Words like 'Speciesism' contain an inherent invitation to political-philosophical-religious discussion, since the word is coined by people with a particular world view who are pushing a particular philosophical agenda. Despite our best attempts to play with words as neutral, lexical, objective things, in Real Life they have no real meaning apart from their social context. Speciesism is a loaded word. Its meaning goes to the heart of what it means to be human, which is an area of controversy and debate in which religious beliefs are fundamental to the view one takes - there is no neutral ground.
I agree 100%. The concept of speciesism is a politcal concept and you can't discuss the word without getting into the politics of it, unless to simply add, as I wish to, that is is an ungainly construction as far as words go. Whether or not it is considered proper in the realm of more formal linguistics, I'd be happier with the word "specism."
By the way I believe that elephants do have a tendency to destroy an area through over use, necessitating a move to greener pastures from time to time. Of course, that is not say that they are a disease upon the earth. I'd rather see elephant damage than a shopping center.
