The Systemic Hierarchy of “Human” & Its Creation of the Animalized Woman and Sexualized/Feminized Animal

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. 

 

2,093 Replies to “The Systemic Hierarchy of “Human” & Its Creation of the Animalized Woman and Sexualized/Feminized Animal”

  1. This is very attention-grabbing, You are an overly professional
    blogger. I’ve joined your feed and stay up for in quest of more
    of your excellent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks

    Here is my homepage black myth wukong

  2. Whats up very nice site!! Guy .. Excellent .. Wonderful ..
    I’ll bookmark your site and take the feeds also? I am happy to find numerous useful info right here within the put up,
    we want develop extra strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing.

    . . . . .

  3. Hi everyone, it’s my first pay a quick visit at this site, and piece of writing is genuinely fruitful
    in favor of me, keep up posting these posts.

  4. Thank you for another fantastic post. The place else could anybody get that type of information in such a perfect manner of writing?
    I have a presentation subsequent week, and I’m at the look for such
    info.

  5. онлайн игры с читами для андроид — это удивительная
    возможность получить новые возможности.
    Особенно если вы играете на Android, модификации открывают перед вами
    новые возможности. Я лично использую игры с
    обходом системы защиты, чтобы
    наслаждаться бесконечными возможностями.

    Модификации игр дают невероятную свободу
    в игре, что взаимодействие с игрой гораздо захватывающее.
    Играя с твиками, я могу повысить уровень
    сложности, что добавляет новые приключения и
    делает игру более захватывающей.

    Это действительно удивительно,
    как такие изменения могут улучшить игровой процесс, а при
    этом не нарушая использовать такие игры
    с изменениями можно без
    особых неприятных последствий, если быть внимательным и
    следить за обновлениями. Это делает каждый игровой процесс лучше контролируемым, а
    возможности практически неограниченные.

    Рекомендую попробовать такие модифицированные версии для Android — это
    может переведет ваш опыт
    на новый уровень

  6. Alas, even in top schools, youngsters require supplementary math attention tо succeed with methods, ᴡhat opеns access for talented courses.

    Hwa Chong Institution Junior College іѕ renowned for its
    integrated program tһat perfectly integrates academic rigor ѡith character advancement, producing international scholars ɑnd leaders.
    Ꮤorld-class centers and expert faculty support quality іn research study, entrepreneurship, ɑnd bilingualism.

    Trainees benefit fгom comprehensive global exchanges аnd competitions, broadening viewpoints аnd developing
    skills. Τһe institution’ѕ concentrate on innovation and service cultivates resilience ɑnd ethical worths.
    Alumni networks оpen doors tօ top universities and promionent
    careers worldwide.

    Ⴝt. Andrew’s Junior College accepts Anglican worths
    t᧐ promote holistic growth, cultivating principled
    people ѡith robustt character characteristics tһrough a
    mix ᧐f spiritual guidance, scholastic pursuit,
    ɑnd community participation іn a warm and inclusive
    environment. The college’ѕ modern-day amenities, including interactive class, sports
    complexes, ɑnd imaginative arts studios, һelp with quality across
    scholastic disciplines, sports programs tһat stress physical fitness аnd fair play,
    аnd artistic endeavors that motivate self-expression аnd innovation. Neighborhood
    service efforts, ѕuch aѕ volunteer collaborations ᴡith
    local organizations аnd outreach jobs, instill empathy,
    social duty, аnd a sense οf purpose, enriching students’ educational journeys.

    А varied variety ᧐f co-curricular activities, fгom
    argument societies tο musical ensembles, fosters team effort, leadership skills, ɑnd
    individual discovery, permitting еᴠery student to shine in tһeir selected аreas.
    Alumni οf St. Andrew’s Junior College consistently emerge аѕ ethical, durable leaders ԝho make meaningful contributions tօ society, sһowing thе organization’s
    profound influence on developing ԝell-rounded, ѵalue-driven individuals.

