"Speciesism: The Movie" -- Looks Like a MUST SEE for True Animal Lovers

[Wylie's Mom]

Got this in my Inbox today from Mercy For Animals as there is going to be a Screening in my city, Phoenix -- and it looks like it will be REALLY good, important, educational:

Speciesism: The Movie - Official Website

"This documentary takes viewers on a sometimes funny, sometimes frightening adventure across the country to expose the darkest secrets of modern factory farms. It also asks the hard questions about our relationship to nonhuman animals and why so many people believe we are superior. You’ll never look at animals, especially humans, the same way again."

Think you'll see it? I'm all in! I think movies like this are so important as an impetus for future change in the way we view and treat our precious fellow non-human beings on this earth.

[Yorkiemom1]

"Expose the darkest secrets of Modern Factory Farms"....Is this a reference to farms and ranches that raise meat for human consumption? Is this movie going to be propaganda for why we all need to be vegans and no beef cattle, dairy cattle, chicken farms, etc should be allowed to exist? I am all for the humane treatment of farm animals, and when it comes time for them to be slaughtered for our food source, then they should be "put down" by the quickest, most efficient, most humane method possible.....but I can not support radical activists with an agenda, filming "the darkest secrets of farms and ranches", in order to fast track an animal rights agenda.....there is a vast difference between anmal rights and animal welfare.....I strongly support animal welfare organizations and actively involve myself in promoting the well being and humane treatment of animals, including the humane, effective, painless euthansia of any animal, regardless of the animal, including our meat supply. I have seen documentaries that are shot "undercover", showing the horrific brutal treatment of our meat supply.....I dont need to see it over and over....I already know these horrific conditions exist and I work to remedy the problem at the legislative level.....I do want to go to the siyte and see if this is what I am thinking it is....thanks for posting it....perhaps more people will become actively involved in correcting the conditions some of these animals are kept in as well as how they are slaughtered.

[Yorkiemom1]

I looked at the information, and it is exactly what I suspected...propaganda for the train of thought that humans are no more superior than any other animal on the face of the Earth. I personally do not think "my" God intended me to be on the same level as an ant eater...humans in my opinion actually ARE superior over animals and are therefore the caretakers of this planet and everything that inhabits it. This entire theory of all creatures, including humans, are all on the same level, with no one species superior over another, is not anything I can be sold! This is the same ridiculous idea that was used to justify representing animals in our legal system and courts complete with attorneys, if they (the animals!) felt their rights had been trampled on by humans. There is a difference between "animal rights" and "animal welfare"!!! Thank the stars above, saner heads prevailed and that idea was laughed off the front page! Now, they are baaaack, trying to promote this notion again....I have included some quotes I copied and pasted from the movie site:
– it is a must-*see for vegetarians and omnivores alike, and anyone interested in philosophy, social justice, nutrition, medicine, and just about anything else!
- It’s the best of the animal rights documentaries.”
-Yes, there certainly are serious issues involved with factory farming and animal rights, and that’s precisely why the documentary is funny and entertaining. Instead of being a dour conversation, it follows my adventures investigating these issues. By being funny, entertaining, and engaging, it reaches people who might not otherwise enjoy an animal rights documentary. -In 1975, a young writer published a book arguing that no justifications exist for considering humans more important than members of other species. It slowly began to gain attention. . Today, a quickly growing number of prominent individuals and political activists are adopting its conclusions and have termed the assumption of human superiority speciesism. And, as a result, they rank these animal factories among the greatest evils in our history. Speciesism: The Movie brings viewers face-to-face with the leaders of this developing movement, and, for the first time ever on film, fully examines the purpose of what they are setting out to do.

This last sentence above, says it all.....be afraid, be very afraid.

[Buster Brown]

I think it's is good to be aware of both sides of the story. The FDA is lax in regulating our and our dogs foods. With cloning and bio engineering I think it is wise to be informed. I have seen "secret" footage of farm workers cruelty and I think this treatment must be brought to our attention so that legislation will change. Yes there will always be people whose passion for animals outweigh their concern for humans but we defend that right here on YT correct? I like to be aware of all sides. You can learn as much from a fool as a wise man. From one what to do and from the other what not to do. The sad part is many individuals do treat humans and animals with detached cruelty based on a sense of superiority.

[gemy]

In my mind they sound very close to being considered a religious party. I too shall have to watch this now, just to see what is being said.

A set of tenets or beliefs that only an act of faith sustains. And no-one has the right to force their beliefs onto me, nor do they have that right
under law.

Under re-incarnation belief systems, the soul matures over time as karma is paid off. The soul becomes ideally more pure during each re-birth.

And your value system is just that yours not mine.

