This is (Part 5) of the publication "Black Vegans' Vision Of Total Liberation Poised To Shape Our Future."

At the core of the struggles both Black Americans and animals face lies an intricate web of oppressive systems. This network of systems doesn't exist in isolation; they share structures and strategies, further highlighting the intersectionality between human and animal liberation. Let's take a closer look at some of these components:

1. Supremacy & Speciesism:

The value hierarchy placed on life has deep-seated roots in racism and speciesism. Dehumanization became a tool against Black and indigenous peoples, painting them as less than human or even "savages." This tactic eerily mirrors speciesism, where animals are considered lesser value – often seen as mere commodities rather than sentient beings. Such devaluation rationalizes and perpetuates cruelty, similar to how racist ideologies justify slavery and colonization.

2. Colonialism:

Colonialism, characterized by its forceful takeover of lands, resources, and bodies, also resonates in animal exploitation. Much like the invasion of indigenous lands and subjugation of its people, the territories of many animals are infringed upon, resulting in habitat loss. Beyond that, their bodies are "colonized" – used, abused, and commodified for human benefit.

3. Oppression:

The tools of oppression are vast and multifaceted:

• Violence: Black Americans and animals have faced violence to keep them subjugated. For Black individuals, it manifested as bondage, forced labor, and brutalities. Animals, too, face confinement, cruel treatment, and industrialized slaughter.
  
  
• Political: Systems like apartheid and legislation that legitimizes cruelty work to institutionalize oppression. For animals, weak animal rights laws or practices that prioritize industry profits over welfare.
  
  
• Ideological: Ideas can be a powerful tool of oppression - Misogyny, patriarchy, white supremacy, etc., to name a few. We won't dissect all of them here. Misogyny, for instance, devalues female autonomy. This devaluation becomes apparent in the animal industry, where female animals are subjected to forced pregnancies to sustain mass production.
  
  
• Deceit: Propaganda, disinformation, and desensitizing tactics keep the masses ignorant of the atrocities committed. Whether it's the sanitized portrayal of the meat industry or the whitewashing of historical wrongs, deceit remains a potent tool in maintaining oppressive systems.

4. Capitalism: 

While capitalism has driven many advancements, its relentless pursuit of profit often comes at a grave cost. Capitalist tendencies, driven by personal gain or shareholder pressures, can exacerbate oppression. At the heart of capitalism lies the relentless pursuit of profit, which, when unchecked, can spawn a cascading series of events that culminate in various forms of oppression. Let's connect the chains of capitalism and oppression.

• Profit Motivation: Capitalism is rooted in the acquisition of wealth. Maximizing profits drives businesses and industries, sometimes at the expense of ethical considerations. This drive can prioritize earnings over well-being, leading to choices that undermine humans' and animals' rights and dignity.
  
  
• Lobbying and Influence: As companies and industries amass wealth, they gain the resources to lobby lawmakers. These lobbying efforts aim to advance corporate interests, often by seeking favorable regulations—or a lack thereof—that allow these entities to operate with fewer constraints.
  
  
• Legislation and Policy Manipulation: Through effective lobbying, businesses can shape legislation, policies, and regulations to further their interests. Lobbying might involve weakening animal welfare standards, labor rights, environmental protections, or public health guidelines, all to increase profit margins.
  
  
• Propaganda and Marketing: With vast financial resources, these entities can now launch extensive marketing campaigns. Such campaigns spread disinformation or paint a rosier picture than reality suggests, thus influencing public perception. Examples include portraying factory-farmed animals as living happy lives or downplaying the environmental impact of specific industries.
  
  
• Consumer Misdirection: With manipulated information, consumers might unknowingly support industries or practices perpetuating harm. With transparent communication, it becomes easier for individuals to make informed choices that align with their values.
  
  
• Reinforcing the Cycle: As profits grow from uninformed consumer support, industries reinvest in further lobbying, propagandistic marketing, and other mechanisms to sustain and expand their influence, perpetuating the cycle of oppression.

In this intricate web, it becomes evident how capitalism, especially when devoid of ethical considerations, can establish and entrench systems of oppression that affect diverse facets of society—from marginalized human communities to the voiceless animals and the environment we inhabit.

As we delve into these oppressive systems, the patterns become apparent. The methods and tactics employed against one group bear uncanny resemblances to those used against another. Recognizing these parallels sheds light on the profound interconnectedness of their struggles and amplifies the call for collective liberation.

Continue Reading The Full Publication:  "Black Vegans' Vision Of Total Liberation Poised To Shape Our Future."

This is (Part 5) of the above series - All posts in the series can be read here: Black Vegan Blog Series