Ask Veggie Chic Jul: What do you really think of PETA?
Betsy writes: “I looked at your blog for the first time today, so I don’t have much background on you… but, what do you really think about PETA? Just curious.”
At the end of the day, I’m glad PETA exists. I’m glad there are people who are so passionate about animal rights that they are willing to dedicate themselves to doing something about it. We all have different specific causes, charities, and issues that spark us into action, and that’s a good thing. I have a lot of respect for those who are moved to act for a worthy cause.
But do I agree with their tactics? For the most part, no. I don’t think ridiculing Michael Moore’s weight or offering a prize for test-tube meat is necessarily a good idea. I know that these are stunts to call attention to the cause, to hopefully get people to think about the issue of animal rights. A lot of times I think they end up just perpetuating the image of vegetarians and animal rights activists as wackjobs, and I don’t think that’s a useful message to send. But I completely agree with their right to send it.
So, dear readers, What do you think of PETA?
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4 opinions for Ask Veggie Chic Jul: What do you really think of PETA?
cangel
May 21, 2008 at 6:11 pm
I agree with you. The idea of the cause is great but the showoff way that the PETA think they are getting there message across dumbs down the cause. Excuse the pun, but what people are looking for is the meat, not the table decorations. They are looking for facts, not glitter. I hope there are some people at PETA who have these facts and can tell them to us intelligently.
Colette
May 21, 2008 at 10:51 pm
I agree. While I do value their excellent investigative videos, their PR tactics are appalling. And now, thanks to them, everyone thinks we’re ALL nuts.
Elaine Vigneault
May 22, 2008 at 4:54 am
I think they do a lot of good and a little bad. They have some great videos and resources. But they should get out of rescuing animals and leave that to other organizations.
Alicia Sparks, NAMI Affiliation Leader
May 24, 2008 at 7:17 am
Interesting conversation!
Whenever I meet new people and they find out I’m a vegetarian and all about animal rights, “OMG, so you’re not one of those crazy PETA people, are you?” comes out at some point. It’s so tiring.
PETA, like most organizations, has its good points and its bad points. And, like we have to do in ALL situations, we should embrace and utilize the good, and leave the bad. It’s as simple as that.
On the matter of the test tube meat prize: The first thought that came to my mind was, “Um…” The second was, “Yeah, I can think of about a million other much better uses for a million bucks. How about using it to feed people instead of holding a contest?” (Of course, that’s what I tend to think about most contests. And reality shows.)
I definitely think PETA gets a bit overzealous at times, but in the end, I, too, am glad they exist.
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