They will not define for me what it means to be a true animal lover. I was a vegetarian long long before it was "hip" to be a vege. I am not one now. There was no epiphany of faith or belief that moved me in and out, just a matter of what worked for me in my own body and when it changed I changed too.

I grew up as the only tomgirl with a group of lads. They hunted and fished and ate what they caught. I learnt to fish and to hunt, although both were short lived adventures. And yes they forced me to clean the fish I caught. I only ever killed one animal and that was one too many for me. I stuck to target shooting, then gave that up too.

When you are in the backwoods it is best to have some defense with you. Black bears are truly scarey beings, not to mention a Moose in full Rut.

[gemy]

Originally Posted by Buster Brown

I think it's is good to be aware of both sides of the story. The FDA is lax in regulating our and our dogs foods. With cloning and bio engineering I think it is wise to be informed. I have seen "secret" footage of farm workers cruelty and I think this treatment must be brought to our attention so that legislation will change. Yes there will always be people whose passion for animals outweigh their concern for humans but we defend that right here on YT correct? I like to be aware of all sides. You can learn as much from a fool as a wise man. From one what to do and from the other what not to do. The sad part is many individuals do treat humans and animals with detached cruelty based on a sense of superiority.

Well there is a tale told, that a learned scholar was asked to mediate an on-going argument between two local wise men, one man said I know what is right, the other man said I know what is wrong, Good the scholar said; together you become one wise man.

I too know that camera angulations not to mention all the FX editing stuff, can make a situation look much worse or much better than it actually is.

So what if the shots were taken before the stalls were mucked out?

Much of man's inhumanity to man I think stems from a lack of empathy and sincere respect for each other.

If anything man needs to solve humanity's problems first.

[Wylie's Mom]

I can't fathom why anyone, anyone at all, would automatically just jump to conclusions and make assumptions regarding this film simply bc it has to do with the betterment of animals??!! Wow. Way to assume a worse case scenario instead of maintaining an open mind toward something that may be for the betterment of those who are at our mercy: the animals in our world. Unbelievable. I'm all for the rights of animals and if that makes me something horrible, then I'd prefer to be horrible if that's the definition. Maybe think about actually SEEING it first before jumping to conclusions and making assumptions about some unknown and assumed agenda. What does that say about your "agenda" anyway, ya know?? That it comes from a place of being totally closed off, maybe?

[Buster Brown]

I am a meat eater and I wear leather so I am far from being an activist and probably offend them with my actions. I do not believe that forcing my beliefs onto others is my right. But I was shocked by a video of cows crippled by dirty stalls and abusive treatment being forced by the twisting of their tails and hitting with batons to hobble on their knees by dairy factory workers. Very disturbing.

I agree with you assessment of man's inhumanity but sadly given man's long history I am not sure if that dog can learn a new trick. But I will hope.

[gemy]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

I looked at the information, and it is exactly what I suspected...propaganda for the train of thought that humans are no more superior than any other animal on the face of the Earth. I personally do not think "my" God intended me to be on the same site:
– it is a must-*see for vegetarians and omnivores alike, and anyone interested in philosophy, social justice, nutrition, medicine, and just about anything else!
- It’s the best of the animal rights documentaries.”
-Yes, there certainly are serious issues involved with factory farming and animal rights, and that’s precisely why the documentary is funny and entertaining. Instead of being a dour conversation, it follows my adventures investigating these issues. By being funny, entertaining, and engaging, it reaches people who might not otherwise enjoy an animal rights documentary. -In 1975, a young writer published a book arguing that no justifications exist for considering humans more important than members of other species. It slowly began to gain attention. . Today, a quickly growing number of prominent individuals and political activists are adopting its conclusions and have termed the assumption of human superiority speciesism. And, as a result, they rank these animal factories among the greatest evils in our history. Speciesism: The Movie brings viewers face-to-face with the leaders of this developing movement, and, for the first time ever on film, fully examines the purpose of what they are setting out to do.

This last sentence above, says it all.....be afraid, be very afraid.

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

I can't fathom why anyone, anyone at all, would automatically just jump to conclusions and make assumptions regarding this film simply bc it has to do with the betterment of animals??!! Wow. Way to assume a worse case scenario instead of maintaining an open mind toward something that may be for the betterment of those who are at our mercy: the animals in our world. Unbelievable. I'm all for the rights of animals and if that makes me something horrible, then I'd prefer to be horrible if that's the definition. Maybe think about actually SEEING it first before jumping to conclusions and making assumptions about some unknown and assumed agenda. What does that say about your "agenda" anyway, ya know?? That it comes from a place of being totally closed off, maybe?

Well it is not assumption when they post exactly why they are doing what they are doing. THe betterment of animals? By whose definition? Animals don't have rights per say. People do. And it is our fine responsibility to treat animals as right and as humane as we do know how to do.

