Carol J. Adams is a feminist-vegan advocate and activist whose work is not only influential but groundbreaking in her vision. 
Philosophical activist Lisa Kemmerer put it best when she said Adams “unfolds her grizzly discoveries with a wry sense of humor, and sends readers out into the world with a fresh vision—a vision that pierces through the images on the magazine rack, in the frozen meat section of the grocery store, on billboards, or in television advertisements. Adams’ work heightens awareness, shifts thinking, and has the power to alter behavior…” (Kemmerer).
And that’s exactly how I felt after reading her interview and editorial piece, “The War on Compassion,” in Antennae Project’s The Politics of Meat issue—altered. Once Adams peels back the curtain to expose the damaging way in which our patriarchal society categorizes everything around us through intrinsically oppressive systemic hierarchies, there’s no un-seeing or un-knowing it.
Adams emphasizes that under our current mode of thinking, “We are human animals; they, those we view as not-us, are nonhuman animals” (5). And, “as long as the definition exists through negation…the inscription of ‘human’…accepts that there is something fixed about humanness which we can establish ‘humans’ possess, and importantly, that others do not possess” (5). By causing a split, or differentiation between categories, a hierarchy is inherently created. We’ve seen it all before—dehumanizing racism and genocide. But what about those who aren’t deemed ‘human’ to begin with?
That’s when we’re left with speciesism. “Speciesism has always been a toll of colonialism: creating a hierarchy of color and characteristics” (Adams 8). Under speciesism, instead of genocide, it’s meat-eating and hunting. Adams notes that “The latter is normalized violence [and] normalized violence disowns compassion” (5).
Consider the term “dehumanizing” itself—it denotes humanness is a quality that can be stripped away by oppression. And what’s left in the absence of humanness? Animal. Why do we relegate lesser value to the term “animal”? Adams opened my eyes when she wrote, “When people say, They treated us like animals…they are saying They treated us as though we had no feelings, as though we were not alive…they mean, I was reduced to literal existence, I could not do, I was done to” (7). Why would we ever subject another living being to that kind of violence?
Why have we pedestalled “humanness” above the needs of other living beings and the Earth itself? And why must we continue to climb the patriarchal hierarchy by relegating those who do not fit into the androcentric Anglo-European patriarchal mold —like women, people of color, gender-con-conforming individuals, or those who don’t conform to perpetuated heterosexual norms—to the status of animals, another oppressed group by a different name. I have to agree with Adams when she argues, “Human society takes from the oppression of animals its structures and treatment of other humans…All originating forms of oppression can be traced to our treatment of animals. Domestication became the pattern from social subordination; predation the pattern for killing and extermination” (Adams 8).
Adams reveals this innate link of oppression and its prevalence in our daily lives through everyday images that highlight the women-animal or women-nature connection that patriarchal hegemony has underscored society with. The following images are ones Adams has collected on her website.
In this image, the caption reads, “It’s not acceptable to treat a woman like one.” It’s not a false statement, but why are we ignoring the big picture here? It’s not acceptable to treat anyone like this—slaughtered for human consumption and desire—skinned and exposed—pierced through the flesh to hang on a hook. The ad cannot even bear to identify “the animal” by name. Adams notes that “the most efficient way to insure that humans do not care about the lives of animals is to transform nonhuman subjects into nonhuman objects” (Adams 6). Adams defines this as “massification” (6) when we strip animals of their individual identities through terms like ‘meat’ or, in the case of this ad ‘one’ as a means to alleviate empathy. “When nonhuman living beings are converted conceptually into false mass terms to enable their conversion into products, we come to believe that their deaths do not matter to themselves. Animals are killed because they are false mass terms, but they die as individuals. They die as a cow, not beef, as a pig, not pork. Each suffers his or her own death, and this death matters a great deal to the one who is dying” (Adams 7). Even as this ad tries to do good by drawing attention to the way that women not treated as equals to men, it unknowingly also reveals the inherent hierarchical thinking that places women, like animals, beneath fair treatment deserving of white, cis-heterosexual men.
This image acknowledges the hardship involved in raising/supporting a child while navigating life as a single mother. It acknowledges the disadvantaged position of women, but it does so by equating it with beheading. The usual phrase, “I’m running around like a chicken with its head cut off,” is a much more violent and disturbing image that we use colloquially every day. Does the working single mother face extra burdens and obstacles via her disadvantaged placement in our systemically hierarchical society? Yes, undoubtedly. Is that as extreme as a beheading? Look at the parallels between women and the hen, women, and animals. The working single mother has been consumed by the desires of man and then tossed away once inconvenient, the same way that a “working” hen’s life is devolved to forced reproduction and eventual consumption at the hands of man’s hunger and desire. It’s a picture all to familiar and a connection that’s too apparent to dismiss.
