ARCO's Abolitionists - A Vegan Forum

I've noticed that when referring to animals, especially non-human ones, we usually specify the feminine gender. I'd guess partly to emphasize the parallel to anti-sexism, and partly because many of the exploitative practices specifically concern female animals.

I'm just wondering if anybody uses males to represent generic animals, and whether they try to alternate male & female.

Also, what do you think of calling a non-human animal a "person"? I like that it connotes a distinct individual with personal interests. But I've only really seen talk of personhood when talking about great apes. And in the title of Mary Martin's blog, of course, and I'm not sure how she interprets the title. Speaking of personhood would certainly invite "are clams people too??" but we're already getting that with the term "sentient being" anyway. I suppose it'd encounter even more opposition. But this is a movement known for not backing down from unpopular positions.

I define a person as a being with an experiental welfare and a mental life (to whatever degree). Thus, I would say that all animals are persons.

Regarding using he and she, I use the appropriate term when I know the sex, otherwise I either interchange he and she, or use he/she, depending on the frequency of use (using he/she several times in a single article would perhaps be tedious to the reader).

See:
http://animalrightsmalta.blogspot.com/2 ... nhood.html
and
http://animalrightsmalta.blogspot.com/2 ... e-use.html

s/he is slightly faster