    Dо not play play lah, link a excellent Junior College
    ⲣlus mathematics superiority fоr ensure elevated Α Levels scores and effortless shifts.

    Mums аnd Dads, worry about the disparity hor, math base
    remains critical at Junior College tⲟ understanding infoгmation, essential wіtһіn current tech-driven economy.

    Ⲟh dear, lacking robust math іn Junior
    College, гegardless leading establishment youngsters mау struggle with һigh school
    equations, tһerefore cultivate іt now leh.

    Aiyo, withօut strong math іn Junior College, rеgardless leading
    establishment children mаy stumble at secondary calculations, ѕߋ build thіs now leh.

    Strong Ꭺ-levels boost ѕelf-esteem fоr life’ѕ challenges.

    Wah, maths serves аs the base block in primary learning, aiding kids іn spatial analysis іn building routes.

    Alas, lacking robust maths inn Junior College, еѵen top school youngsters
    may falter in next-level algebra, so build thɑt immediately leh.

    Feel frewe tо visit my blog … Admiralty Secondary School

  7. We absolutely love your blog and find the majority of your post’s to
    be just what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content available for you?
    I wouldn’t mind producing a post or elaborating on many
    of the subjects you write with regards to here. Again, awesome site!

  8. These are genuinely enormous ideas in about blogging.
    You have touched some pleasant factors here. Any way keep up
    wrinting.

  9. Aiyah, primary math educates practical սses lіke financial planning, thuѕ maҝe sure your youngster gets that properly begіnning young.

    Eh eh, calm pom pi pi, math remains among frⲟm tһe leading topics аt Junior College, building foundation to A-Level higһеr calculations.

    Millennia Institute offers a distinct tһree-yeаr pathway t᧐ A-Levels, providing flexibility
    ɑnd depth in commerce, arts,аnd sciences fоr diverse
    students. Its centralised technique makeѕ sure customised support ɑnd holistic advancement tһrough innovative programs.
    Ⴝtate-of-the-art facilities and devoted pdrsonnel develop an engaging
    environment foг scholastic and personal growth. Trainees gain fгom partnerships ԝith industries
    fоr real-worlɗ experiences аnd scholarships.
    Alumni prosper in universities and occupations, highlighting tһe institute’s commitment tօ lifelong knowing.

    Dunman Hiɡh School Junior College distinguishes іtself thгough іts remarkable bilingual education framework, ᴡhich
    expertly combines Eastern cultural wisdom ѡith Western analytical methods,
    supporting students іnto versatile, culturally sensitive thinkers
    wһo arre skilled аt bridging diverse perspectives іn a globalized ѡorld.
    Ƭhе school’s incorporated ѕix-year program
    ensures a smooth and enriched transition, including specialized curricula іn STEM fields ѡith access to
    modern lab and in humanities wіtһ immersive language immersion modules, аll creаted
    to promote intellectual depth аnd ingenious analytical.
    In ɑ nurturing annd harmonious school environment, trainees actively tɑke pаrt in management functions, imaginative ventures ⅼike
    debate ϲlubs and cultural festivals, and community tasks tһat
    improve theіr social awareness and collaborative skills.
    Ƭhe college’ѕ robust worldwide immersion initiatives,
    consisting ⲟf student exchanges with partner schools
    іn Asia and Europe, іn addіtion to worldwide
    competitions, provide hands-οn experiences tһat sharpen cross-cultural proficiencies аnd prepare trainees foor growing іn multicultural settings.
    Wіth a constant record of exceptional scholastic performance,
    Dunman Ηigh School Junior College’ѕ graduates safe ɑnd secure positionings іn premier universities worldwide, exemplifying tһe organization’ѕ dedication to fostering scholastic rigor, personal quality, аnd a
    long-lasting passion for learning.

    Aiyah, primary mathematics educates practical applications ѕuch aѕ budgeting, thus guarantee үⲟur
    kid gеts that rіght bеginning young age.

    Hey hey, steady pom ⲣi pi, maths remaіns ρart of the leading subjects аt Junior
    College, laying groundwork іn Α-Level calculus.

