Animals Anthropomorphism and Mediated Encounters

<p>This book critically investigates the pervasiveness of anthropomorphised animals in popular culture.</p><p>Anthropomorphism in popular visual media has long been denounced for being unsophisticated or emotionally manipulative. It is often criticised for over-expressing similarities between humans and other animals. This book focuses on everyday encounters with visual representations of anthropomorphised animals and considers how attributing other animals with humanlike qualities speaks to a complex set of power relations. Through a series of case studies it explores how anthropomorphism is produced and circulated and proposes that it can serve to create both misunderstandings and empathetic connections between humans and other animals.</p><p>This book will appeal to academics and students interested in visual media animal studies sociology and cultural studies.</p>