Though not a vegetarian himself, Fiddes (Social
Anthropology/Edinburgh Univ.) has wondered at the vehemence with
which vegetarianism is often dismissed as a fad, attacked as a
conspiracy, or worse. In this sound inquiry, he examines the
unstated symbolic importance that meat has for all of us,
determining why we do or do not eat it and how we think, feel, and
behave regarding it. While discoursing along the way on such
matters as our views on cannibalism; our exemption of pets,
primates, and carnivores from the edible animal category; and our
association of meat with different aspects of sex, the sexes, and
relations between them, Fiddes sees meat chiefly as a symbol and
clement of human mastery over nature. (Thus the cruel and bloody
aspect of meat is not a regrettable side effect but essential to
its role.) Meat-eating, he notes, increased in practice and
prestige during the Industrial Revolution, with its emphasis on
mastering and transforming nature. Earlier, when people had more to
fear from wild animals and natural forces, meat killing and eating
was a comforting symbol of control. But now that we are recognizing
the environmental destruction caused by the abuse of human power
over nature, meat-eating is declining - a trend, Fiddes suggests,
that could be the "harbinger of the evolution of new values."
Harbinger or no, Fiddes's discussion of all this is perceptive and
sensible. As for the common dangers of this sort of undertaking -
pedantic obscurity, belaboring the obvious, sounding far-fetched -
he triumphantly avoids them all. (Kirkus Reviews)
"Meat" is a broad-ranging and provocative study of the human
passion for meat. It aims to intrigue anyone who has ever wondered
why meat is important to us: why we eat some animals but not
others; why vegetarianism is increasing; why we aren't cannibals;
and how meat is associated with environmental destruction. Nick
Fiddes argues that meat's primary cultural importance is founded on
its vividly representing to us the domination we have sought over
nature - not as individuals, but as members of a society which has
historically placed great value on that power. The book draws on
original research and analyzes academic work, trade journals,
advertisements, the popular press, fiction and film. It is
extensively illustrated by quotes from conversations with farmers,
butchers, vegetarian campaigners, and members of the general
public. Placing Western preferences in a historical and
cross-cultural context, the book questions the rationality of much
that we take for granted, and explains many inconsistencies and
incongruities in our behaviour. It is a penetrating and original
discussion of our "natural" everyday world. This book should be of
interest to those in the fields of anthropology
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
(4)
(1)
