1/6, Emeryville, For the Prevention of Cruelty: The History and Legacy of Animal Rights Activism

[Guest guest]

Bay Area Vegetarians' Food For Thought Book Club meets bi-monthly to discuss nonfiction books on the topics of vegetarianism, animal rights, and nutrition. There is a separate book club, "Vegan Book Club", that discusses fiction books.The upcoming selection is - For the Prevention of Cruelty: The History and Legacy of Animal Rights Activism in the United States by Diane L. Beers."Animal rights.Those two words conjure diverse but powerful images and reactions. Some nod in agreement, while others roll their eyes in contempt. Most people fall somewhat uncomfortably in the middle, between endorsement and rejection, as they struggle with the profound moral, philosophical, and legal questions provoked by the debate.

Today, thousands of organizations lobby, agitate, and educate the public on issues concerning the rights and treatment of nonhumans.

For the Prevention of Cruelty is the first history of organized advocacy on behalf of animals in the United States to appear in nearly a half century. Diane Beers demonstrates how the cause has shaped and reshaped itself as it has evolved within the broader social context of the shift from an industrial to a postindustrial society.

Until now, the legacy of the movement in the United States has not been examined. Few Americans today perceive either the companionship or the consumption of animals in the same manner as did earlier generations. Moreover, powerful and lingering bonds connect the seemingly disparate American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of the nineteenth century and the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals of today.

For the Prevention of Cruelty tells an intriguing and important story that reveals society’s often changing relationship with animals through the lens of those who struggled to shepherd the public toward a greater compassion."

Everyone is welcome to join us (both veg & non-veg), and we especially encouraging aspiring and new veg*ns to join us. We are a supportive, low-key, and friendly group. FYI, in consideration of others, including our animal friends, all food and drink consumed during book discussions are vegan.

Please plan to arrive a few minutes early so we can start introductions and discussion promptly.

What: Food For Thought: For the Prevention of Cruelty: The History and Legacy of Animal Rights ActivismWhere: Emeryville - Manzanita, 4001 Linden St (40th St.), Emeryville 94608; an easy 10 minute walk from MacArthur BART Macrobiotic menu. Organic ingredients. Also has an all you can eat brunch buffet on the weekend for about $13. Wide selection of baked goods made fresh onsite.When: 1/6/08 Sunday, 12:00 pmRSVP: Tammy [ http://www.bayareaveg.org/rsvp.htm?id=1732 ]Discussion Host: BobbyFull Details: http://www.bayareaveg.org/events.php?EID=1732#1732

Hope to see you at this discussion, or at an upcoming one.

Cheers,Tammy

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"This is my protest against the conduct of the world. To be a vegetarian is to disagree--to disagree with the course of things today. Starvation, world hunger, cruelty, waste, wars--we must make a statement against these things. Vegetarianism is my statement and I think it's a strong one." -- Isaac Bashevis Singer

 

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