Anthropomorphism and Animal Rights

So you’ve just arrived home to find your couch shredded, the cupboard ransacked and your cat’s dinner dish lying empty in your bedroom. Your dog, you note with certainty, has a â€Å"guilty look on his face because he knows hes done something wrong. This is a perfect example of anthropomorphism. Dictionary.Com defines anthropomorphism as â€Å"ascribing human form or attributes to a being †¦.not human.† Most people who live with dogs know their dogs so well that any nuance of a change in the dogs facade is quickly recognized and labeled. But really, if we dont use the word guilty, how else would we describe that look? Some dog trainers dismiss these claims of guilty looks on a dog as nothing more than conditioned behavior.The dog only looks that way because he remembers the way you reacted the last time you came home to a similar scene. Hes not looking guilty, but rather he knows you  will react badly and its this expectation of punishment that causes the look on his face. Animal rights activists are dismissed as being anthropomorphic when we claim that animals feel emotions much like humans do. It’s an easy way for people who want to profit off the suffering of animals to dismiss their own evil behavior. It’s OK to say an animal is breathing, no one will charge us with anthropomorphism because no one doubts that animals breathe. But if we say the animal is happy, sad, depressed, grieving, in mourning or afraid, we’re dismissed as being anthropomorphic. In dismissing claims that animals emote, those who want to exploit them rationalize their actions. Anthropomorphism v. Personification Personification is the giving of human-like qualities to an inanimate object, while anthropomorphism usually applies to animals and deities. More importantly, personification is considered a  valuable literary device, with positive connotations. Anthropomorphism has negative connotations and is usually used to describe an inaccurate view of the world, prompting PsychCentral.com to ask, Why Do We Anthropomorphize? In other words, its OK for Sylvia Plath to give voice to a mirror and a lake, giving inanimate objects human-like qualities in order to entertain and move her audience, but its not OK for animal rights activists to say that a dog in a laboratory is suffering for the purpose of changing the way the dog is treated. Do Animal Rights Activists Anthropomorphize? When an animal rights activist says that an elephant suffers and feels pain when hit with a bullhook; or a mouse suffers from being blinded with hairspray, and chickens feel  pain when their feet develop sores from standing on the wire floor of a battery cage; that is not anthropomorphism. Since these animals have a central nervous system much like ours, it’s not much of a leap to deduce that their pain receptors work much like ours. Non-human animals may not have the exact same experience as humans, but identical thoughts or feelings are not required for moral consideration. Furthermore, not all humans have emotions in the same way - some are sensitive, insensitive, or overly sensitive - yet all are entitled to the same basic human rights. Accusations of Anthropomorphism Animal rights  activists are accused of anthropomorphism when we talk about animals suffering or having emotions, even though, through studies and observation, biologists agree that animals can feel emotions. In July, 2016, National Geographic published an article entitled â€Å"Look Into This Dolphin’s Eyes and Tell Me That’s Not Grief! by Maddalena Bearzi for the Ocean Conservation Society’s â€Å"Ocean News.† Bearzi writes of her experience on June 9, 2016 while she was working on a research boat with a team of Marine Biology students from Texas AM University. Leading the team was Dr. Bernd Wursig, a well-respected cetologist and head of the Texas AM Marine Biology Group. The team came upon a dolphin who was keeping vigil with a dead dolphin, presumably a pod-mate. The dolphin was circling the corpse, moving it up and down and from side to side,  clearly grieving. Dr. Wursig noted â€Å"For a pelagic creature like this is so highly unusual (to be alone with a dead one, and away from its group)†¦because they are scared to be alone†¦ they are just not lone creatures and the animal was obviously suffering.† The team described the scene with much sadness as it was obvious the dolphin knew his friend was dead but refused to accept that fact. Dr. Wursig cannot be easily dismissed as a sentimental animal rights activist  who anthropomorphizes animals carelessly. His report clearly described the dolphin as being in mourning†¦..a very human condition. Though this particular dolphin was holding vigil over a dead animal, many non-human animals have been observed helping  others of their species in need, a behavior scientists call epimeletic. If they cant care, why do they do it? Animal activists are calling people out who hurt animals, and their use of anthropomorphism is justified when  seeking justice and social change. Change can be scary and difficult, so people consciously or subconsciously seek ways to resist change. Rejecting the fact that animals suffer and have emotions can make it easier for people to continue exploiting animals without worrying about the ethical implications. One way of rejecting that fact is to call it anthropomorphism even though it is the result of direct scientific evidence. There may be some who truly do not believe that animals are capable of suffering or emotions, as French philosopher/mathematician  Rene Descartes  claimed he did, but Descartes  was himself a vivisector  and had reason to deny the obvious. Current scientific information contradicts Descartes 17th century view. Biology and research into the sentience of non-human animals has come a long way since Descartes time, and will continue to evolve as we learn more about the non-human animals with whom we share this planet.   Edited by  Michelle A. Rivera.

