From Magazines to Twitter Memes: The Visual Methods of Animal Activist Social Movements 1860-2018
Loading...
Authors
Moore, Spencer
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Social Movements , Visual , Animal , Activism , Sociology
Alternative Title
Abstract
This thesis aims to explore the evolution of social movements against animal performance, leading to its current social and political momentum. By mapping the historical trends of the activist campaigns, this thesis will explore the public attitudes and practices that have influenced the messaging employed by social movement organizations within the movement. The theoretical examination of this thesis is threefold, situating animal performativity, and the opposition to it, within extensive existing literature on social movements, animal/human sociology, and visual studies.
Through exploratory historical analysis, this thesis will critically examine discursive developments in the movement and the sites of production and circulation as they adapt to new technological forms. I have accomplished this exploration by conducting discourse and content analysis on archetypical images that have been created by activist organizations. Through this analysis, I propose that the majority of visuals used within the movement can be divided into four distinctive themes, three of which remain reliably consistent during the past 150 years. The thesis then explores the technological innovations that have affected the imagery of the movement and audience reactions to new forms of representation.
This thesis concludes by arguing that the social movements against animal performance has consistently adapted to its time while remaining true to its original themes and messaging. It has taken advantage of changing social attitudes rather than improving forms of image capturing and circulation. While behind-the-scenes footage may be eye-catching, it is the ability of the movement to capitalize on tangential social concerns and incorporate broader animal welfare into concerns that has remained the most consistent strategy.
Description
Citation
Publisher
License
CC0 1.0 Universal
Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.