by Memes put her in a beret similar to the one worn by socialist revolutionary Ché Guevara. In one caption, she proclaims, “Embrace the life we have or expect resistance … an otter world is possible.”
My scholarship focuses on animal-human relationships through the prism of social justice. As I see it, the public glee about wrecked surfboards and yachts suggests a certain flavor of schadenfreude. At a time marked by vast socio-economic disparities, white supremacy and environmental degradation, casting these marine mammals as revolutionaries seems a projection of aspirations for social justice and livable ecosystems.
A look at the work of some political scientists, philosophers and animal behavior researchers adds a touch of horror to this entertaining public dialogue. The field of critical animal studies analyzes structures of oppression and power and considers ways to dismantle them. The insight of these students challenges the prevailing view of non-human animals as passive victims. They also challenge the widespread assumption that non-human animals cannot be political actors.
Thus, while meme lovers add feelings and perspectives to these particular wild animals, critical animal studies scholars suggest that nonhuman animals actually engage in resistance.
Non-human animal protests are everywhere
Are non-human animals in a constant state of non-humanity? I replied, without a doubt, the answer is yes.
The whole architecture of animal agriculture shows that animals have a fruitless resistance to childbirth and death. Cages, corrals, pens and tanks would not exist if it were not for the relentless rebellion of animals.
Even when hanging upside down in transport hangars, chickens flap their wings furiously and are beaten, scratched, pecked and chased by line workers at every step of the process leading to their death.
Until the end, hooked tuna stand, gasping and squirming hard on the ship’s deck. There would be no need for hooks, nets or traps if the fish allowed themselves to be removed passively.
If they consented to repeated flooding, there would be no need to tie pigs and sows to “rape racks” to prevent them from struggling to escape.
If they didn’t mind taking their baby permanently from his side, there would be no need to blind dairy cows with hoods so that they don’t bite and kick as the calves are removed; they wouldn’t be down for weeks after each case. I argue that the failure to recognize their bellowing represents an “anthropoddenial” protest – what ethologist Frans de Waal calls the denial of a clear continuum between human and non-human animal behavior, cognition and emotion.
The widespread view of non-human animals is still that of René Descartes, the 17th century philosopher who viewed animal actions as purely mechanical. From this point of view, one could dismiss the will of non-human animals as purely unintentional or instinctive. But political scientist Dinesh Wadiwel argues that “even if their resistance is not futile, the will to choose life over death is a primary act of resistance, perhaps the only act of dissent available to animals subject to extreme forms of discipline.”
Creative escape artists
Despite massive human efforts to suppress them, non-human animals still manage to escape slaughterhouses. They also break out of zoos, circuses, water parks, stables and biomedical laboratories. Tilikum, an orca in captivity at Sea World, killed his trainer – an act that was characteristic of at least one marine mammal’s deliberate behavior.
The philosopher Fahim Amir points out that depression among captive animals is also a form of emotional rebellion against unbearable conditions, the rebellion of the nerves. Dolphins self-harm like slapping against the walls of the tank or they stop eating and hold their breath until they die. Sows whose cages are the size of their bodies prevent them from turning around to touch their piglets repeatedly ram into the metal struts, sometimes succumbing to their injuries.
Critical animal studies scholars argue that it can be argued that all of these actions demonstrate non-human animals’ desire for freedom and their desire for inequality.
For sea stars memes summer 2023, orcas can be tackled and harmed by fishing gear. The sea otter used to be almost extinct for its fur. Marine habitats have been degraded by human activities including overfishing, oil spills, plastic, chemical and sonic pollution, and climate change. It is easy to imagine that they could be responding to human actions, including physical harm and disturbance of their turf.
What is solidarity with non-human animals?
Sharing memes that encourage wild animals is one thing. But there are more substantial ways to show solidarity with animals.
Legal scholars support resistance to non-human animals by arguing that their current classification as property should be replaced by personhood or personhood.
Non-human animals including birds, dolphins, elephants, horses, chimpanzees and bears appear as plaintiffs alleging that they are subjected to extermination, abuse and other injustices.
Another route to social and political inclusion is citizenship for non-human animals. It would guarantee the right to appeal against arbitrary restrictions on the autonomy of domesticated non-human animals. It would also mandate legal duties to protect them from harm.
Everyday deeds can also express solidarity.
Boycotting industries that oppress non-human animals is a powerful act by becoming vegan. It is a form of “anti-behavior,” a term used by the philosopher Michel Foucault to describe practices that oppose dominant norms of power and control.
Creating roadside memorials to non-human animals killed by motor vehicles encourages people to see their lives and deaths as important, rather than “road kill”.
Political scientists recognize that human and nonhuman animal struggles against oppression are intertwined. At different times, the same strategies used against non-human animals cast parts of the human species as “less than human” for exploitation.
The category of human is ever-changing and exclusive. I argue that no one is safe as long as there is an “animal” classification. It gives susceptibility to unusual forms of violence, both legally and ethically sanctioned.
Could there be an ‘otter world’?
I believe that quips about the marine mammal uprising show an awareness that our human interests are intertwined with those of non-human animals. The desire to achieve a sustainable relationship with other species and the natural world feels visible to me within the memes and media coverage. And it’s happening as human-caused activities make our shared habitats increasingly untenable.
Solidarity with non-human animals is consistent with democratic principles – for example, the right to protect well-being and to oppose the use of force against innocent people. Philosopher Amir suggests expanding the idea that freedom cannot exist as long as unfreedom exists beyond the separation of species: “Although we cannot fully express what this means, there is no reason why we should not begin to imagine. it”.
This article is republished from The Conversation, a non-profit, independent news organization that brings you reliable facts and analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. Like this article? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
It was written by: Alexandra Isfahani-Hammond, University of California, San Diego.
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Alexandra Isfahani-Hammond does not work for, consult with, share in, or be funded by any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has not disclosed any relevant interests beyond their academic appointment.
