Ugly Truths: Why Racism and Carnism Share the Same Root
Racism and carnism are both rooted in a false hierarchy that assigns greater value to some lives over others. Being racist is not just an act of hate—it is a belief that one's race is superior, which justifies cruelty, exclusion, and domination. Carnism works the same way. It is the invisible belief system that normalizes violence toward animals, telling us it is acceptable to kill and consume certain beings while loving others.
Both ideologies rely on denial, objectification, and the silencing of victims. Just as racism dehumanizes people, carnism de-animalizes animals—reducing living, feeling creatures to food, fabric, or entertainment. In both cases, empathy is suppressed to maintain power and comfort.
Choosing to reject racism but defend carnism is a contradiction. The same moral compass that tells us racism is wrong should also point us toward compassion for all sentient beings—regardless of species, race, or form.