Carol J. Adams, the author of "The Sexual Politics of Meat: A Feminist Vegetarian Critical Theory" and "The Pornography of Meat," demonstrated a feminist insight into the meat industry to those gathered at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the HUB Ohio Room.
Using a slideshow to display pictures of animals personified in such a manner that made them appear like sexualized women and illustrations of sexualized women advertising animal products, Adams discussed inequality of sex, race and species.
"What's similar between pornography and meat-eating is the objectification of another for one's own pleasure," Adams said.
Attendees viewed the two forms of oppression combined into "anthropornography," a term Adams coined (according to doubletongued.org), for "the depiction of non-human animals as whores."
The term described the gender oppression upholding species oppression that Adams illustrated.
"The whole idea of this is that we ought to give him what he wants, that women are to serve men and be serving them meat," Adams said.
Stop consuming animals and women, Adams advised.
Commenting on the unstable poses of women in advertisements, Adams had women in the audience direct male volunteers to stand as a model in a Versace ad.
The audience's laughter drew its attention to the ridiculousness of the pelvis-rolled-back, backside-out, breasts-up, hand-on-thigh stance.
Though some depictions struck the funny bone of attendees, the night often took a serious tone as attendees gazed upon a particularly offensive photo, cartoon or advertisement.
Members of the audience presented arguments based on points within her speech and books.
One asked if plants did not have feelings and, if so, should people not turn to cannibalism. "None of us can go without leaving a footprint, but I'm trying to do the least harm that I can," Adams responded.
"We are working for a whole new world," she said at the close of her presentation.
"I think that the gap between passivity and activism at IUP is a large one, and it needs to be crossed," said Voices of Planned Parenthood President Harley Schultz (senior, English).
Two Feminists Theory and Introduction to Women's Studies students, Amber Musselman (sophomore, theater/psychology) and Jessa Winas (sophomore, political science), crossed that gap as part of their action projects for the classes.
After reinitiating the Women's Studies Organization, the two worked with WSO to organize Adams' visit to IUP.
Afterward, a vegan reception was held in the HUB Susquehanna Room, where attendees sampled vegan cuisine and desserts. Some attendees took the chance to speak with Adams one-on-one and have their books signed, though the official book signing took place from 6:30 p.m. until the start of the presentation.
Adams asked audience members to send her examples of the exploitations she spoke of, explaining that she collects the ephemera of pop culture.
For those who wish to send her something of the like, contact cja@caroljadams.com.
Be the first to comment on this article!