Elizabeth Barber and Matt Johnson speak to Violet Lucca about the politics and methods of factory farming. Barber and Johnson offer insights into the subject from the perspective of a not entirely neutral observer and a criminally liable activist, respectively. Barber discusses the difficulties of writing about a subject that intrudes uncomfortably on people’s lifestyles and routines, while Johnson notes the difficulty of attracting media attention to the subject at all. They both discuss what ethical consumption means for them. “Standing Trial” appears in the October issue; read it here: https://harpers.org/archive/2022/10/standing-trial-should-we-care-about-animal-liberation-ag-gag-laws-iowa-slaughterhouse/

This episode was produced by Violet Lucca, Maddie Crum, and Ian Mantgani.

Subscribe to Harper’s for only $16.97: www.harpers.org/save

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit harpersmagazine.substack.com