogs or even humans and pigs, cows, etc., that justifies gassing or stabbing the latter?

 
And furthermore: Why are humans protected by human rights, while there are no animal rights for other sentient beings?
Anti-speciesism does not deny that there are differences between us and other animals. Just as there are differences between humans: eye colors, skin colors, genders, and much more. However, none of these differences is a sufficient justification to assign someone slave status - no more than species membership.
If you are against racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination, you should also question speciesism, live vegan, and actively advocate for animals whose voices are suppressed day after day!

➡️ Share our answer: