Speciesism

COMPNOR rallies represented the speciesist attitudes of the Galactic Empire.

"With the way the Empire treats non-Humans, it's a wonder you're not operating a garbage scow somewhere."

―Tyber Zann, to Grand Admiral Thrawn^[1]

Speciesism, also known as xenocentrism and racism,^[2] was a belief that one species was inherently superior to another or all other species. Similarly, it manifested itself in xenophobia, an overwhelming fear of and hate against other species, regardless of circumstance.

Overview

"Your xenocentric chauvinism is no concern of mine. I care about performance and results, and your record is exemplary. I do not care about your petty bigotry. Understood?"
"Understood, Captain."
"Oh, but Commander, if I ever find out that your bigotry is affecting your performance, I'll have your carcass ejected with the next garbage load."

―Captain Thrawn and the Vengeance Commander —

Listen (file info)^[3]

Mitth'raw'nuruodo's rise to the position of Grand Admiral was an aberration, due to the speciesist policies of the Galactic Empire.

Speciesism was found in cultures across the galaxy for various reasons, ranging from religious beliefs to a sense of biological superiority possessed by individuals or groups; indeed, the practice could range from single individuals to an entire species. Some species, like the Gran and the Givin, were mildly xenophobic, but strove to overcome this trait in order to work with different beings. Others, like the Hutts and the Chiss, considered themselves inherently superior, but still often managed to work alongside other species. Some believed Zabraks to be speciesist due to their extreme determination and willpower, although this was not true. The Dug were also xenophobic, due to their experience with being mistreated by the Gran, the first off-worlders they ever encountered. Still others, like the Ssi-ruuk, the Yevetha, and the Yuuzhan Vong, considered all other species to be abominations.

An especially prevalent type of speciesism was Humanocentrism. A notable Human speciesist was Count Dooku, who considered all non-pure Human lifeforms to be disgusting and inferior, yet he reserved a measure of respect towards the Geonosian Poggle the Lesser.^[4] In response to such sentiments, aliens sometimes formed anti-Human sentiments.^[5] Although the Galactic Emperor Palpatine was not himself speciesist, he nonetheless encouraged it in the Empire due to viewing it as facilitating his control over the galaxy.^[6] It was thanks to speciesism that Palpatine appealed to Wilhuff Tarkin early in his career, given Tarkin's Humanocentrism tendencies.^[7]

Nolaa Tarkona's Diversity Alliance was formed to resist speciesism, though they, in turn, reviled Humans.

Indeed, at its height, the Galactic Empire was notable for its many speciesist policies and attitudes to certain worlds with non-Human populations. On planets such as Eriadu, the homeworld of the Tarkin family, the Empire legitimized the enslavement of non-Humans. By the time of the reign of Emperor Roan Fel, however, such policies had ended, as evidenced by the presence of non-Human stormtroopers.

Although the Empire was notorious for its speciesist views, there were at least some traces of speciesism within the Alliance to Restore the Republic, such as Princess Leia Organa's referring to the Wookiee Chewbacca as "a walking carpet" during her rescue from the Death Star.^[8]

In contrast, speciesism was a foreign concept to the Ebruchi, since they lacked roots and rejected mythology.^[9]