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Friday, February 26, 2010

PETA: When is going too far?

PETA, otherwise known as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, is the largest animal rights organization. When people hear of PETA, some will say "well I agree with a lot of their views but I think in some areas, they are going too far". I was one of those people. I do think that animal abuse, animal testing, clothing trade, and factory farms are pathetic and for that, I give PETA a thumbs up.

While performing my research, I was disgusted to find that "alligators killed for their skins are commonly beaten to death with hammers and axes, sometimes remaining conscious for up to two hours after they are skinned. Undercover investigations of fur farms in China-now the world's largest exporter of fur-revealed that animals, including rabbits, cats, and dogs, are often skinned while they are alive".

Next, I explored the PETA website and noticed the FAQ link. I was thrown back by PETA's response when asked the question "Where does the animal rights movement stand on abortion?"
The first line alone was enough for me: "There are people on both sides of the abortion issue in the animal rights movement, just as there are people on both sides of animal rights issues in the pro-life movement".
First off, ANIMALS ARE NOT HUMANS. How can you support the "ethical treatment of animals" but allow abortion? You disagree with killing animals because if they are "alive and have a heartbeat, they should have rights and should not be killed". Is a baby not alive? Does a baby not have a heartbeat?

Also, animals were put on this Earth (whether you like it or not) for the benefit of humans. They are here for food, clothing, and work. It is natural to eat meat. Is it natural to kill more than you need? No, and I see PETA's view on that. I do think that the amount of meat that is wasted in stores is disgusting, but I do not see a problem with eating meat if it is not wasted. Is it wrong for a lion to attack and eat a buffalo? Their prey are eaten alive, is that not abuse? Are you going to start a movement on animal abuse against other animals?
I will say that the way animals are slaughtered is not right, but killing them for food is not wrong.

Lastly, I was not only disappointed but I was disgusted to find that a PETA supporter becomes undressed to "take it all off" for animals. Appropriate? I do not think so. This is specifically an ANIMAL RIGHTS ORGANIZATION, where does any form of nudity or pornography tie into animal rights?
This "woman" uses lines such as "It's our privilege to arouse America in our own way"
"To turn Americans on to a more kind way of living"
"Take matters into your own hands"
Let's not forget she is touching herself throughout this speech.
If nudity and pornography have to be used in order for people to support your movement, then maybe animal cruelty issues are not as crucial as you are making them seem. Is animal abuse wrong? Yes.
What about the "Naked Campaigns World Wide Slideshow"?
Tell me where that relates to animal cruelty. How can PETA announce that America is being immoral for mistreating animals, yet they advertising by using naked men and women? Is that not immoral in today's society? Not to mention unprofessional.
I do not believe that this 'advertisement' was for promoting better treatment for animals in any way. This was a sick way to get the immediate attention of the male chauvinistic pigs in the audience. The audience stood and clapped only when an article of clothing was removed. PETA is advertising by saying "you can see a woman dance naked around on stage if you join our organization" when in fact, these so-called 'men' care nothing about the organization to begin with.

Nice job PETA. You have gone too far.