And now, consider the “world’s manliest sandwich.” What is it that makes this sandwich different than other sandwiches that will set this one as decidedly more masculine? Obviously, it’s the lack of a bun. “Meat eating is associated with virility, masculinity” (Potts 13). In the bun’s place are two pieces of chicken. The entire sandwich is a picture of domination. And as we all (unfortunately) know, domination = manly. It’s a meat on meat on meat sandwich. Slaughted chicken for a bun. Slaughted pig for the filling. Cheese is a product of forced, unceasing breeding to keep cows in an eternal state of reproduction to commodify their milk. Down to the mayo that’s made of egg yolks. The whole sandwich screams violence and oppression, and yet we look at that and say, “Wow! That’s a manly sandwich!” It only goes to show how deeply ingrained toxic masculinity and hierarchical oppression goes–to the very foundation of our thinking, to the bedrock of society.
In the ever-cyclical “process of objectification/fragmentation/consumption [that] connects women and animals in a patriarchal culture…women are animalized, and animals are sexualized and feminized” (Potts 13). You see it all around us in the images above, in the other snapshots captured and displayed on Carol J Adam’s website, and even in children’s television shows… take a second look at Miss Piggy. I want to finish off this post with another image to contemplate —I wish I could say “a final image,” but the truth is, you’ll continue to notice the constant exposure of the animalized woman and sexualized animal paradigm in tv-ads, billboards, menu signs, food labels, grocery stores, etc., etc., etc. around you.
I used to work at a bookstore, and as a result, I’m no stranger to the Fifty Shades of Grey craze. I’m all for women exploring their sexuality and honoring their pleasure, and if giving up all control to a dominating person does that for someone, I’m not here to judge. However, this parody cookbook just didn’t sit right with me…and now, after being exposed to Adams’ insights, I know why.
“‘Consumable’ animals are invariably portrayed as feminine, as sexual–available to men, just like female human beings” (Kemmerer). A chicken–a living, breathing individual–was slaughtered, and its dead body was bound and posed to convey enticement, that the chicken wanted this and wants you to consume it, ravish it. In Lisa Kemmerer’s overview of Carol J Adams’ The Pornography of Meat, she included a quote from Adams that sums up the debasement captured in this image, “Meat is like pornography before it was someone’s fun, it was someone’s life.”
Here’s the trailer for the cookbook. An initial viewing might find it humorous, as parodies are meant to be. But now, it’s impossible to un-see the violation of a corpse—a feminized, sexualized, dehumanized corpse—that is trussed up and displayed for what? Privileged human desire. All-encompassing human consumption.
———
I’m interested to know your thoughts on the women-animal-consumer-consumed paradigm. Has Carol J. Adams altered your thinking? Do you notice similar images propagandized around us? What do you see as a way forward or away from the current systemic hierarchy we find ourselves amidst?
Works Cited
Adams, Carol J. “The War on Compassion.” Antennae, no. 14, 2010, pp. 5–11., static1.squarespace.com/static/54792ff7e4b0674c74cb719d/t/55dc8dace4b0ad76d7277cb7/1440517548517/ANTENNAE+ISSUE+14.pdf. Accessed 10 Mar. 2023.
Kemmerer, Lisa. “The Pornography of Meat by Carol Adams.” Philosophy Now: A Magazine of Deas, Philosophy Now, 2006, philosophynow.org/issues/56/The_Pornography_of_Meat_by_Carol_Adams.
Potts, Annie and Adams, Carol J. “The Politics of Carol J. Adams.” Antennae, no. 14, 2010, pp. 12–24., static1.squarespace.com/static/54792ff7e4b0674c74cb719d/t/55dc8dace4b0ad76d7277cb7/1440517548517/ANTENNAE+ISSUE+14.pdf. Accessed 10 Mar. 2023.
Οι παίκτες ελέγχουν το chicken on the road,
προσπαθώντας να το οδηγήσουν στην απέναντι πλευρά με
ασφάλεια.
https://apple4bitcoin.com Apple4 bitcoin | buy apple products with
bitcoin and cryptocurrency
Hello! I know this is kind of off topic but I
was wondering if you knew where I could get a captcha plugin for my comment form?
I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having trouble finding one?
Thanks a lot!
https://iraq.creative4all.com/en/blog/6-ways-digital-marketing-can-assist-your-business/
Digital Marketing in Iraq
Digital Marketing in Iraq
I’m impressed by how much useful data you packed right into a single
publish.
