“Animals belong in cages”: Normalizing domination in Children’s toys, books and cartoons
In this video I speak briefly about how mainstream children’s, toys, shows and books normalize the dominating and exploitative relationship that most humans in the West have with non-human animals. I think about what this means for my 2 year old who I want to teach how to critically think about, and question normalizing narratives and images of not just the ‘proper submissive’ place of non human animals as being in cages, zoos, farms, etc., but also question the normalizing narratives of hierarchies, power, and privilege and how this relates to racial, gender, nature, and class oppression.
Animal on the Farm birthday card
"Circus animals"
Breeze Harper
melissa danielle
Hi Breeze. hope everything is going well. I watched your video. Very Interesting, I just want to suggest you to visit this blog
vegbooks.org where you could find reviews of children books that give an alternative vision of our relationship with other animals.
Thanks Massimo. I am looking through them now!
Thanks for this post and the blog! It is very eye-opening. The information you’ve posted has helped me so much. I’m re-thinking my stance on animal rights. Also, I’m sure I’ll become a vegan in the future now that I see the intersectionality betwwen food, race, class and other things. I have also found one of Queen Afua’s books which will no doubt help me become a healthier vegitarian and transition into veganism.
You are welcome. I have always preferred Queen Afua’s method and rationalization of veganism. She really connects to me as a black woman, in ways that the mainstream vegan literature simply has not (Because it’s catered largely to white middle class embodied experiences).
I love your site. Im a college student & I like this video a lot. I have a 9 y/o goddaughter & the societal impacts on her thought process is clear. Im just happy i’m around to offer a different perspective for her. Kids love when “other people” tell them info or people who seem to be experts. I also think their learning is impacted when their peers are learning w/them. I think a great way to aid in a childs understanding are ‘field trips’. Take them to places that support your goals, I know they’re probably a lot in CA. Im in the DC area. Things such as sustainable organic farms where they can pick food & can learn. Maybe go on a tour of a recycle center. Or you can host eco-friendly activities for him and his friends maybe once a month & get the other moms involved. Keep up the good work!
I loved your video about animal exploitation. I don’t know if you’ve attended the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival every August, but you would find a great group of women there who would be interested in learning more about you and your thoughts as a woman of color, a mother, and a woman in the world. Take a look at the festival: http://www.michfest.com It’s a wonderful experience, and I have learned an immense amount from the women who volunteer to host workshops on various issues. I think you would be a great workshop leader! Thanks for your perspectives, and hopefully, I’ll see you in August.