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Summary Of A Change Of Heart About Animals By Jeremy Rifkin

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Nicole Thai 1603
Bajet - Blk 4
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15 September 2014

Response to “A Change of Heart About Animals” by Jeremy Rifkin There has always been a hierarchy among the creatures of nature. Within this accepted hierarchy, humans have always deemed themselves superior to the animals we share the earth with. According to Jeremy Rifkin’s article, “A Change of Heart About Animals,” research has shown that animals are more similar to humans than originally believed. Through the many studies provided, Rifkin claims the need to provide better treatment towards animals. While animals deserve and could benefit from a more humane treatment than what is currently provided, they may not necessarily require a human-like lifestyle simply because of their similarities to humans. …show more content…

As said by Lois Frazier, “Animals have a right to live without being confined, exploited, tormented, or eaten.” With the similarities animals have with humans, this right is something animals should possess, hence the animal-rights laws. Animals deserve to live in a comfortable environment just as humans do. However even with similar skills, just as Koko the gorilla has language skills, animals would not need them for survival the way humans do. Humans communicate through their own languages, but these languages may not be necessary for Koko. Bob Stevens asked, “Can an animal write a poem, or even a grocery list?” Even if an animal could do such things, it is not necessary for their livelihood. Animals and humans live according to how they adapt to nature, just as the theory of evolution states. Animals are “ creatures with whom we share the Earth” (3). Humans now live in materialism, and while animals are subject to harsh treatment and deserve an improvement to their circumstances, forcing a lifestyle that contrasts what is natural to them is

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