Personal Writing My Personal Experience In Writing

Christian Hannah Professor Weeks (Mackey) ENC1101 - FSCJ 09/20/2017 Lost As a writer, I find myself getting lost. Typically, when I go to start writing I hit a brick wall. It’s as if all my thoughts suddenly escape my mind and I draw a blank. It takes me forever to conjure up some form of a thesis and then takes even longer to figure out what I should write to support it in a way that makes sense. Then, attempting to find a way to organize my ideas and put them together in cohesive paragraphs seems like an impossible task in the moment. It is not uncommon for me to get flustered and just throw something down on the paper because I get anxious seeing how much work is left to do. If I end up going back to read it over prior to submission,†¦show more content†¦Also, I know I can get off topic when I run out of ideas so keeping the main idea consistent throughout the essay is something I surely need to improve upon. On the contrary, some strengths I possess include proper utilization of grammar and diverse vocabulary. My attitude towards writing is very unfavorable. I just don’t enjoy it at all. It’s a very tedious task when you factor in all of the revision steps that it takes to produce a quality essay. Writing requires a long amount of time spent planning and preparing that is not for impatient people like myself. However, I believe that with a little bit of some confidence and patience, I could learn to enjoy myself when I write. I think it’s a great outlet for some but just hasn’t ever really been something that made me feel relaxed or stress-free. Writing just clouds my head with confusion and anxiety. I guess I can blame this on the fact that all my previous experiences writing has been academic and in a time-restricted environment. However, I am excited to see how my impression of writing changes throughout my college career now that I am not confined to a forty-minute window. 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While writing the assigned essays this semester, I realized being able to read and write about something that is relatable is extremely critical. When an individual can relate to what they are reading, they will be more engaged compared to reading a pieceRead MoreWhen Reflecting On What Made Me The Writer I Am Today,1672 Words   |  7 Pagesreflecting on what made me the writer I am today, my first thought was, â€Å"Well clearly, I’m a writer because I’m a reader.† As a child, I devoured all kinds of books and spent hours on exploits in different worlds, with Harry and the gang at Hogwarts, or w ith the Pevensie kids in Narnia. And I thought that inevitably and gradually, reading is what led me to create my own universes and stories through writing. In fact, one of my first memories associated with writing was winning third place at a story competition

Official Winter Break Essay Free Essays

However, even though Columbus did not discover the Americas first, European Exploration still had a ore immense impact within their world and our modern world today. One of the major reasons the European Exploration turned out to have a much bigger impact in history’ than any other exploration is due to the formation Of the European Exchange. Thanks to the exchange many goods had been traded and thus the creation of many foodstuff as well as other materials such as tobacco and crops. We will write a custom essay sample on Official Winter Break Essay or any similar topic only for you Order Now The European Exchange is one of the major reasons that the European Exploration is recognized above all other explorations. The trade between these countries lead to many others to come o Europe for valuable resources and Europe began to expand and grow, not only due to the newly conquered land, but to the new people that were coming for the resources. I believe that this is because of how large this was on the scale and the explorers prior to the Europeans never made a big deal rather they just kept moving on and missed an opportune chance. European Exploration also overshadows the other explorations as the fact that they were more ruthless and willing to do anything in their power to expand their religion, obtain more gold, and be glorified for their actions. Their actions lead to them to enslave and slay the natives of the New World whether by accident (disease). Their sheer numbers had overwhelmed many places that they conquered and changed the society of the people around them. Native Americans turned into Catholics and lived the same way as the Europeans. Other countries, such as China, used Ghent Hajj was took on more of a peaceful approach yet not to an extent. China used the tribute system which enforced their power on the land nearby, whereas Vocal De Gamma, a European explorer, enslaved and killed hundreds to capture ports for Portugal to trade. Their ways were very much similar, however Europeans were more ruthless and quicker and thus their influence was more massive and swifter which is why their influence is still active today. Rupee’s strength was not solely the reason why its influence was so solid- some states like. How to cite Official Winter Break Essay, Essays

