Defiant Daughters

When The Sexual Politics of Meat: A Feminist-Vegetarian Critical Theory by Carol J. Adams was published more than twenty years ago, it caused an immediate stir among writers and thinkers, feminists, and animal rights activists. Never before had the relationship between patriarchy and meat eating been drawn so clearly—the idea that there is a strong connection between the consumption of women and animals.

But, as the twenty-one personal stories in this anthology show, the impact of this provocative text on women's lives continues to this day, and it is as diverse as it is revelatory. One writer attempts to reconcile her feminist-vegan beliefs with her Muslim upbringing; a second makes the connection between animal abuse and her own self-destructive tendencies. A new mother discusses the sexual politics of breastfeeding, while another pens a letter to her young son about all she wishes for him in the future. Many others recall how the book inspired them to start careers in the music business, animal advocacy, and food. No matter whether they first read it in college or later in life, whether they are in their late teens or early forties, these writers all credit The Sexual Politics of Meat in one way or another with the awakening of their identities as feminists, activists, and women. Even if you haven’t read the original work, you’re sure to be moved and inspired by these tales of growing up and, perhaps more important, waking up to the truths around us.

Including a foreword from Carol J. Adams herself, this collection of fresh, bold voices defies expectations and provides rousing support for the belief that women have the power to change the world around them for this generation and those to come.

Featuring writing by:

Sarah E. Brown
Melinda Fox
Rochelle M. Green
Jennifer Grubbs
Ruby Hamad
Kate Jacoby
Kate Larson
Ashley Maier
Colleen Martell
Carolyn Mullin
Katy Otto
Margaret Perret
Dallas Rising
Marla Rose
Vidushi Sharma
Jasmin Singer
Darlene Smoot
Kim Socha
Sunaura Taylor
Laura Wright
Lagusta Yearwood