I’m always on the lookout for movies and documentaries about veganism that help people make the connection between animals and the decisions that they make around food and lifestyle.  

One of my favourite videos that helps people make that connection is a video by psychologist, Melanie Joy, titled Carnism, The Psychology of Eating Meat.  Melanie is also the author of Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows.

So what is Carnism?  Melanie’s website (http://www.carnism.com) defines carnism as:  “the invisible belief system, or ideology, that conditions people to eat certain animals. Carnism is essentially the opposite of veganism; “carn” means “flesh” or “of the flesh” and “ism” denotes a belief system. Most people view eating animals as a given, rather than a choice; in meat-eating cultures around the world people typically don’t think about why they find the flesh of some animals disgusting and the flesh of other animals appetizing, or why they eat any animals at all. But when eating animals is not a necessity for survival, as is the case in much of the world today, it is a choice - and choices always stem from beliefs.”

Today I was very excited to read on Facebook that Melanie is planning a visit to Australia (and possibly to NZ) this year.  I was fortunate enough to hear Melanie speak via skype at the animal activist conference in Sydney last October; to have her here in person would be a real treat.  

All things being equal, Two Vegan Girls will be there to hear Melanie speak somewhere in Australia.  Melanie’s an inspirational and positive role model whose work has helped people better understand that all animals on this planet are worthy of kindness and compassion - not just those that we call our pets.