Les Miserables Essay Example

Les Miserables Essay Les Miserables is an epic tale of the very poor in spirit and body who suffer throughout their lives.Set in 19th century France, it tells the story of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict, who is able to rebuild his life.Author Kathryn M. Grossman concludes, Les Miserables is a work to which one can return time and time again without a sense of having exhausted the possibilities.Like its multifaceted hero, it can be viewed from numerous perspectives each enriching the othersOne of the possibilities Ms. Grossman brought to light was the philosophy involved in this story.Victor Hugo, the author of Les Miserables, displays a strong sense of humanistic and philosophical beliefs in the novel through his multifaceted hero, Jean Valjean. Jean Valjean, Hugos main protagonist, is a prime example of humanism at its most extreme.Valjean isfirst accused of crime when he steals a loaf of bread, trying to support his sisters needy family.After being a galley slave and a convict for nineteen years, he brin gs himself back into society with the help of Bishop Myriel.When all other turn Valjean away at their doors, Myriel provides an opportunity for the convict to begin a new life, presenting him with the candlesticks for which Valjean can receive money.Forget not, never forget that you have promised me to use this silver to become an honest man, (39) Myriel said to Valjean, an outcast of society.This statement reflects the nature of Myriels generosity and his wish for Valjeans reform.Although he is a man of God, he believes that Jean Valjean has goodness within him that can bring him into the light and grace of the Lord.In the following chapter, Valjean slinks away from his promise when he steals a forty-sous piece from Petit Gervais, who is another miserable, similar to Valjean.Upon recognizing the unfortunate little boy was in a life of poverty, much as himself, guil

A Long Days Journey Into Night essays

A Long Day's Journey Into Night essays A Long Day's Journey Into Night reveals the nature of the story in the title itself. All of the characters in the story are making a long journey towards darkness, their lives all were once happy and good, and have since become dismal and depressing. Every character has at least one specific problem that torments them. James, the father, was once a famous actor, but his career began to decline, and money became an issue. His childhood has caused him to become somewhat stingy with money, and he is unwilling to pay top dollar for anything, even the well being of his family. Jamie, the elder of two brothers is into his thirties and still lives with the family. He has no job and continues to live off his parents. He has attended and dropped out of multiple colleges, and is generally viewed by all as somewhat of a failure. Edmund is the younger brother, and is held a generally higher standard the Jamie, although he still lives at home as well. Edmund is about ten years younger, and his mother in particular still maintains some hope for him to straighten his life around. Edmund has health issues as well, he is diagnosed with consumption and is told that he will have to attend a sanatorium for a year. All three of the men in the family have severe drinking problems as well. Probably the worst of all of the family however is the mother, Mary. Mary has many mental problems, and uses morphine constantly to relieve her anguish. After years of using she has become an addict, and it has gotten out of hand, causing her at times to react irrationally to situations. As a character however, she is depicted in two different forms, one as she was written in the play, and the other in the film. While her character is depicted in a generally similar way, overall it seems her reactions are taken to more of an extreme in the film. As a character in the novel, she experiences constant mood swings, and will say things bare ...

Job Search Success Story †This Could Be You!

