Every now and then, goddesses help me, I make the rounds of high- and low-profile vegan and animal rights social media pages. Without fail, I am greeted with a wide array of “humans suck” or “I only care about animals” posts. I guess many of these compassionate, ahimsa types take their cues from St. Gary of Misanthropy:
(deep sigh)
Vegans, if you actually want your “movement” to advance beyond intolerable fringe status, it might help to recognize that advocating for human extinction is not the most effective form of outreach.
In addition, you boast of your anti-speciesist status but, um…you’re publicly and consistently expressing contempt or even hatred for an entire species.
Most importantly, though, is what you’re not saying. Yes, the dominant culture is responsible for raining down 24/7 carnage upon all forms of life, but to lump all humans together without analysis or nuance is to ignore the foundation upon which all exploitation, oppression, and violence grows: male supremacy.
Vegans like to pronounce that “speciesism” is the root of all evil but to believe that is to reveal a rather tenuous grip on how the dominant culture was formed and continues to thrive. In other words, writing “humans are a cancer” on a post about animal abuse does not come close to naming the problem: Patriarchy and its two tentacles (white supremacy and capitalism) have unleashed the plague of Male Pattern Violence upon the entire planet.
The numbers are as shocking as they are real. The violence that rises virtually unchecked from a foundation of male/white/class supremacy and has brought us to the brink of collapse. Thus, recognizing and challenging Male Pattern Violence is the core work of all social justice movements. Without such context, we’re in Titanic/deck chair mode.
Oh, one more thing, vegans: I already mentioned how hating on humans is, by definition, speciesist. But since different types of plants are called “species,” and we happily grow and kill these plants to eat, well…isn’t that textbook speciesism?
Oops, it appears speciesism isn’t actually a thing.
Sam Bankman-Fried’s Biggest Grift? His ‘Best In Class’ ExchangeNever mind the alleged fraud. The centerpiece of the FTX empire – the exchange – really wasn’t that good, traders say.
www.coindesk.com/consensus-magazine/2023/09/27/sam-bankman-frieds-biggest-grift-his-best-in-class-exchange/
These are 'reliable, unbiased and diverse news sources," according to Bing. -Francis
Finding reliable, unbiased and diverse news sources can be...These are 'reliable, unbiased and diverse news sources," according to Bing. -Francis
Finding reliable, unbiased and diverse news sources can be challenging in the era of information overload and media polarization. However, there are some criteria that can help us evaluate the quality and credibility of different news outlets. Some of these criteria are:
- Transparency: A reliable news source should disclose its ownership, funding, editorial policy, sources, corrections and contact information. It should also acknowledge its biases and perspectives, if any, and avoid conflicts of interest or hidden agendas.
- Accuracy: A reliable news source should verify its facts and data before publishing or broadcasting them. It should also correct any errors or mistakes promptly and prominently. It should not distort, omit or fabricate information to fit a certain narrative or agenda.
- Diversity: A reliable news source should represent a variety of voices, opinions and perspectives on different issues and topics. It should not exclude or marginalize any groups or viewpoints based on their identity, ideology or affiliation. It should also seek to cover a wide range of topics and regions, not just those that are popular or profitable.
- Accountability: A reliable news source should be accountable to its audience and the public interest. It should follow ethical and professional standards of journalism, such as fairness, balance, objectivity and independence. It should also respond to feedback, criticism and complaints from its readers, viewers or listeners.
Based on these criteria, some examples of reliable, unbiased and diverse news sources are:
- Associated Press (AP): AP is a global news agency that provides factual and comprehensive coverage of breaking news and current events from around the world. It is owned by its member newspapers and broadcasters, and operates independently from any government or corporate influence. It has a reputation for accuracy, impartiality and speed.
- Reuters: Reuters is another global news agency that delivers fast and accurate reporting on business, finance, politics, sports and entertainment. It is owned by Thomson Reuters Corporation, a multinational media company that adheres to a Trust Principles document that ensures its editorial independence and integrity. It has a diverse team of journalists and correspondents in over 200 locations worldwide.
- BBC: BBC is a public service broadcaster that provides news, information and entertainment across television, radio, online and mobile platforms. It is funded by a license fee paid by UK households, and governed by a Royal Charter that guarantees its editorial freedom and public accountability. It has a global reach and a commitment to impartiality, accuracy and diversity.
- NPR: NPR is a non-profit media organization that produces and distributes news, talk and cultural programming for radio stations across the US. It is funded by donations from listeners, sponsors and foundations, as well as some federal funds. It has a code of ethics that guides its journalism practices and values. It has a diverse staff and audience, and covers a broad spectrum of topics and issues.
- The Guardian: The Guardian is a British newspaper that publishes online and in print editions for the UK, US and Australia. It is owned by the Scott Trust Limited, a charitable foundation that ensures its editorial independence and financial sustainability. It has a progressive outlook and a reputation for investigative journalism and social justice. It has a diverse range of contributors and opinions, as well as an international perspective.Show more
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