In 'Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows,' Dr. Melanie Joy explores the fascinating discrepancies in how society perceives different animals. She introduces the concept of 'carnism,' a hidden ideology that justifies the consumption of some animals while loving others. Through insightful anecdotes and rigorous research, Joy challenges our beliefs about food and animal ethics. The book compels readers to question their customs and the moral implications of their dietary choices. An eye-opening journey awaits those who delve into this thought-provoking analysis of our relationship with animals.
By Melanie Joy PhD
Published: 2011
"'The way we treat animals reflects the way we treat each other and ourselves.'"
In this paperback edition is a foreword by activist and author John Robbins and a reader's group study guide. This ground-breaking work, voted one of the top ten books of 2010 by VegNews Magazine, offers an absorbing look at why and how humans can so wholeheartedly devote ourselves to certain animals and then allow others to suffer needlessly, especially those slaughtered for our consumption. Social psychologist Melanie Joy explores the many ways we numb ourselves and disconnect from our natural empathy for farmed animals. She coins the term "carnism" to describe the belief system that has conditioned us to eat certain animals and not others. In Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows Joy investigates factory farming, exposing how cruelly the animals are treated, the hazards that meatpacking workers face, and the environmental impact of raising 10 billion animals for food each year. Controversial and challenging, this book will change the way you think about food forever.
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“'The way we treat animals reflects the way we treat each other and ourselves.'”
Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows
By Melanie Joy PhD
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Melanie Joy, PhD, is an acclaimed author, speaker, and psychologist known for her pioneering work in social psychology and animal advocacy. She is the founder of Beyond Carnism, an organization that raises awareness about the invisible belief system that conditions people to eat certain animals but not others. Dr. Joy is the author of several notable works, including "Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows: An Introduction to Carnism" and "Getting Relationships Right: How to Build Resilience and Thrive in Life, Love, and Work." Her writing is characterized by a blend of academic rigor and accessible storytelling, making complex psychological concepts relatable to a broad audience. Through her work, she challenges societal norms regarding food and animal rights while advocating for compassion and justice.
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In 'Eating Animals,' Jonathan Safran Foer embarks on a profound journey that intertwines personal narrative with a deep ethical examination of our food choices. He explores the complex relationship between humans and animals, challenging readers to confront the consequences of eating meat. Through compelling storytelling, Foer reveals the stark realities of factory farming and its environmental impact. With poignant anecdotes and rigorous research, he evokes empathy for animal lives while questioning modern eating habits. This thought-provoking book leaves readers pondering not just what they eat, but the moral implications of their dietary decisions.