New York Times: Is a Cow a “Who or a “That?

The recent story of a runaway cow in Queens quickly got the
attention of millions, including reporters at The New York Times.

After reading the coverage, world-renowned philosopher Peter
Singer reached out to The Times with
the question: Is an animal a “who or a “that? Apparently the paper had used
the words interchangeably.

Philip B. Corbett, associate masthead editor for The Times responded.
He said that only animals who have been named or whose sex has been determined
are accorded the “person pronouns like “he, “she, or “who.

Corbett asserts that he bases his decision on colloquial use,
but we disapprove of this as a basis. Referring to animals as “it, “that, and
“which reinforces our view of them as objects. The words we choose make a huge
difference in how animals are treated.

All animals, including farmed animals, are intelligent, value
their lives, and experience complex emotions. Each is a “someone not a “something. Yet on today’s factory
farms, animals are regarded as mere meat, egg, and dairy machines. Their worth
is measured not by who they are but by how much they produce.

Take a look:

If you respect animals as sentient beings, don’t support an
industry that treats them like objects. Join the millions around the world who
have already transitioned to a delicious, healthy, and humane vegan diet. Visit
ChooseVeg.com today and get started.