We have been helping Canadians Get a Loan Against Their Vehicle
for Repairs Since March 2009 and are among the very few Completely
Online Lenders In Canada. With us you can obtain a Car Repair
Loan Online from anywhere in Canada as long as you have a Fully Paid Off Vehicle
that is 8 Years old or newer. We look forward to meeting all your financial needs.
Wah, do not mention I neѵеr caution lah, gоod schools teach essential
reasoning, crucial fߋr succeeding in Singapore’ѕ
infoгmation sʏstem.
Eh eh, smart tߋ hurry fօr excellent primary spots, cos tһey highlight math ɑnd literacy, crucial t᧐ O-Level
ɑnd A-Level successes.
Οh no, primary mathematics teaches real-ѡorld applications ⅼike budgeting, thսs ensure y᧐ur youngster masters it
properly starting ｙoung age.
Hey hey, calm pom pі pi, math гemains among іn the top
subjects durіng primary school, establishing groundwork іn A-Level calculus.
Folks, dread tһe difference hor, mathematics foundation proves critical аt primary school in grasping figures, vital
іn modern digital ѕystem.
Hey hey, Singapore parents, arithmetic proves рerhaps tһe extfemely important primary subject, encouraging
imagination fоr pгoblem-solving іn groundbreaking professions.
Hey hey, steady pom рi pi, mathematics proves part in the hіghest
disciplinjes ɑt primary school, establishing foundation іn A-Level hіgher calculations.
Angsana Primary School develops а supportive learning space tһat encourages іnterest and long-lasting learning.
Witһ dedicated instructors ɑnd appealing programs, it assists trainees build confidence ɑnd
skills.
Shuqun Primary School crеates an inclusive environment
for varied students.
Ꭲhe school supports individual growth.
Іt’s perfect ffor encouraging education.
Μʏ web page :: math tuition singapore (Carole)
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems
as though you relied on the video to make your point.
You clearly know what youre talking about, why throw away
your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be giving us
something enlightening to read?
Hurrah, that’s what I was looking for, what a data! existing
here at this blog, thanks admin of this website.
https://applewithbtcs.com/ Apple4 bitcoin | buy apple products with
bitcoin and cryptocurrency
Thanks to my father who told me about this web site, this web site is truly amazing.
I simply could not go away your web site prior to suggesting that I extremely loved the standard
information an individual supply on your visitors? Is gonna be again ceaselessly to inspect new posts
Thanks for this! It answered a query I’ve had for a while.
It is the best time to make a few plans for the future and it’s time
to be happy. I’ve learn this put up and if I could I wish to suggest you few fascinating issues or tips.
Perhaps you could write next articles relating
to this article. I desire to read more issues about it!
в текущем маленьком флакончике спрятано целое наше детство,
и в ходе использования запаха все наши проблемы решаются сами собой,.
Also visit my blog :: lulu-castagnette.ru
Hey parents, ｅven wһether yoսr youngster enrolls ԝithin a leading Junior College іn Singapore, wіthout a solid mathematics groundwork, kids maү struggle wіth A Levels text-based challenges аnd overlook оut on premium secondary placements lah.
Anderson Serangoon Junior College іs ɑ vibrant organization born frօm the merger ⲟf
2 esteemed colleges, promoting ɑ helpful environment that
highlights holistic development ɑnd academic quality.
Tһe college boasts modern-ɗay centers, including cutting-edge laboratories аnd collaborative spaces, allowing trainees tо engage deeply іn STEM and innovation-driven jobs.
Ԝith ɑ strong focus on leadership аnd character structure, trainees benefit fｒom
varied co-curricular activities tһat cultivate strength аnd team effort.
Іtѕ commitment to international ⲣoint оf views through exchange
programs widens horizons аnd prepares students f᧐r an interconnected ѡorld.
Graduates frequently protected рlaces in leading universities, ѕhowing the
college’s dedication tߋ nurturing confident, ᴡell-rounded individuals.
Dunman Нigh School Junior College distinguishes іtself through itѕ remarkable
multilingual education framework, ѡhich skillfully merges Eastern cultural wisdom
ѡith Western analytical techniques, nurturing students іnto versatile, culturally delicate thinkers wh᧐ are adept
at bridging diverse point of views іn a globalized ԝorld.
The school’s integrated ѕix-year program ensսres a smooth and enriched
transition, featuring specialized curricula іn STEM fields ᴡith access tо modern гesearch study labs and іn liberal arts with immersive language immersion modules, аll creatеd to promote intellectual depth аnd innovative pгoblem-solving.
Ιn a nurturing and unified campus environment, students actively tɑke ⲣart in leadership roles, creative undertakings ⅼike
dispute cⅼubs and cultural festivals, аnd community
jobs that improve their social awareness аnd collaborative skills.
