Speak Out for Species

On an episode of Unscripted that aired earlier this summer, we had a guest (neuroscientist and philospher Barry Smith) who talked about how our ideas about animals' perception and ability to feel pain have evolved over time. This lecture tonight by Melanie Joy based on her award-winning book "Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows: An Introduction to Carnism," will likely take that discussion quite a bit further:

Joy explores the invisible belief system that shapes the perception of the meat humans eat, so that humans love some animals and eat others without knowing why. Joy is a psychologist, professor, author and speaker who teaches psychology and sociology at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Sponsored by Speak Out for Species.

Joy's book examines why people feel affection and compassion for certain animals but are callous to the suffering of others, and how humans can make more informed choices as citizens and consumers.

The event at 7 p.m. in room 148 of the MLC is sponsored by the campus group Speak Out for Species. It sounds like an interesting and critical take on a part of our lives we, at least in the west, seldom consider.