Speciesism

"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

Speciesism, also known as xenocentrism 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 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, and 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 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 amount of 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. In response to such sentiments, aliens sometimes formed anti-Human sentiments. Palpatine was another virulent speciesist, though he kept this trait well-hidden while he was a senator and chancellor, and only showed his true feelings once he ascended to the role of Emperor.

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.

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

Behind the scenes
In The Secret Journal of Doctor Demagol, Demagol uses the word "racist."

Appearances

 * The Force Unleashed novel
 * The Force Unleashed II novel
 * The Force Unleashed II novel