In regards to eating meat

[Monica]

In the end, it doesn't matter much to me.

I'd say anyone who tells you you MUST do one thing or the other is displaying STS characteristics.

Are you saying that those who are trying to raise awareness about animal suffering, and imploring others to quit contributing to it, are displaying STS characteristics?

Please let me know if I am misunderstanding you!

I agree that if someone says, "You MUST believe in the Bible" that's STS, because spiritual beliefs are a personal choice, but do you consider it the same if they say, "You MUST not rape that child." ...? Would that be STS too? Or is it ok if the goal is to save someone from harm? Do we still say, "It's your choice...it doesn't matter" if they are harming someone?

I'm confused and truly just trying to understand. Please forgive me for my questions! Again, no judgment is intended. I'm digging deep because I really am trying to understand the other point of view.

I'm having trouble understanding how the suffering of other beings doesn't matter, but those who are trying to end the suffering would be STS. Could someone explain this to me?

The only explanation I can find is that people just don't consider animals to have value as beings. This too I don't understand. Women and minority ethnicities were once considered 'things' instead of beings. How is this any different? How is speciesism any different from racism?