Embedded in the mocking think pieces, snarky online comments, and even the Vatican’s own statements, is the idea that “consciousness” is the dividing line. That this is a debate about where to draw that line.

Drawing a line perpetuates the way of thinking that excuses cruelty.

A line where, on one side, we are to treat our neighbors as ourselves.

And a line where, on the other, horror and cruelty is justified and acceptable.

And our species is demonstrably bad at making that line land wherever it’s convenient for the people drawing that line. … The answer is not to draw a different line. The answer is not to listen to the satan whispering about how it’s okay because they’re “a race of people very poor in everything” (3), or a different nationality, faith, or don’t dress or identify their gender or love the way you do, or the color of their skin, or even whether they are “conscious”.

The answer was never about shifting the line.

The answer is simply to stop being cruel.

No matter who — or what — we’re talking about.

Be kind. Do NOT be cruel. And don’t be idle when someone else is being cruel in your presence. And pass this lesson to your kids. The world truly will be a better place in a high trust, high integrity, kinder society.

Source: www.ideatrash.net