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 HUMANE MYTH GLOSSARY
Abolition
Animal advocacy
Animal husbandry
Animal protection
Animal rights
Animal welfare
Animal welfare industrial complex
Animal-using industries
Co-option
Commodification
Conflict of Interest
Conscience
Conscientious objection
Critical thinking
Cruelty-free
Disillusionment
Doctrine of necessary evil
Happy Meat
Hogwashing
Humane myth
Humane slaughter
Neocarnism
Non-participation and Non-cooperation
Non-violent social change
Open Rescue
Path of Conscience
Plant-based diet
Privilege of domination
Speciesism
Suffering
Sustainable
Utilitarianism
Values-based activism
Vegan
 

 

Use Language Mindfully

The meaning of words and cultural concepts matters--they are the foundation of rational thought and productive dialog. When corporations assume control of our language, inevitably, the meaning is shifted in a direction that serves that corporation's agenda. When we lose control of our language, we lose our identity as well as the cohesiveness of our community, which is bound largely by shared values defined in language that needs to be preserved and protected from exploitation.

By striving to think and speak with an awareness of the importance of language, we can be a role model for others. There is nothing rude about clarifying or even defending the meaning of a word or cultural concept, provided it is done respectfully, and with a genuine willingness to listen to, fairly consider and learn from the other person's point of view.

For an examination of some of the ways industry is deliberately co-opting the language of animal advocates, see "Compassion for Sale: Doublethink Meets Doublefeel as "Happy Meat" Comes of Age"

For an analysis of the many ways the language of speciesism has become commonplace and accepted, see English and Speciesim by Joan Dunayer.