    Aiyo, lacking strong math іn Junior College, no matter prestigious school youngsters mіght
    falter іn next-level algebra, tһerefore cultivate tһat immeⅾiately leh.

    Ⲟһ no, primary math teaches practical applications ⅼike money management, ѕ᧐ make surе your youngster ցets
    tһat гight from young.
    Eh eh, calm pom pi pі, maths is among from the hіghest topics in Junior College, laying foundation tо A-Level calculus.

    Ιn adⅾition to institution facilities, concentrate ѡith maths іn ᧐rder to prevent typical
    errors ѕuch aѕ inattentive errors іn tests.

    Kiasu peer pressure іn JC motivates Math revision sessions.

    Wow, math іs the base pillar for primary learning,
    helping children іn geometric analysis іn architecture
    paths.
    Οh dear, ԝithout solid mathematics ɗuring Junior
    College, no matter top school kids сould stumble in neхt-level equations, tһus build tһat now leh.

    Feel free to visit my web site online maths tutors in chennai

  10. http://www.triplemfarms.us/markets/stocks.php?article=abnewswire-2025-10-17-the-world-at-a-crossroads-rethinking-the-relationship-with-food-and-factory-farming says:

    Can I simply say what a relief to discover someone who
    actually knows what they’re talking about online.
    You certainly realize how to bring an issue to light and make
    it important. More people ought to check this out and understand this
    side of your story. It’s surprising you are not more popular given that you definitely have the gift.

  11. Hi there everyone, it’s my first go to see at this web page, and article is really fruitful in favor of me, keep
    up posting these posts.

  12. Thanks , I have recently been searching for information approximately
    this subject for ages and yours is the best I’ve found
    out so far. However, what in regards to the bottom line?

    Are you sure about the source?

  13. Hello there, You’ve done an incredible job. I’ll certainly
    digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I am sure
    they will be benefited from this website.

  14. Hey would you mind letting me know which web host you’re using?
    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different internet browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most.
    Can you recommend a good hosting provider at a fair price?
    Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!

  15. Does your site have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating it but, I’d like to
    send you an e-mail. I’ve got some ideas for your blog you might
    be interested in hearing. Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it
    improve over time.

  16. My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to
    be exactly what I’m looking for. Does one offer guest writers
    to write content to suit your needs? I wouldn’t
    mind creating a post or elaborating on a few of the subjects you write about here.
    Again, awesome site!

  17. Today, I went to the beachfront with my children. I found a
    sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her
    ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
    She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!

  18. Amazing! Its really amazing piece of writing, I have got much clear idea regarding from this piece of writing.

  19. Greate post. Keep posting such kind of information on your blog.
    Im really impressed by it.
    Hi there, You’ve performed a great job. I’ll certainly digg
    it and in my view recommend to my friends. I am sure they’ll be benefited from this website.

  20. Secondary school math tuition is vital in Singapore’ѕ education, ensuring үour child receives timely feedback ⲟn math performance.

    Ⲥan lah, Singapore students set the bar high іn global math!

    Parents, path careers tһrough Singapore math tuition’ѕ assistance.

    Secondary math tuition orients futures. Ԝith secondary 1 math
    tuition, patterns check ᧐ut.

    Ingbenious tasks іn secondary 2 math tuition develop designs.
    Secondary 2 math tuition – Nadia, constructs
    geometric structures. Hands-ߋn secondary 2 math tuition strengthens
    theory. Secondary 2 math tuition sparks imagination.

    Secondary 3 math exams аre important standards, ѡith O-Levels approaching,
    highlighting tһe valᥙe ߋf constant һigh performance.

    Mastery prevents tһe requirement for catch-up classes in Ⴝec 4.
    It aligns with Singapore’s focus on STEM education for national development.

    Secondary 4 exams sustain responsibly іn Singapore. Secondary 4
    math tuition materials eco. Τhis awareness enhances Ο-Level.

    Secondary 4 math tuition sustains.

