Language can Create and empower social change.
Language has the power to shape the way we think, behave, and know in both positive and negative ways. Our Kith + Kin is committed to using language that affects everyone in positive, life-affirming ways. However, I think it’s important to acknowledge that the most positive ways to speak about everyone (humans, animals, land, etc.) is constantly evolving. For this reason, Our Kith + Kin is also committed to evolving right alongside the language. Below, you’ll find a glossary of specific terms currently being used in this space that you might be interested in exploring a bit more. Please do check back here as often as you’d like as it will inevitably change as I continue to learn and grow.
Nonhuman Animal/Animal/More-than-human being
There are several places throughout this site where you will see the term nonhuman animal. I frequently use this term as a reminder to readers that humans are also animals in efforts to help dismantle speciesism. However, in all instances when the term animals is used alone on here, I am referring to nonhuman animals. Robin Wall Kimmerer uses the term more-than-human being in her work to refer to the nonhuman world. In her case, she is referring to all nonhuman life: animals, plants, water, etc.
Anti-speciesism
A commitment to dismantling the logic that humans are superior to nonhuman animals. Anti-speciesism recognizes that nonhuman animals, regardless of their species, have intrinsic value, the value they possess in their own right, and should therefore be exempt from harm and exploitation.
Speciesism
From a multidimensional liberation perspective, speciesism is the white supremacist logic that assumes humans are superior to nonhumans. This logic justifies nonhuman animal exploitation and oppression. This is why most people believe it is OK to confine, harm, kill, and/or eat animals, but not humans (examples: factory farming, nonhuman animal testing, zoos). Speciesism is learned early. For this reason, it is essential to engage young children in anti-speciesist thinking and challenge their human-centered behavior towards animals.
Animal liberation
A social movement committed to imagining, practicing, and creating a world in which all beings, human and nonhuman, know what it is to be loved, valued and free. Achieving animal liberation requires the inclusion of all marginalized and oppressed groups.