Wednesday 24 December 2008

Animals suffer just as we do

I just opened my regular email from 'Word of the Day' and it ended with this quote:
All the arguments to prove man's superiority cannot shatter this hard fact: in suffering the animals are our equals.

The quote is from Peter Singer, philosopher and professor of bioethics (b. 1946)

This last few weeks or two I seem to have been confronted by the suffering of animals. First I read a short story by Annie Proulx that had something horrible in it, and even though I know it was a symbolic, mythological event, it disturbed me immensely. Then I received an email that was doing the rounds, describing something I couldn't believe humans would do to animals.

And I've been shopping for Christmas, determined to source only meat from animals that have not suffered during the time they were raised as a food source. Let me tell you, it's not easy to find meat that you can feel sure about.

So the thought for today seems very apt to me, as we celebrate Christmas together - I'd like to think we can live ethically alongside the other species that share our planet.

10 comments:

Misadventures of Widowhood said...

If wishes were blessing no animal or human would suffer. Until that happens, all we can do is do our part in our own corners of the world. You do that.

Have a good holiday.

Levi's mom

parlance said...

You're right, Levi's mum. It's important to think we can make a difference.

parlance said...

You're right, Levi's mum. It's important to think we can make a difference.

Amber-Mae said...

I agree with Aphasia. We can only do our part. Sometimes it may not be much but it is something. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Very happy,
Solid Gold Dancer

parlance said...

Merry Christmas to you,Amber-Mae, and your mum and all your household. May it be a good one for both humans and animals!

Slavenka said...

Yes,we can only do our part and
it is something.
Merry Christmas ,all the best in new
2009!

parlance said...

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Slavenka!

curator said...

Hi Parlance,
Wanted to swing by and say Merry Christmas to you and Penny, and thanks for the visit. All of us here at the Museum wish everyone in your home the very best for 2009! And I look forward to many more of your excellent posts.

curator said...

Goodness gracious, I just stopped and read your post - I should have before commenting last time. You know how greatly I too hate cruelty to creatures; we can all stop it in the little ways we have to give.

parlance said...

Curator, thanks for stopping by, and I hope you too had a good Christmas. I know from reading your posts that you are an animal lover!