Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows: An Introduction to Carnism
Prof. Melanie Joy, Ph.D.
In “Why We Love Dogs…” social psychologist Melanie Joy explains carnism, the invisible belief system that shapes our perception of the meat we eat, so that we love some animals and eat others without knowing why.
Prof. Joy, a longtime activist for social and environmental justice and animal welfare, explains how "carnism," like other unjust ideologies, is sustained by complex, hidden, sociopsychological mechanisms. It is most harmful when unrecognized.
Using powerful imagery, thought-provoking analyses, and a compelling narrative, Joy elucidates how, although unjust ideologies all are unique, the mentality that enables such interlocking systems is strikingly similar. When unnoticed, these ideologies can cause us to act against our core values and interests, to sustain socially and ecologically unjust systems.
By illuminating the invisible mechanisms of carnism, Joy seeks to help viewers become more empowered citizens, informed consumers, and active social witnesses. More
In “Why We Love Dogs…” social psychologist Melanie Joy explains carnism, the invisible belief system that shapes our perception of the meat we eat, so that we love some animals and eat others without knowing why.
Prof. Joy, a longtime activist for social and environmental justice and animal welfare, explains how "carnism," like other unjust ideologies, is sustained by complex, hidden, sociopsychological mechanisms. It is most harmful when unrecognized.
Using powerful imagery, thought-provoking analyses, and a compelling narrative, Joy elucidates how, although unjust ideologies all are unique, the mentality that enables such interlocking systems is strikingly similar. When unnoticed, these ideologies can cause us to act against our core values and interests, to sustain socially and ecologically unjust systems.By illuminating the invisible mechanisms of carnism, Joy seeks to help viewers become more empowered citizens, informed consumers, and active social witnesses. More
- Live at CVUU, 7:30 PM, Friday, Aug. 26, 2011
Dr. Joy is a Harvard-educated psychologist, personal/relationship coach, and professor of psychology and sociology at the Univ. of Mass., Boston. She is the author of numerous articles on psychology, animal protection, and social justice, which have been published in a variety of journals and magazines. She is the leading researcher on carnism, the psychology of eating meat. She has been interviewed for numerous magazines, books, and radio on her work, including the BBC, NPR, PBS, and ABC Australia. She is also the author of Strategic Action for Animals. Though much of Dr. Joy’s writing focuses on animal protection, she is also a longtime human rights advocate, feminist psychology, domestic violence, and psychological trauma.