There is a huge philosophical divide. I don't believe in animal rights, I believe in animal welfare and humane treatment. My dogs yes are members of my family and very important ones too. But they are not superior in needs to my human family. I would never have a dog in my home that attacked family members, especially after many hours of remediation training was non effective.

So what do I do? Do I release this dog out into the wild to fend for themselves? Or do I do what is my responsibility and put this dog down?

Dogs and all living things in my belief system yes have a level of consciousness, but that does not mean human consciousness. THat includes plants and minerals., Should we not eat plants beause they have some sort of consciousness?

Well look if humans are not "superior" to animals then humans are not superior to bugs, insects and plants! Maybe we should all starve.

[Yorkiemom1]

This movie is soooooo much deeper than just the "betterment of animals". This is clearly stated, several different ways, in several different places, on the site. This idea of "speciesism", of human beings being no higher than any other animal on the planet, is old fodder. I personally do not equate humans with animals. I think we are caretakers of this planet and the animals that inhabit it. In my thinking, that is a responsibility to defend and protect all animal's welfare. Cruelty should not be tolerated, not because the animal has "rights", but because as intelligent, thinking, educated, responsible, compassionate humans, it is thrust upon us to protect any animal's welfare, because that is what distinguishes us from animals....the ability to know and appreciate right from wrong, and follow that path. Animals do not have that capacity.....a dog will savagely maul a baby, if the desire strikes them. No one should take pleasure or "understand" where the dog's intent was....it is an animal....period. Likewise, seeing inhumane treatment or cruelty forced on animals by humans, is inexcuasble and should not be tolerated. But that is not because the animal "has rights"....it is because the animal has no rights....it has no concept of "rights" and must be protected by humans, who are capable of knowing what is right and wrong. I make no assumptions about what this movie is trying to promote...it is clearly stated throughout the site, even giving instructions on how to nudge friends and family into thinking like this movement does....."The Movie brings viewers face-to-face with the leaders of this developing movement, and, for the first time ever on film, fully examines the purpose of what they are setting out to do." I do not follow the same train of thought these people do, and will not allow them to "enlighten" me to their way of thinking. I do not believe this thinking is correct or beneficial to humans or animals. I can be called names....closed minded, short sighted, whatever....I respect everyones RIGHT to believe what they chose to believe and hold in their hearts to be true. Animals are NOT humans, they are not equal to humans, and must be guarded and protected, because they can not do it for themselves. I am a vigilant proponet of animal welfare, not animal rights, and there is a huge difference.

[Maximo]

I'll have to see the film.

Regarding the humans vs other animals, I do not believe in hierarchies that assign what I consider arbitrary importance of one over the other. For me, it is like ranking human love; I do not believe in ranking a spouse's love for his wife against a father's love for his child. I don't have any need to think of Sophie's Choice-like hypothetical scenarios of choosing to rescue a human vs. a dog, or a spouse vs. a child.

I eat meat and I use items produced with animal products.

That said, I am concerned about laws establishing the rights of all animals as individuals. Anytime lawyers are involved, things can quickly become a mess. My father's legal career focused primarily on agriculture and I learned how absurd cases can get, and how laws can be exploited for other purposes (like land control).

I would rather see a cultural shift and tougher regulations on production, rather than establishing legal individual rights. When I see how veal is produced by big suppliers, it makes me sick.

There will never be full agreement by everyone over how animals who are raised for food production are treated. I respect that because I can't even agree with myself all the time. I'll never give up eating animal products, but I am the first to admit that I could not slaughter my own food. I could fish, but that is all.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by Maximo

I'll have to see the film.

Regarding the humans vs other animals, I do not believe in hierarchies that assign what I consider arbitrary importance of one over the other. For me, it is like ranking human love; I do not believe in ranking a spouse's love for his wife against a father's love for his child. I don't have any need to think of Sophie's Choice-like hypothetical scenarios of choosing to rescue a human vs. a dog, or a spouse vs. a child.

I eat meat and I use items produced with animal products.

That said, I am concerned about laws establishing the rights of all animals as individuals. Anytime lawyers are involved, things can quickly become a mess. My father's legal career focused primarily on agriculture and I learned how absurd cases can get, and how laws can be exploited for other purposes (like land control).

I would rather see a cultural shift and tougher regulations on production, rather than establishing legal individual rights. When I see how veal is produced by big suppliers, it makes me sick.

There will never be full agreement by everyone over how animals who are raised for food production are treated. I respect that because I can't even agree with myself all the time. I'll never give up eating animal products, but I am the first to admit that I could not slaughter my own food. I could fish, but that is all.

I'm right in line with you...I have never, ever ranked certain species as more important than others...ie, humans above animals, animals above humans or whatnot. To me, doing so would be too god-like, and I can't go there.

