Animal Farm in Real Life?

The epic story of Animal Farm by George Orwell  has been a hit for almost a century.  It’s part of most public school curriculums in the United States, among other classic novels such as  Catch-22 and Moby Dick.   

As a reader, i thought the story was quite dramatized but to be honest, it lured me in.  For those of you who know me, i was not lured in just because i am an avid animal rights activists and -if capable- would have picked up a hatchet and fought alongside Boxer, Clover and Old Benjamin against Mr. Jones at the Manor Farm.  Seriously it topped my novel chart because of it’s political statements, it’s prose, and the plots underlying concept.  By the way, if you have not read it then you can purchase it from “Sultana Books” on the sidebar. 

Although Animal Farm mostly consists of political connotations for humans, today, i want to focus on a slightly different aspect of the story, which is Animal Rights!  Before i do that though, i would like to mention that my favorite part (paraphrased) in the book is:

The primary motto of Animalism is “Four legs good, two legs bad”. The birds argued with this saying since it seems to exclude birds, which have two legs and two wings. Squealer set them at ease by explaining, “A bird’s wing, comrades, is an organ of propulsion and not of manipulation. It should therefore be regarded as a leg. The distinguishing mark of man is the hand, the instrument with which he does all his mischief.”

Can you imagine the hypocrisy?  Shows that mischievous rhetoric if spoken the right way can influence the public.  Like as it had in the 1930’s of Russia’s communistic slogan of “proletariat” that left out distinct groups that were often prosecuted. 

So recently, Proposition 2 was added to the California 2008 election ballot to stop animal cruelty on farms.  This proposition will allow animals such as chickens to be able to stretch their wings, be able to sit up or down, and fully extend their limbs.  For more detailed, non partisan information then refer to Wikipedia.

So what are my thoughts?  I believe that all creatures have equal rights, not just Homo sapiens.  I also believe that some creatures are put on this earth for the benefit of the human kind, officially meaning that i am a carnivore. Nonetheless, animals must be treated humanly.  We should treat them with respect just as we strive to respect our fellow human beings.

I just hope Californians vote YES on Proposition 2, especially since the fiscal impact on our economy will be low and the benefits monumental for the human race. 

If unsure, just imagine yourself up against Boxer’s strong hooves. 

Sultana