How does the media shape the way we think about animals? Why do we see some as food and others as companions? This article explores the hidden power of media in reinforcing societal norms that justify animal exploitation—and how vegan campaigners are using storytelling, activism, and strategic messaging to challenge these narratives. By uncovering the ways media obscures animal suffering and examining how advocacy can reframe the conversation, we explore the opportunities and challenges of shifting public perception toward a more compassionate world.
Carol Adams
What if meat were more than just food—what if it were shaped by cultural, economic, and psychological forces that influence our relationships with animals? In his book, Interpreting Meat: Theorizing the Commodification and Consumption of Animals, professor Teddy Duncan Jr. challenges us to rethink meat as a commodity deeply tied to cultural practices and beliefs. In this interview, Duncan explores the language surrounding meat, the values that shape human-animal relationships, and how understanding these dynamics can lead to a more compassionate and reflective engagement with the world around us.
Laura Wright, Professor of English at Western Carolina University, introduces The Vegan Studies Project, which explores veganism as an identity and ideology, and considers its depiction in literature, the arts, popular culture, and the media.