The Consumption of Women and Animals: A More Effective Way to Combat Fragile Masculinity When We Protest

Author: Ling Fei Liu

Field of Study: Social Sciences

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Matthew Cole

Easel: 12

Timeslot: Afternoon

Abstract: The normalized sexualization of meat by corporate advertisements has led to the dehumanization of women, mental interchangeability of women and meat, and the solidification of traditional (and toxic) ideas of masculinity and femininity. Examining this connection may help create breakthroughs in effective communication strategies to achieve women’s and animal rights, and help men realize climate change isn’t only a “feminine” problem. In this study, the effectiveness of language and methods of protest used by women’s rights activists will be analyzed by looking at social responses to protests from each movement. Since these movements challenge ideals of toxic masculinity, understanding what language and methods are better or worse received by men can make appealing to men and achieving each movement’s goal easier. However, this study isn’t a definitive end-all solution, its purpose is to to inform activist movements by highlighting this interconnecting perspective and effective protest methods.