The Gist: Happy Monday, VegNews Book Clubbers, and welcome to the start of May! I honestly can't believe we're in the fifth month of 2011 already, but I guess I need to accept it. We have now started our reading of The Bond by Wayne Pacelle, president of The Humane Society of the United States. This week, we will talk about the Preface, Introduction, and Part One of the book, which make up about the first 100 pages.In this week's section, Pacelle discusses the connection between humans and animals. He explains how humans take that connection for granted and use their power over animals in a negative way, such as the use of animals in circuses, experimentation on chimps, the horse meat trade, and the slaughter of more than 50 billion animals for food.
Pacelle talks about his own experiences with animals, as well as the history of the human/animal relationship. The relationship can go in two very different directions—one direction being kindness, and the other being cruelty. We are able to treat our companion animals with such love and affection, but then eat a hamburger, which is made from another domesticated animal that was horribly abused until the moment of its death. Pacelle acknowledges these two varying relationships, and claims that it is time to take only one path—that of kindness.
He then goes on to discuss how animals are misunderstood, and are denied basic rights due to the power humans hold over animals. For example, we know that animals are intelligent, but they are denied this intelligence because it's a way for human beings to justify their cruelty toward other species. However, Pacelle writes that this view of animals is beginning to change for the better—as we can see with the increasing interest in vegetarianism, the many animal sanctuaries popping up, and the successes of HSUS itself. Additionally, he stresses that we have a moral obligation to help animals, since they can't speak out on their own.
The Discussion: Here are three discussion points to help get the conversation started. I look forward to hearing from you!
1. Do you think we will ever fully mend the broken bond between humans and animals? Why, or why not?
2. What do you think of Pacelle's writing style and voice?
3. What is your view of The Humane Society of the United States? Do you think they are doing a sufficient job of helping animals?
The Assignment: Please read chapter 3 through chapter 4 (two chapters) of The Bond for our discussion on Monday, May 9.
~VN Book Club Hostess Lyndsay Orwig
1. Do you think we will ever fully mend the broken bond between humans and animals? Why, or why not?
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, no. Unlike oppressed human beings, animals cannot speak up for their own emancipation. This has made it especially easy the world over for the human race to exploit all other species.
I do, however, think the worst excesses of abuse, such as battery cages and gestation crates, will eventually end because consumers will demand it.
2. What do you think of Pacelle's writing style and voice?
It was a breath of fresh air. I find it annoying when AR and vegan writers seem strident, over-optimistic, or New Age-y. I admire Pacelle precisely because he is so rational and realistic. He’s moving the animal cause into the 21st century. And he’s willing to work with everyone—from farmers to religious leaders—to get the message out.
2. What is your view of The Humane Society of the United States? Do you think they are doing a sufficient job of helping animals?
I think it’s a great organization. As for whether they are effective, one only needs to look at the opposition. Factory farming interests and other animal exploitative industries have seemingly forgotten PETA and have made the HSUS their Enemy #1. These companies wouldn’t be expending all of this time, money, and effort against a charity a fraction of their size, if they weren’t effective against their cruel practices.
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments, sock! I look forward to reading more and I'll be wrapping up the conversation on Friday.
~VN Book Club Hostess Lyndsay Orwig
1. Do you think we will ever fully mend the broken bond between humans and animals? Why, or why not?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Sock on this one. I don't think we'll ever be able to fully mend the broken bond, but I truly believe that we will move forward as a society and stop some of the most cruel practices.
2. What do you think of Pacelle's writing style and voice?
I love how straight-forward and realistic Pacelle's style is. He makes it very easy to empathize with the animals.
3. What is your view of The Humane Society of the United States? Do you think they are doing a sufficient job of helping animals?
I have always had positive feelings toward the HSUS. Every year, I raise money for the local Humane Society during their fundraising PAWS walk. I think the HSUS is doing as much as they can to help animals, but most individuals could always try to do more.