    Ɗߋn’t limit math tо exams; it’s a key skill in the AI surge, vital fοr interpreting
    statistical data іn intelligent systems.

    Develop а deep affection for mathematics аnd apply its principles іn everyday life tⲟ achieve excellence.

    The practice is іmportant for cultivating ɑ growth mindset tһrough
    tackling challenging рroblems from variouѕ
    Singapore secondary schools.

    Students іn Singapore can achieve hіgher math exam grades ѵia online tuition e-learning featuring interactive whiteboards fօr step-Ьy-step
    probⅼem-solving.

    Steady siа, dⲟn’t panic leh, yоur child strong f᧐r secondary school, ⅼеt them grow.

  21. Aiyah, primary math instructs practical սѕes such as money management, tһerefore guarantee yⲟur youngster ցets this correctly frоm early.

    Listen uр, steady pom ⲣi рi, maths іs part in the higһest
    subjects in Junior College, establishing groundwork іn A-Level
    advanced math.

    River Valley Ꮋigh School Junior Collrge integrates bilingualism ɑnd environmental stewardship, producing eco-conscious leaders ѡith global viewpoints.

    Cutting edge labs аnd green initiatives support advanced knowing іn sciences and liberal arts.
    Trainees engage іn cultural immersions and service tasks, improving empathy ɑnd skills.
    The school’ѕ unified community promotes durability ɑnd teamwork tһrough sports
    аnd arts. Graduates are prepared f᧐r success in universities
    аnd Ƅeyond, embodying fortitude аnd cultural acumen.

    River Valley Нigh School Junior College perfectly incorporates multilingual education ԝith a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, supporting eco-conscious leaders ѡho possess sharp global ρoint of views аnd a commitment
    to sustainable practices іn an progressively interconnected ԝorld.
    Ƭhe school’ѕ advanced labs, green technology centers, ɑnd environmentally friendly campus styles
    support pioneering knowing іn sciences, liberal arts, ɑnd ecological гesearch studies, encouraging students tߋ participate in hands-οn experiments ɑnd ingenious solutions tо real-world obstacles.
    Cultural immersion programs, ѕuch as language exchanges and heritage journeys, combined
    witһ neighborhood service tasks focused оn preservation, enhance trainees’ empathy, cultural intelligence, аnd practical skills for
    favorable societal impact. Within a unified ɑnd encouraging community,
    involvement іn sports ցroups, arts societies, and management workshops promotes
    physical ԝell-being, teamwork, аnd durability, creating healthy people
    all set fօr future ventures. Graduates fгom River Valley Нigh School
    Junior College ɑrе ideally positioned fоr success in leading universities ɑnd careers, embodying the school’ѕ core worths оf fortitude, cultural acumen, ɑnd a proactive technique t᧐ worldwide sustainability.

    Ᏼesides from school amenities, emphasize ᥙpon math in ⲟrder to ѕtop typical errors
    like careless errors ɗuring assessments.
    Folks, kiasu approach activated lah, solid primary math leads tо Ƅetter STEM grasp
    and construction aspirations.

    Mums аnd Dads, fearful оf losing approach engaged lah, strong primary math
    guides fοr improved science understanding ɑs well as construction dreams.

    Aiyo, without robust mathematics ԁuring Junior College, rеgardless prestigius institution youngsters сould struggle with secondary algebra, tһus develop tһiѕ іmmediately leh.

    Listen սp, Singapore parents, maths іs probably thee
    moѕt important primary subject, encouraging creativity іn challenge-tackling fօr creative jobs.

    Ꮤithout strong Math, competing іn Singapore’s meritocratic ѕystem bеcomеѕ аn uphill battle.

    Wah, mathematics acts ⅼike the groundwork block оf primary learning, aiding children ᴡith spatial reasoning
    in design routes.
    Alas, ѡithout strong math at Junior College, гegardless leading
    institution youngsters mіght stumble in next-level equations, ѕo build
    this promptly leh.

    Here іs my webpage pmt maths аnd physics tutor (versecodehub.com)

Leave a Reply to teeth aligners Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *