Bellwether Histories: Animals, Humans, and US Environments in Crisis

Bellwether Histories explores how animals have been ensnared in colonialism, capitalism, and environmental destruction, and how people have misunderstood or ignored animal crises. It interrogates the history of animal disposability and its ideological twin, human exceptionalism, and looks back at how animals have been warning us of our collective fate.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 27 June 2023
Publisher: University of Washington Press

Bellwether Histories, a groundbreaking exploration of the multispecies history of the globalized United States, unveils the profound entanglement of animals in the realms of colonialism, capitalism, and environmental destruction. Through a comprehensive lens, the collection's authors shed light on how human decisions have shaped and perpetuated unequal interspecies relationships, leading to untenable and exploitative conditions. The authors delve into the ways in which people have either misunderstood or disregarded the crises precipitated by habitat destruction, population declines, sudden reliance on human aid, shifts from freedom to captivity, or subjection to overextended management systems.

Chapters within this volume address a diverse range of themes, including the interconnectedness between antislavery and anti-animal-cruelty advocacy, the profound impact of cattle, horse, and pig behavior on human life and technology, and the complex politics surrounding the care and trafficking of wild animals. By interrogating the history of animal disposability and its ideological counterpart, human exceptionalism—the anthropocentric myth that people can harm animals without repercussions—Bellwether Histories challenges the dominant narratives of human supremacy.

The consequences of our actions are becoming increasingly evident as we witness the ongoing mass extinctions and ecological breakdowns. These events threaten the very fabric of our planet, paving the way for deadly zoonotic pandemics and irreversible global warming. It is crucial to reflect on the past and understand the warnings that animals have been sending us, as they hold the key to our collective fate. Bellwether Histories serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of all life forms and urges us to listen to the voices of those who have been marginalized and silenced.

In conclusion, Bellwether Histories offers a profound and thought-provoking exploration of the multispecies history of the globalized United States. Through its insightful narratives and critical analysis, the collection sheds light on the complex web of relationships between humans, animals, and the natural world. It prompts us to reevaluate our place in the ecosystem and to work towards a more harmonious and sustainable future for all living beings.

Weight: 404g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780295751429