Animal Rights/Human Rights: Entanglements of Oppression and Liberation (Global Encounters: Studies in Comparative Political Theory) - Tapa dura

The unbridled capitalism of the petrochemical-pharmaceutical, medical, and agricultural and energy industrial complexes, combined with the military and other government and nongovernmental establishments and organizations, has created a huge market and much wealth out of the exploitation and degradation of human and other life, harming the soil, our food, our health, and our quality of life. . . . This brilliant and well-referenced book, long overdue, is an incisive critque of the global problematique of Western civilization and the American way. -- Michael W. Fox, veterinarian, author, and syndicated columnist This book should be essentail reading for all undergraduate students in the sciences and the humanities. David Nibert helps show us the way to a more humane and visable future. -- Michael W. Fox, veterinarian, author, and syndicated columnist A groundbreaking study of the interrelated oppressions of humans and other animals; rich in historical context, well-researched and well-written, a compelling revelation. -- Michael Parenti, author of The Face of Imperialism and God and His Demons We live no separate history-oppression and denial harm both workers and the other animals. Yet common oppressions present an uncommon challenge. David Nibert moves the analysis to the next step with Animal Rights/Human Rights. In these pages are important insights, urgent connections, and a vital, liberating theory. -- Carol J. Adams, author of The Sexual Politics of Meat Nibert presents a highly provocative, engaging, and accessible discussion of how capitalism has commodified the interests of both humans and nonhumans, and that the 'freedom' supposedly provided by capitalism results in the oppression of us all. The animal rights movement-particularly in the United States-has largely ignored the economic underpinnings of animal exploitation. And American progressives have largely ignored the issue of animal rights. Nibert's book is essential reading for both groups. -- Gary L. Francione, Distinguished Professor of Law; Katzenbach Scholar of Law & Philosophy, Rutgers University Is capitalism all that it's cracked up to be? Or is something wrong when kids (who can afford to) can explore the whole universe over the Internet, yet are not safe enough to walk their own neighborhood streets? When a man who can entertain himself (and does) with all manner of techno-gadgetry, takes 'time out' to shoot deer and doves for fun? Thoughtful, engaging, and filled with gripping examples from the history books of how prejudice and economic bullying can create true misery for the have-nots of any race, gender, or species. Far more than dinner table discussion, this is food for progressive thought. -- Ingrid Newkirk, president, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

This accessible and cutting-edge work offers a new look at the history of western 'civilization,' one that brings into focus the interrelated suffering of oppressed humans and other animals. Nibert argues that the oppression both of humans and of other species of animals is inextricably tangled within the structure of social arrangements. Nibert asserts that human use and mistreatment of other animals are not natural and do little to further the human condition.