Watch Speciesism: The Movie

Speciesism: The Movie is a thought-provoking documentary that explores the concept of speciesism, which is defined as the discrimination of sentient beings based on their species. The movie was released in 2013 and directed by Mark Devries. It features prominent philosophers, scientists, activists, and scholars discussing their views on the ethical issues surrounding the treatment of non-human animals.

The film begins with the director's personal story, narrating how he stumbled upon a poultry farm and decided to investigate how animals are treated in agricultural industries such as egg and milk production. With the help of interviews and footage, Devries explores various perspectives and approaches towards the question of how our society values and treats animals.

One of the central voices in the film is that of philosopher Steven Best, who argues that speciesism is a form of discrimination that is as wrong as racism and sexism. He contends that humans should extend the principle of equality beyond Homo sapiens and respect the lives and interests of all sentient beings. Through his interviews and lectures, he advocates for veganism, animal rights, and a non-speciesist society.

Another prominent figure in the documentary is evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, who explores the relationship between humans and animals from an evolutionary perspective. He discusses the similarities between Homo sapiens and other animal species and highlights how humans are not separate from the natural world but are part of it. His insights encourage viewers to consider our moral obligations towards other animals and dissolve the perceived dichotomy between them and ourselves.

Gary Francione, a vegan lawyer and animal rights activist, also contributes to the film. He argues that most animal welfare reforms focus on improving the conditions of animals rather than addressing the fundamental problem of their use for human purposes. He advocates for abolitionism, which seeks to end animal exploitation altogether, rather than continuing to regulate and justify it. His views challenge the mainstream approach of animal welfare and provoke deeper conversations about the moral status of non-human animals.

Throughout the documentary, viewers learn about the various ways in which humans interact with animals, such as in scientific experiments, entertainment, and agriculture. The film highlights how these practices often involve imposing suffering and harm on non-human animals, and the speakers encourage viewers to think critically about them. The film also considers the ideology of human exceptionalism, the belief that humans are superior to other animals and are entitled to use them as resources. The speakers argue that this belief is deeply ingrained in our culture and influences our laws, institutions, and social norms.

The film also features interviews with undercover investigators, who share their experiences working inside animal industries and reveal the conditions that animals are subjected to. They expose the ways in which animals are routinely mistreated, and the devastating consequences this has on their well-being. These testimonies urge viewers to reflect on the impact of their daily choices and the unseen violence that exists in animal industries.

Overall, Speciesism: The Movie is a compelling and informative documentary that challenges viewers to think deeply about their relationship with animals. It offers a platform for important perspectives to be heard and encourages viewers to critically engage with the moral and ethical implications of their actions. Whether one is an animal rights advocate or someone who has never considered these issues, the film provides valuable insights and encourages us to think critically about the impact of our choices on the non-human animals with whom we share this planet.