Are you a person or an animal?

[choosybeggar]

Originally posted by Phobos *
** there is a species of bird (I forget which - sorry) whose males build incredibly decorative nests and the females choose their mates based on which nest is the most artistic (or at least the most artistically appealing to that female). The males’ nests are all different and even I found them to be much more artistically appealing than many human works of art. (Not that I’ll be mating with birds anytime soon!)*

IIRC, it’s the weaver bird. Note, that the birds’ talents are employed in the service of nature’s plan. Namely, mate selection. Many so-called higher human talents are employed in this regard as well. Just look at the SDMB. How many of our members are here to impress potential mates with their bulging gyri?

**
The very fact that we evolved from other animals should be indication enough that we are animals ourselves. Humans are amazing. Other animals are amazing. There should be no shame in acknowledging a connection.
ok, that was more than 2 cents. **

Amen! And this was the burr in my britches that led me to start this thread. I find it curious that a common theme among all walks of discrimination is the desire expressed by some members of the priviledged parties to rationalize their superiority. Speciesists might learn from the failures of these other attempts.

Why must we always feel superior? Is this cultural? Does this trait run deeper, into our genetic inheritance? I put in my $.02 in my previous post. I’m curious what others believe?