Product Description

In her groundbreaking new book, Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows, Melanie Joy explores the invisible system that shapes our perception of the meat we eat, so that we love some animals and eat others without knowing why. She calls this system carnism. Carnism is the belief system, or ideology, that allows us to selectively choose which animals become our meat, and it is sustained by complex psychological and social mechanisms. Like other "isms" (racism, ageism, etc.), carnism is most harmful when it is unrecognized and unacknowledged. Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows names and explains this phenomenon and offers it up for examination. Unlike the many books that explain why we shouldn't eat meat, Joy's book explains why we do eat meat -- and thus how we can make more informed choices as citizens and consumers.

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A Must-Read for Meat-Eaters, Vegetarians and Vegans        Rating:

The book explores the psychology behind eating meat, which goes beyond simply being raised to eat meat.

The author examines the ways that animal agribusiness, and society as a whole, prevent people from questioning and changing their behavior.

Melanie Joy coins a new term to describe meat-eaters: carnists. These are people who _choose_ to eat animals.

The book, though, doesn't criticize carnists. In fact, it's written for them, for people who haven't escaped animal agribusiness's mind-hold.

But vegetarians and vegans should read this book, too, not only to learn the psychology behind this ingrained behavior but possibly to generate strategies for appealing to carnists to change their ways. Of course, as Joy writes, people won't change until they're psychologically ready. But every little bit, every seed we plant, helps.

Wonderfully accessable and articulate book. Not surprised meat eaters are angered by it        Rating:

Most of the negative reviews here center around 2 issues. 1) Dr. Joy invented the term "carnism". 2) The book makes some feel bad about consuming animal products. While point 1 doesn't mean much to me, I guess it's true. Dr. Joy invented the term "carnism". So what? Singer invented the term "Ethical Vegan". Jesse Jackson coined the term "African American". Terminology is how our language/knowing progresses ... people identify a trend in the way we do/refuse/label things/people and then give it a name.
Point 2: This book, I imagine, would raise issues of guilt in someone who is accustom to consuming animals. When I first learned the realities of factory farms, I ate meat and dairy and continued to do so for a while after. It wasn't until the guilt and horror of the reality overcame me that I stopped feeling guilty and started feeling angry. This reaction is NOT because this book is twisting facts or presenting falsehoods, but because it does the opposite, and the current system that enables the meat and dairy industries are horrifying. These are systems of suffering and indifference. It is not the author making you feel that way, it is your conscious.
Be open to it. The truth, even though it's painful & difficult, will empower you and ultimately benefit our world and every being on it.

Great resource, interesting delivery        Rating:

I love the title of this book! The title asks a simple question of why we do what we do. The author, who is a psychologist (not a cookbook author, not trying to sell you a diet), doesn't go on to say that it is wrong, but just interesting and lets the reader decide for him or her self. There are many facts in this book but they are not overwhelming. They are delivered in a brief and concise way that makes it interesting for the reader to enjoy. I especially enjoyed the first two chapters where the questions are asked, "what if you found out your beef stew was actually golden retriever meat?" and second, "what is the difference between pigs and dogs?" You might be surprised by the answers you reveal for yourself.

Empowering        Rating:

Amazing book! A much needed dose of reality. You won't put this book down unchanged. Do your psyche a favor; get a copy today! Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows: An Introduction to Carnism

get it and read it        Rating:

So many of you have negative opinion about the animal liberation movement. Mostly because you cover your ears and eyes before any argument can actually reach you. Please, give yourself a chance and educate yourself with this book.

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