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Article: The dreaded comparison. (black slavery and oppression of animals)
- Article from:
- E Magazine
- Article date:
- November 1, 1995
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1995 Earth Action Network, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Ancient Egyptians, some African tribes, and other ancient and aboriginal cultures the world over have worshipped animals as gods and messengers to the gods. Native Americans adopted the names of admired animals and had spirit guides -- in animal form -- who would serve as teachers and escorts into the realm of the spirit world.
And yet in our culture, we view animals very differently. Are they mere automatons, insensible instinct machines going through the moves of life like wind-up toys? Are they soul-less inferior beings, put here to use? Both of these views have been staunchly advocated as certainties.
The experiences of nonhuman animals -- enslaved ...