Pigs don't litter
Published in the WESTCHESTER WEEKLY, November 8, 2001:
Great article about littering ("America love its
litter" Oct 11), a largely undiscussed yet sad legacy of mankind. Alan
Bisbort writes, "Bird watchers, nature walkers and canoeists litter very
little. Hunters, fisherman, motor boaters and water-skiers litter a lot."
This is no wild coincidence. One group loves Earth's sentient inhabitants,
one group plunders them.
There is very frequently an inter-relationship between
those who love animals and environmentalists: we love deer and, by
extension, we love the land they live on. Certainly, we are, for the same
reasons, more likely to respect the Earth.
One semantic quibble: Please don't call people who
despoil the Earth "pigs." Pigs don't litter; they are the victims of the
plunderers. Although there have been some much-needed alterations in the
English language (remember when 'deaf and dumb,' 'retarded,' and 'old maid'
littered the lexicon?) derogatory terms about animals have yet to catch up.
But words have power. Casual words find their way into our thoughts and
ideas and ultimately shape our lives.
Using the word 'pig' to describe any derogatory act
subtly allows that being to be objectified and subsequently brutalized -
that living, breathing, intelligent being who loves her babies just like
humans do, is now a 'thing,' and not a very nice thing.
Please WEEKLY, you always acknowledge the power of
language on your pages; extend it to the animals, along with all other
living beings. I insist upon it, even durign these most trying times - or
perhaps especially during them.
Kiley Blackman
Spokesperson, Animal Defenders of Westchester
Westchester, NY
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