The Currency of Suffering: Animal and Human

by Michael Corthell, The Vegan Project

What is the 'currency of suffering'?

Suffering is like money in many respects, as illustrated below. But what is my point here? The brief overview below is to point out that while money seems to be a good thing, (it has been good for human progress and the expansion of our culture), it is no longer needed as we progress *further. Humans and animals have paid the price and now it's time to move beyond money and build and sustainable global civilization.

The term "currency of suffering" refers to the idea that suffering can be used as a means of exchange, similar to a currency. In other words, just as people can use money to purchase goods and services, they may also use their experiences of pain and hardship to gain certain benefits or advantages.

The concept of the currency of suffering is often used in discussions about social justice and activism, particularly with regard to marginalized groups such as people of color, women, and the LGBTQ+ community. 

In these contexts, people may argue that members of these groups have experienced significant amounts of suffering as a result of discrimination and oppression, and that this suffering should be taken into account when addressing issues such as reparations, representation, and access to resources.

Some critics of the concept of the currency of suffering argue that it can be used to perpetuate cycles of victimization and blame, and that it can be difficult to measure or quantify different types of suffering.

However, proponents of the concept argue that acknowledging and valuing the experiences of marginalized groups is an important step toward creating a more equitable and just society.

How does the 'currency of suffering' apply to animal suffering under carnism?

The concept of the currency of suffering can also be applied to animal suffering under carnism, which is the social, cultural, and economic system that normalizes the consumption of animal products. The suffering of animals raised and killed for food can be seen as a form of currency that is traded for the benefits that come from using animals for food, such as profits for the animal agriculture industry and cheap food for consumers.

The idea of the currency of suffering in the context of animal agriculture is often discussed by animal rights activists and vegans who argue that the suffering of animals raised and killed for food should be taken into account when making ethical and moral decisions about what to eat. They argue that the benefits of using animals for food do not justify the harm and suffering inflicted upon animals in the animal agriculture industry, and that there are alternative sources of nutrition that do not involve animal exploitation.

Critics of this view argue that animals do not have the same moral standing as humans, and that using them for food is a natural and necessary part of human survival. However, proponents of animal rights argue that animals are capable of feeling pain and suffering, and that their interests should be taken into account when making decisions about their treatment and use. They argue that a society that values the currency of suffering for all sentient beings, including animals, is more ethical and just.

*Related

What is Resouceism?

Animal Oppression and Human Violence