This all reminds me of this quote I love from circa 1780s by William Wilberforce, the man who inspired the formation of the original SPCA and was the leader in the movement to abolish the slave trade: "If to be feelingly alive to the sufferings of my fellow-creatures is to be a fanatic, I am one of the most incurable fanatics ever permitted to be at large."

So, as along as animals are treated poorly, cruelly, as unfeeling lowly creatures, and as disposable...I'll happily be called a fanatic .

I bought the movie on Amazon, so if you want to borrow it after I watch it, Kristin, I can just mail it to you.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Maximo

I'll have to see the film.

Regarding the humans vs other animals, I do not believe in hierarchies that assign what I consider arbitrary importance of one over the other. For me, it is like ranking human love; I do not believe in ranking a spouse's love for his wife against a father's love for his child. I don't have any need to think of Sophie's Choice-like hypothetical scenarios of choosing to rescue a human vs. a dog, or a spouse vs. a child.

I eat meat and I use items produced with animal products.

That said, I am concerned about laws establishing the rights of all animals as individuals. Anytime lawyers are involved, things can quickly become a mess. My father's legal career focused primarily on agriculture and I learned how absurd cases can get, and how laws can be exploited for other purposes (like land control).

I would rather see a cultural shift and tougher regulations on production, rather than establishing legal individual rights. When I see how veal is produced by big suppliers, it makes me sick.

There will never be full agreement by everyone over how animals who are raised for food production are treated. I respect that because I can't even agree with myself all the time. I'll never give up eating animal products, but I am the first to admit that I could not slaughter my own food. I could fish, but that is all.

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

I'm right in line with you...I have never, ever ranked certain species as more important than others...ie, humans above animals, animals above humans or whatnot. To me, doing so would be too god-like, and I can't go there.

This all reminds me of this quote I love from circa 1780s by William Wilberforce, the man who inspired the formation of the original SPCA and was the leader in the movement to abolish the slave trade: "If to be feelingly alive to the sufferings of my fellow-creatures is to be a fanatic, I am one of the most incurable fanatics ever permitted to be at large."

So, as along as animals are treated poorly, cruelly, as unfeeling lowly creatures, and as disposable...I'll happily be called a fanatic .

I bought the movie on Amazon, so if you want to borrow it after I watch it, Kristin, I can just mail it to you.

Totally agree. I don't know how anyone can look into the eyes of an animal and feel superior to them.

To be honest, I am leery of seeing the movie for only one reason: I fear it will depress me more than I already am because of what I see on a daily basis...the things "superior" humans do to animals. Sickening.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Totally agree. I don't know how anyone can look into the eyes of an animal and feel superior to them.

To be honest, I am leery of seeing the movie for only one reason: I fear it will depress me more than I already am because of what I see on a daily basis...the things "superior" humans do to animals. Sickening.

Totally hear you on being leery of watching it. I watched "Earthlings" and while I think it's probably one of THE most important documentaries I've ever seen, I'm very, very hesitant to recommend it bc it will tear you apart...it's heartbreaking, it really is (but sadly, all true ). I'll watch Speciesism and give you my honest thoughts as to what it's like to deal with from an emotional standpoint...and then you can decide if you'd ever like to borrow it or anything.

Have you ever seen Forks Over Knives...that was fascinating! It was more about the sheer power of the Ag industry and just what it controls, and it just blows your mind, the extent and reach of their power. It really is scary. Me and my hubby felt so powerless after seeing that documentary, but it was very worth seeing (and also, it's not a super tough one to watch, it's more about health than anything else).

[Yorkiemom1]

I encourage eveyone that thinks this "specieism" idea is all "warm and fuzzy animal lovers haven", and that if you do not accept or agree with this train of thought and theory, then you are obviously NOT a "true animal lover".....investigate thoroughly the origins of this idea, the people behind the push of this belief system, Cass Sunstein and what he tried to get passed into law ...there are lots of books and excellent literature available for the curious minds out there....read the hard core material, not just the fluff and pitiful stories and pictures presented....read what this is actually all about, from their own view point.....only then, read opposition to what this insidious belief system is using, trying to effect social change. Knowledge is power....dont fall in line and follow blindly any group without getting a thorough knowledge base of what you are swallowing! That is how the masses get sucked into cults and find themselves involved in movements the individuals did not realize the full depth of the agenda being pushed. Just know what this is about....this has nothing to do with the pitiful look in a puppy's eyes.....that is just the hook that is used. This particular documentary is a softball presentation....I watched it so I can give my personal critique....very few will watch this film and NOT agree with what is being presented......but this does not begin to sell the whole theory of "speciecism". Just know what you are insidiously being spoon fed, just as we do with our political and religious beliefs we cling to.....informed, educated choices, without excuses or apologies.