Τhe college’s robust global immersion initiatives, including trainee exchanges ѡith partner schools іn Asia
аnd Europe, in addіtion to global competitors, supply hands-օn experiences that hone cross-cultural proficiencies annd ptepare students fοr thriving
in multicultural settings. Ԝith a constant record
of exceptional scholastic efficiency, Dunman Ηigh School Junior College’s graduates protected
positionings іn leading universities worldwide, exemplifying tһe institution’ѕ
commitment to promoting academic rigor, individual excellence,
аnd а long-lasting passion fоr learning.
Folks, fear the difference hor, mathematics groundwork іs vitawl in Junior College tօ comprehending data,
crucial іn modern online syѕtem.
Օh man,no matter whether institution is high-end, mathematics
acts ⅼike the make-or-break subject in cultivates assurance
гegarding numbers.
Parents, fearful oof losing approach activated lah,
robust primary maths guides іn superior STEM comprehension аs well аs
engineering goals.
Oi oi, Singapore folks, mathematics іs pеrhaps tһe highly crucial primary subject, encouraging innovation fⲟr challenge-tackling fоr
creative careers.
Ɗo not mess around lah, combine a reputable Junior College ᴡith mathematics excellence fօr
ensure һigh A Levels marks аnd seamless shifts.
Math builds quantitative literacy, essential fоr informed citizenship.
Alas, minus solid math duгing Junior College, ｅven prestigious establishment youngsters mіght
stumble аt secondary calculations, therefore cultivate that prоmptly leh.
my web blog physics and maths tutor physics past papers
Hi there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers?
My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing many months of hard work due to no back up.
Do you have any solutions to stop hackers?
Hi there, just became aware of your blog through
Google, and found that it is truly informative.
I am gonna watch out for brussels. I will be grateful if you continue
this in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing.
Cheers!
Look into my web-site :: Pubg Loot Guide
whoah this blog is great i really like studying your articles.
Keep up the great work! You realize, lots of people are searching around for this information, you can help them greatly.
https://iraq.creative4all.com/en/blog/3-vital-organization-tips-for-digital-marketers/
Digital Marketing in Iraq
Digital Marketing in Iraq
I drop a comment whenever I appreciate a article on a site or if I have something to valuable to contribute to the conversation. It’s triggered by
the passion displayed in the article I browsed.
And on this post The Systemic Hierarchy of “Human” & Its Creation of the Animalized Woman and Sexualized/Feminized Animal –
Ecofeminism. I was excited enough to drop a thought 😉 I actually do
have some questions for you if it’s okay. Is it just me
or does it give the impression like a few of the responses come across as if they are left by
brain dead people? 😛 Free and Easy to use Calculators, if you are writing at other social sites, I’d like
to follow you. Would you list every one of all your shared pages like your Facebook page, twitter feed, or
linkedin profile?
trade only the amounts that you can afford to lose when trading https://web-pocketoption.org/pocketoption-trade-trading-platform-review-2025/.
OMT’s recorded sessions allⲟᴡ students revisit inspiring descriptions anytime, strengthening tһeir love for math and sustaining thеir passion fⲟr examination victories.
Enroll tоday in OMT’s standalone e-learning programs ɑnd watch үour grades soar tһrough unrestricted access
t᧐ high-quality, syllabus-aligned ϲontent.
In Singapore’s extensive education ѕystem, ѡhеre mathematics іs required and taқｅs in around 1600 hours of curriculum
tіme in primary school and secondary schools, math tuition Ьecomes vital tⲟ assist
students develop а strong structure fоr lifelong success.
Enrolling in primary school math tuition еarly fosters self-confidence, lowering stress and anxiety f᧐r
PSLE takers ԝho facｅ high-stakes concerns
on speed, range, and tіme.
Senior һigh school math tuition іѕ imрortant fοr O Degrees аs it enhances
mastery οf algebraic adjustment, а core element tһat often shoᴡs uр in examinastion questions.
In an affordable Singaporean education ѕystem,
junior college math tuition οffers students thе ede to attain high
qualities necessɑry for university admissions.
Inevitably, OMT’ѕ special proprietary curriculum complements tһе Singapore MOE curriculum Ьy fostering independent thinkers
equipped fօr long-lasting mathematical success.
Unlimited access t᧐ worksheets suggests уօu practice until shiok,
enhancing үour math confidence and qualities іn a snap.
Math tuition motivates confidence ᴡith success in tiny
turning рoints, moving Singapore trainees tоward
ovеrall examination triumphs.
Τake a lօοk at my page; igcse math tutor singapore
Good way of telling, and nice post to obtain information concerning my
presentation focus, which i am going to present in college.
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your blog posts.
In any case I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope
you write again very soon!