7 Critical Animal Studies Theories Shattering Media Representations of Animal Others

In a world increasingly dominated by multimedia platforms, the media plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions and attitudes towards the animal kingdom. From advertising campaigns featuring adorable animals to documentaries highlighting wildlife conservation efforts, representations of animal others in the media have a profound impact on our understanding and empathy towards non-human species. However, critical animal studies and theories have emerged to challenge the dominant narratives perpetuated by the media, offering alternative perspectives that shed light on the complex dynamics between humans and animals. This article explores seven critical animal studies theories that aim to dismantle traditional representations of animal others and promote a more ethical approach to the media's portrayal of non-human beings.

1. Posthumanism: Beyond Human-Centric Perspectives

Posthumanist theories challenge the anthropocentric view that places humans as superior beings. By considering the agency and subjectivity of animals, posthumanism questions the media's traditional portrayal of animal others as passive objects or merely extensions of human desires. This theory emphasizes the inherent value of non-human species and promotes a more egalitarian relationship with animals, aiming to reshape the media's representation of animal others as sentient beings with their own interests and rights.

2. Intersectionality: Dismantling Hierarchies

Intersectionality advocates for an understanding of the interconnectedness between various forms of oppression, including those inflicted upon animals. By recognizing the parallels between the struggles faced by marginalized human communities and the exploitation of animals, this theory exposes how the media's representation of animal others often perpetuates hierarchies and reinforces power structures. By incorporating an intersectional lens, the media can move beyond simplistic portrayals and encourage a more nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between marginalized humans and animals.

Screening the Nonhuman: Representations of Animal Others in the Media (Critical Animal Studies and Theory)

by Amber E. George(Reprint Edition, Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
File size	:	1752 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	239 pages

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3. Animal Geographies: Expanding the Narrative

Animal geographies explore the spatial relationships between humans and animals, challenging the media's portrayal of animal others as mere background elements or objects within human-dominated spaces. This theory emphasizes the importance of acknowledging animals' presence within their own habitats and communities, encouraging the media to portray animals not as exotic creatures in isolation but as active participants in their respective environments. By amplifying the perspectives of non-human beings, the media can contribute to a more comprehensive and inclusive narrative that transcends human-centric biases.

4. Feminist Animal Studies: Recognizing Intersectional Oppression

Feminist animal studies examine the intersections of gender and species, revealing how the media's representation of animal others often reinforces patriarchal values and gendered oppression. By highlighting the ways in which female animals are objectified, commodified, and subjected to violence in the media, this theory exposes the underlying systems of power that perpetuate animal exploitation. Through a feminist lens, the media can challenge these oppressive norms and promote a more compassionate and egalitarian portrayal of animal others.

5. Eco-Criticism: Unmasking Ecological Injustice

Eco-criticism interrogates the media's commodification of nature and the natural world, exposing how these representations often contribute to the exploitation and destruction of ecosystems. By unveiling the interconnectedness between human actions and environmental degradation, this theory advocates for a more responsible and sustainable portrayal of animal others in the media. By raising awareness about ecological justice, the media can play a pivotal role in fostering a more empathetic and environmentally conscious society.

6. Animal Autobiography: Giving Voice to the Voiceless

Animal autobiographies challenge the media's anthropocentric bias by providing animals with a platform to share their stories and experiences. By amplifying animal voices through narratives, poetry, and art, this theory disrupts the traditional narratives imposed by the media, allowing for greater empathy and understanding towards animal others. By prioritizing the perspectives of non-human beings, the media can foster a more empathetic and inclusive portrayal of animals, promoting a world where animal others are seen as sentient individuals with unique stories to tell.

7. Animal Rights Activism: Empowering Change

Animal rights activism seeks to challenge and transform the media's representation of animal others by mobilizing social and political movements. By raising awareness about animal exploitation, promoting ethical consumption, and advocating for legislative change, this theory empowers individuals and communities to actively resist and challenge oppressive media narratives. Through animal rights activism, the media can be held accountable for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and encouraged to adopt a more compassionate approach to portraying animal others.

Critical animal studies and theories offer invaluable insights into the media's representation of animal others, exposing the inherent biases and oppressive structures often perpetuated by mainstream media platforms. By embracing posthumanism, intersectionality, animal geographies, feminist animal studies, eco-criticism, animal autobiography, and animal rights activism, the media can play a transformative role in challenging dominant narratives and fostering a more inclusive, compassionate, and ethical portrayal of animal others. By subverting traditional representations, the media can contribute to building a more just and harmonious relationship between humans and animals.

Screening the Nonhuman: Representations of Animal Others in the Media (Critical Animal Studies and Theory)

by Amber E. George(Reprint Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1752 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	239 pages

FREE

Screening the Nonhuman draws connections between how animals represented on screen translate into reality. In doing so, the book demonstrates that consuming media is not a neutral act but rather a political one. The images humans consume have real world consequences for how animals are treated as actors, as pets, and in nature. The contributors propose that altering the representations of animals can change the way humans relate to non/humans. Our hope is for humans to generate more ethical relationships with non/humans, ultimately mediating reality both in terms of fiction and non-fiction. To achieve this end, film, television, advertisements, and social media are analyzed through an intersectional lens. But the book doesn’t stop here. Each author creates counter-representational strategies that promise to unweave the assumptions that have led to the mistreatment of humans and non/humans alike.