Monday, May 09, 2005
End speciesism now!
If humans are to partake in affirmative action, to correct the wrongs of the past, to give every person an equal opportunity, then surely we should also allow animals into this world? Apart from horseraces, cockfighting and a few select activities, animals have been excluded from most of our endeavours for too long.
The time has come for humans to appreciate and acknowledge the actions, adventures and often sheer brilliance of our fellow living creatures. Who can forget Laika, the first earthling in space, or the brave Jock of the Bushveld? Paul Gallico fictionalised a boxing kangaroo in Matilda, but when will a kangaroo get a real chance at a boxing title?
How can a human boxer claim to be the champion of the world when there are thousands of gorillas with big fists, aggressive attitudes and possibly nimble sidesteps? Gene Tunney, a former heavyweight champion of the world, wrote an article about how any animal can be knocked out by a hard punch by a professional boxer. But that remains to be seen. Go gorilla!
I hear someone protesting about animal rights, but what about the right to fight? Surely if humans can get themselves pummelled for glory an animal should have the same right?
Humans are lucky. We're the first (really) intelligent species on this planet. But that doesn't mean we're the last. We have an obligation to assist and teach other animals so they can reach their full potential. The biggest advantage we have over other primates is our ability to talk. I would not like to suggest any genetic alterations of any animals at this point, but I would like to point out that there are some activities that do not require any linguistic functions. There seems to be some chimpanzees that can play chess. Let's give them a chance! Let them play competitively. Give them prizes and titles. Give them fame and glory. Encourage kids to be like them.
There must be several orang-utans that would be able to bowl a cricket ball faster than any human. Even elephants, using their multipurpose trunks, might have a say in the fastest delivery of all time. Let's see if it's true! Let's see if Sachin Tendulkar can stand a truer test.
Give animals a chance!
The time has come for humans to appreciate and acknowledge the actions, adventures and often sheer brilliance of our fellow living creatures. Who can forget Laika, the first earthling in space, or the brave Jock of the Bushveld? Paul Gallico fictionalised a boxing kangaroo in Matilda, but when will a kangaroo get a real chance at a boxing title?
How can a human boxer claim to be the champion of the world when there are thousands of gorillas with big fists, aggressive attitudes and possibly nimble sidesteps? Gene Tunney, a former heavyweight champion of the world, wrote an article about how any animal can be knocked out by a hard punch by a professional boxer. But that remains to be seen. Go gorilla!
I hear someone protesting about animal rights, but what about the right to fight? Surely if humans can get themselves pummelled for glory an animal should have the same right?
Humans are lucky. We're the first (really) intelligent species on this planet. But that doesn't mean we're the last. We have an obligation to assist and teach other animals so they can reach their full potential. The biggest advantage we have over other primates is our ability to talk. I would not like to suggest any genetic alterations of any animals at this point, but I would like to point out that there are some activities that do not require any linguistic functions. There seems to be some chimpanzees that can play chess. Let's give them a chance! Let them play competitively. Give them prizes and titles. Give them fame and glory. Encourage kids to be like them.
There must be several orang-utans that would be able to bowl a cricket ball faster than any human. Even elephants, using their multipurpose trunks, might have a say in the fastest delivery of all time. Let's see if it's true! Let's see if Sachin Tendulkar can stand a truer test.
Give animals a chance!
