Meat paradox Carnism

jeff mannes writes carnism rooted in paradox between people s values , actions: oppose harming animals, , yet eat them. argues conflict leads cognitive dissonance, people attempt attenuate through psychic numbing. apparent conflict between caring animals , embracing diets require them harmed has been termed meat paradox .

there experimental evidence supporting idea meat paradox induces cognitive dissonance in westerners. westerners more willing eat animals regard having lesser mental capacities , moral standing, , conversely, attribute lesser mental faculties , moral standing animals eaten. furthermore, relationship causative: categorization of animals food or not affects people s perception of mental characteristics, , act of eating meat causes people attribute diminished mental capacity animals. example, in 1 study people rated unfamiliar exotic animal less intelligent if told native people hunted it, , in regarded cows less intelligent after eating beef jerky.

avoiding consideration of provenance of animal products strategy. joy argues why meat served animal s head or other intact body parts.