Between the pandemic and the past election cycle, it’s understandable that we find ourselves in search of commonality. We’re all in this together, after all, and if there’s ever a time to recognize that every one of us is in the same pursuit of life, liberty and happiness, it’s Inauguration Day. We might nod at that, until I suggest that this includes the billions of Americans born in this country but who happen not to be human. We have grown up disregarding their inarguable interests in life, liberty and happiness, out of sheer prejudice. Why aren’t they regarded as citizens, too?
We are alike in all the ways that matter, and it’s past time that we recognized it. Whether we have feathers or fur, skin or scales, we’re all able to experience complex feelings such as love, sadness, pain and joy and we all have a will to live—these things are not unique to humans. Elephants and chimpanzees mourn and shed tears when a member of their family dies. Mother cows will walk for miles to find their stolen babies. Birds willingly put themselves in harm’s way to save their children. Fish enjoy physical contact with other fish, and octopuses like to decorate their homes with ocean trinkets.
Compassion exemplifies the best of the human condition: We have an infinite supply. It is not some shallow well that will go dry if we dip from it. We can open our hearts and start to think about the other animals who live here. Chickens, for instance—winged Americans, if you will.
Like you and me, these social and personable birds feel pain, grief, joy and love. They value their lives and freedom and yearn to pursue activities that make them happy—even simple ones, like stretching, taking dust baths, having friends, raising their youngsters and enjoying a breeze. Anyone who has had a “pet” chicken knows that they are full of personality and that they are unique individuals who relish comfort and companionship.
On factory farms, workers grab the terrified birds by the legs; slam them into crates, breaking their wings; truck them through all weather extremes; and then shackle them upside down and cut their throats. Is it ridiculous or unimportant to imagine that they would have preferred a kind touch or, better yet, to be left in peace?
Throughout history, it’s been an ingrained mindset to believe that the class one belongs to is superior to all others. This self-serving supremacism is based on ignorance and arrogance. But that is changing. Today, people are waking up to the view that rights should not be determined by one’s gender, age, sexual orientation, skin color….or species.
And that’s the way it should be. There is no “them” and “us.” We are all living beings with thoughts, feelings and desires no matter what we look like—and all of us should be spared the chain, the yoke and the idea that we exist simply to serve others. It is only humans’ embarrassingly speciesist mindset that allows us to behave otherwise.
This Inauguration Day, let’s expand our circle of compassion by showing respect to and concern for our fellow Americans, born on this soil and desperately in need of inclusion.