Job Search Success Story – This Could Be You! In my last blog post, Job Seeker Success Survey Results Are Out!, I reviewed some of the most and least effective thoughts and actions taken by job seekers. As promised in last weeks article, heres a story from a client who turned his thinking around from negative to positive and took actions that quickly led to a highly desired job offer. You can create a similar success! Here is his story, as he relates it: Commitment, Investment, Learning My job search began in May 2012, and kicked into high gear in July 2012 as my MBA degree was imminent. As the search began, my thoughts wandered at my current position, admittedly at the expense of my work production; I knew the end was near and this was NOT the company I wanted to build a career with. I had waited patiently for almost 4 years for my opportunity to jump into something I love. I was not going to find a quick fix and take anybody who would have me. I was willing to wait and find the perfect job with the perfect company. I began to devour any and all reading material regarding job searching. I happened upon How to Write a KILLER LinkedIn Profile and read it on the plane to my wedding in Florida. I enlisted the help of The Essay Expert and things got really serious. Not only did I feel I had responsibility to myself, my family, and my new bride, but now I was even more heavily invested, emotionally and financially, in finding that new beginning. I received a LinkedIn makeover, resume makeover and two cover letters that were easily customized to any job I was applying for. Challenges Arise and Some Disempowering Self-Talk I figured Id be hired in no time with the perfect company. Nobody had a better LinkedIn profile, nobody had a better resume, nobody had written a more perfect cover letter. I do sales for a living, so thought interviews would be a BREEZE for a charismatic guy like myself. I was wrong. Those perfect jobs I found? I received rejection emails without even an interview. I complained, Dont they know how hard Ive worked and all the years Ive put in to making myself the perfect candidate? Empowering Self-Talk After suffering for a few weeks, I wrote to Brenda Bernstein, The Essay Expert, who suggested I hire a career coach. She connected me with Kristin Johnson. At this point I had a choice: continue to invest in myself or do it on my own and get the mediocre results I was already getting. I decided to invest in myself because in this job search process you begin to really doubt yourself. With Kristins help, I began to figure out who I am and what my brand is. I had heard the term branding before and thought it was a junk statement made by airheads in Hollywood. Then I came to a realization: I dont know how to express who I am! I could sell anybody on anything but I couldnt sell myself. I again began to devour literature on interviewing. Working with Kristin I learned how to sell myself to achieve my goals. Empowering Action I put my nose to the grindstone. I gained 20 pounds, refusing to go to the gym in the effort to squeeze out more job searching time [Editors note: I do not necessarily recommend this strategy! Many people succeed because they DO go to the gym!]. I emailed, called and met with anybody I could to get connected with a potential job. I was always looking for an angle to make a connection. I poured more hours into my job search, and what were once great cover letters became one-page works of art that took hours for me to construct. Miraculously, doors began to open. I started getting calls for phone and in-person interviews. By trial and error I began to learn how to navigate these encounters. With every interview I felt myself improving and gaining confidence. I dedicated myself to reading self-help books, mostly from Dale Carnegie, and took this knowledge to interviews. Doors began to open widercompanies were offering me jobs! I went from praying for an interview to turning down positions because they just didnt fulfill all my needs. I was being looked at by one of the most luxurious and iconic hotels in New York City. A leader in the online travel agency was flying me out to their headquarters to meet with a panel of interviewers. A company I had turned down for a lower position offered me a management position. A complete 180 occurred! Winning the Game The search finally concluded in November 2012, after 6 months of relentless searching and networking. I accepted a position at a hospitality organization that is worthy of my talents and skills. A tremendous amount of time and effort was poured into this process and I got by with a little help from my new friends. Do you have a successful job search story to share? Please leave a comment below! Category:Job SearchBy Brenda BernsteinApril 23, 2013

Managing Workplace Diversity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Managing Workplace Diversity - Essay Example Also there is apprehension about the fact organisations will be confronting with the problems of utilising the human potential completely from them. This calls for the need for managing the diverse workplace. It is believed that organisations not able to manage diversity are unable to utilise the full potential of their workforce. Moreover this makes their survival difficult and creates an extremely complex business condition under which the company is not able to grow at its full potential (Wentling, n.d.). Numerous researches have been going on around the world to study the trend and status of the diversity initiatives taking place in workplaces. The project presents the major findings from the researches. This includes the various barriers in working within diversity and also includes the reasons for the implementation of the diverse strategies or the effective initiatives. The main purpose of the project is to bring forth the impact of cultural diversity in organisations. In this regard, it presents secondary data on cultural diversity. Cultural diversity may give rise to mis-communications and eventually lower the effectiveness of the groups in the organisation. Examining the selective factors like cultural diversity from among a wide diversity climate is the prime concern of the project. The project presents the trends in such diversities and how the subject has evoked special interest among human resource professionals in organisations. In this regards, the present challenges and benefits that organisations enjoy are presented. Special emphasis has been provided to the management of workplace diversity and the way in which they can be implemented in organisations. Workplace diversity has been especially emphasised with regards to the hospitals in UK. Finally the project ends with the presentation of the recommendations of the management and implementation of a diverse workplace culture. Conceptual Framework of the subject Workplace Diversity Extensive re search has been conducted by experts across the world which has brought out the meaning and definition of diversity. Diversity includes everybody and this is the reason why it must be given value. Different employees bring along with them the differences to the place of work, which includes the group identity differences as well. Organisations have tried using this diversity for accomplishing both individual and organisation goals. However, there are instances where organisations have demonstrated biasness towards particular groups. There have been efforts for removing such biasness (Wentling, n.d.). Diversity in the workplace refers to the various differences arising among people in organisations. Diversity may include race, gender, age, personality, ethnic group, cognitive style, tenure, education, organisational function, background etc. Out of the above aspects of diversity the project aims to emphasise on the cultural and ethnic diversity in organisations. The cultural or ethni c heritage carried by an individual determines the extent to which he or she identifies himself or herself with the group he works with.