Wyatt Cenac of The Daily Show interviews PETA VP, Lisa Lange, about PETA’s failed attempt to sue SeaWorld under the 13th Amendment banning slavery.

Last saturday, I had this talk with my fellow animal lover friend. Although we both agree that animals should be treated with compassion and kindness, we still think that it is not in our jurisdiction as human beings to claim that animals are being mistreated. The problem with ethical issues regarding animals is the onerous claim that animals are unable to defend themselves, thus we must, as the so-called “thinking creatures”, defend them. At some level, this might be true. After all, human beings are a constant threat to this planet’s life and ecosystem.

But isn’t that claim - that we must defend animals because they cannot do it - somewhat anthropocentric? In what capacity can we claim knowledge of their needs and wants? There are some which argues that some animal lovers are just projecting their human sensibilities to animals (what are human sensibilities anyway?) to the point of obsession or fanaticism.

I am not saying it is wrong to defend animal welfare, because the truth is, many species are in danger of being wiped out in this planet. But must we, go out and analogize black slavery to animal welfare? I understand that both issues are complex and sensitive, but these two issues are entirely separate. And I just wish, organizations such as PETA would stop to use analogies they barely understand and just stick to try and protect the welfare of animals. 

That is all. 

(Source: holymotherofrowling)