- Feb
- 5
Pro-Animal Pronouns
Posted by Kris Lecakes Haley at 5:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (15)
I was watching a TV program today that featured animal control officers who are responsible for rescuing injured animals from city streets. Unquestionably, these individuals are dedicated. But at one point they referred to the animal whom they had just rescued in an oddly discordant way.
“We’re taking it back to the shelter ….” It? The living, breathing sentient being with a wagging tail is an “it”? That got me thinking.
How will we ever get people to view animals as living, feeling individuals who are entitled to rights if we continue to refer to them in the same manner as we would a desk or a sack of flour?
Many of us who care about animals try to pay particular attention to the words that we use when talking about them. However, for all our diligence, we often overlook the fact that the smallest, most seemingly insignificant words may sabotage our efforts.
With that in mind, read on and see how you feel about making the following subtle shifts in your animal references:
- “Guardian” or “steward” vs. “owner”: While there has been some controversy surrounding the use of the word “guardian,” it is still preferable to the property-centric posture conjured up by the word “owner.” Words that foster a sense of responsibility are a better choice than those that perpetuate a chattel-based relationship.
- “Companion animal” vs. “pet”: This is another subtle but important reclassification. The premise here is that “pet” connotes ownership and “companion animal” engenders thoughts of companionship and familial relationships.
- When describing animals, consider using terms such as “he,” “she,” “they,” “them,” “who,” “whom,” etc., rather than “that” or “it.”
While these changes are fairly easy to incorporate, the subtle influence that they have on people simply cannot be minimized.
As a humane educator, I believe it’s important to bring these issues up in class. When conducting presentations, if I do not get a question about why I am using gender-based terms for animals, I create the opportunity by prompting discussion: “Have any of you noticed that I am referring to animals as “he” and “she” instead of “it”? “Who can tell me why I might be doing that?”
I explain that as treasured members of my family, animals are entitled to the respect that comes with being referred to as living beings as opposed to objects. I then use a reverse example to illustrate the point and follow it directly with a “feeling” question. The dialogue might go like this:
“How many of you have heard one of your parents ask the other if you’ve finished your homework yet? They might say, ‘Did he finish his homework yet?’ or ‘How did she do on her homework?’ Well, what would you think if they had said, ‘Did IT finish ITS homework yet?’ How would that make you feel?”
Using gender-based pronouns when we refer to animals demonstrates empathy and shows that animals are not all that different from us. And while I encourage you to start today, be patient with yourself and others whom you might try to educate about this. This new habit must be consistently practiced in order to ensure firm rooting. Remember, it takes about two weeks to break old habits and begin to integrate new ones.
Finally, remember that even the most seemingly innocuous conversation provides an opportunity to educate. It is often through words and language that we are able to encourage a shift in people’s consciousness and change the world in a huge way.
I invite you to join me! Be encouraged by the knowledge that the bridge you are helping to build is one that will forever change the way in which animals are defined. It could make all the difference in the world … for the animals with whom we share it!
Posted to Family & Friends | Posted to Tags: companion animals, Kris Lecakes Haley, language
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Robin says...
February 5th, 2010, 10:21 am
This is excellent: “Have any of you noticed that I am referring to animals as “he” and “she” instead of “it”? “Who can tell me why I might be doing that?”
Christine Curtiss says...
February 5th, 2010, 6:25 pm
Last Saturday, I lost my Golden Retreiver to cancer. I sent an email with a photo attached saying, “I’m very sad to inform you that I just lost my very best friend of 13 years, Bella, to cancer. I will miss her always but I have peace knowing that she’s crossed the Rainbow Bridge and that she is happy and healthy playing with all her friends”.
Camilla says...
February 5th, 2010, 6:26 pm
I completely agree! The words we use to describe our world are important. I have always reacted when somebody refers to any being as ‘it’. ‘Owner’ is horrible! I usually say ‘humans’ instead of ‘owners’, but I am not a native English speaker so I am not sure if it works so well in English. ‘Guardian’ is an excellent choise in my opinion because of the responsability aspect.
Jodey says...
February 5th, 2010, 6:46 pm
I have always used personal pronouns when referring to the companion animals with whom we live. In fact, whenever I call the vet to make an appointment, I always use this form: “Hi, this is Jodey. I’m Felix’s person.”
Kris Lecakes Haley says...
February 5th, 2010, 8:11 pm
Thanks for the great comments! While I didn’t mention this in the article, when I speak on this topic, I always mention that using appropriate gender is not something exclusive to companion animals — but to ALL animals. If we can inspire people to start referring to a rooster as “he” and a dairy cow as “she,” perhaps we can incrementally shorten the span of exploitation with each pro-animal pronoun!
Robert Johnson says...
February 5th, 2010, 8:12 pm
Excellent point! I am guilty of using ‘it’ but not anymore!
Cherry says...
February 6th, 2010, 1:27 am
I couldn’t agree more. A rock or clod of earth is an “it”. Animals have souls, personalities, humor, love and dedication…they are my babies, my kids, my furry friends. To be honest I don’t even refer to them as dogs, I use their names or “he” and “she” or “my babes”.
Cherry says...
February 6th, 2010, 1:30 am
Christine, I am so sorry you lost your dear friend Bella. I have been there, I do understand…..
josef zach says...
February 6th, 2010, 10:54 am
all of the animals who live with us are referred to by their name . when using pronouns we use their respective gender. I can’t think of ever, when I said the phrase, “This is my Moluccan BIrd” it’s this is Peaches”
Michael says...
February 6th, 2010, 5:54 pm
To Jodey - I just love what you wrote - ‘I’m Felix’s person’ That is hilarious and adorable! Thank you for sharing!
Also, this is a little off topic but it reminds me of something I have noticed. I always refer to animals as female if I am uncertain of their gender, such as a nearby squirrel or bird. It never fails to stop everyone mid-conversation. Bewildered they ALWAYS ask me how I know it is a girl. But if I had said HE they don’t even notice. This is a pet - or should I say animal companion peeve of mine!
Great article - I fully agree! Thanks PETA for everything!
Karishma says...
February 7th, 2010, 8:05 am
i agree……! if only more ppl were more compassionate and respectful…..bless u all…i pull up anyone who refers to their animal companion as it or my dog my bird etc…..feel sorry for thm..( humans ).they dont noe hw lucky they are .
Tucker says...
February 7th, 2010, 11:07 am
I agree 110% ALL ANIMALS like to be respected just
like humans do!!!!!! TREAT YOUR ANIMALS AN D PEts WITH RESPECT,
AND LOTS OF LOVE!!!!!!
KNOW ONE LIKES TO BE TREATED ANY OTHER WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TREAT ANIMALS AND PETS THE WAY YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED!!!!!!
Kristina H. says...
February 8th, 2010, 10:20 am
I especially like when my good friends are talking about one of their furry friends and refer to their legs as ARMS.
kathy says...
February 9th, 2010, 12:41 am
Thank you. Completely correct.
one more thing instead of “animal rights” how about ‘our responsibilities to those with whom we share the planet”? or “rights of all earthbound beings”?
Erin says...
February 15th, 2010, 2:21 pm
I have always used ‘he’ or ’she’ instead of ‘it’. The word ‘it’ seems like you are referring to an object instead of something that lives, breathes, and undergoes the same emotions that a human would. Once when I was in school I would always miss the grammar questions that wanted you to put the word ‘it’ as the correct pronoun for a dog. When my teacher asked me why I missed those I told her that I would not use the word in such a derrogatory way to a dog.