The Politics of Eating

In the animal rights movement, the impact of our diet choices is often discussed and well-recognized. You're not just eating a steak, you are contributing to global warming, factory farming, deforestation, and the death of an innocent, sentient being.

The ramifications of our diet choices are important in relation to other issues, as well. Carol Adams' book, "The Sexual Politics of Meat," (Buy Direct) examines feminist issues as they relate to vegetarianism. "Fast Food Nation" (Buy Direct) by Eric Schlosser exposes unscrupulous marketing to children by McDonald's, the exploitative labor practices of the meat-packing industry, and the health hazards associated with fast food. And Linda Lowen, the Guide to Women's Issues, has written a very interesting blog post on our dining choices and how they relate to privilege, consumerism and capitalism.