You know, I really hate this group. They make Howard Stern look respectable.
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/news-...03&ID=s1452714
>>The Spokesman-Review
Tuesday, December 9, 2003
Spokane, WA
Group's Santa ad goes overboard
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals doesn't believe in the ethical treatment of other humans.
Consider.
In its headlong pursuit of animal rights, PETA proved its indifference to decency by comparing the Jewish Holocaust to slaughterhouses. Earlier this year, Spokane got a dose of this strange ideology when PETA brought its "Holocaust on Your Plate" display to the courthouse. Apparently, PETA can't distinguish between the systematic slaughter of a race of people and meat production.
At times, PETA has inaccurately painted Jesus Christ as a vegan, dubbing him the "Prince of Peas." And has stepped on the toes of Mothers Against Drunk Driving with a campaign that claims beer is better for health than milk.
Now, PETA has gone overboard again, reprising the role of an unconverted Scrooge with a billboard on East Trent. The mean-spirited sign features Santa Claus looking down the front of his pants and the message: "Santa's not coming this Christmas." For the adults that don't get the double-entendre, small-hearted PETA gives another hint in smaller type: "Milk can make you impotent. Soy brings joy."
We're aware that PETA embraces controversy as a means to drive home its extreme message. And that we're playing into the organization's hands by taking this space to denounce its latest affront. But we have a responsibility to do so. PETA doesn't represent the standards or viewpoint of this area and should be shunned by reasonable people.
A PETA official told Spokesman-Review reporter Kevin Graman that the Santa Claus campaign is "a light-hearted thing that we're having fun with." Try telling that to children passing through the 5000 block of Trent. Santa's not coming? Only a holiday party-pooper of the first order would pull the rug out from under families after weeks and even years of good-natured Christmas make-believe.
At another level, the message is sophomoric and slightly pornographic.
The attention PETA gets from its outrageous acts probably serves a purpose, that of fund-raising and getting its name out to the public. But we wonder how over-the-top campaigns, such as Spokane's Santa, affect the work of legitimate animal-rights activists and groups. Such tactics can marginalize well-meaning people who work hard to adopt dogs and cats at animal shelters.
Extremism hurts legitimate causes. Anti-abortion efforts are hindered by the fanatic who terrorizes abortion clinics or doctors. Earth First!ers marginalize environmental efforts when they sabotage timber equipment and spike trees. PETA's lack of discretion turns off the public, too.
• "Our View" represents the editorial voice of The Spokesman-Review. It is written by members of the editorial board, who are listed on this page. <<
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/news-...03&ID=s1452714
>>The Spokesman-Review
Tuesday, December 9, 2003
Spokane, WA
Group's Santa ad goes overboard
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals doesn't believe in the ethical treatment of other humans.
Consider.
In its headlong pursuit of animal rights, PETA proved its indifference to decency by comparing the Jewish Holocaust to slaughterhouses. Earlier this year, Spokane got a dose of this strange ideology when PETA brought its "Holocaust on Your Plate" display to the courthouse. Apparently, PETA can't distinguish between the systematic slaughter of a race of people and meat production.
At times, PETA has inaccurately painted Jesus Christ as a vegan, dubbing him the "Prince of Peas." And has stepped on the toes of Mothers Against Drunk Driving with a campaign that claims beer is better for health than milk.
Now, PETA has gone overboard again, reprising the role of an unconverted Scrooge with a billboard on East Trent. The mean-spirited sign features Santa Claus looking down the front of his pants and the message: "Santa's not coming this Christmas." For the adults that don't get the double-entendre, small-hearted PETA gives another hint in smaller type: "Milk can make you impotent. Soy brings joy."
We're aware that PETA embraces controversy as a means to drive home its extreme message. And that we're playing into the organization's hands by taking this space to denounce its latest affront. But we have a responsibility to do so. PETA doesn't represent the standards or viewpoint of this area and should be shunned by reasonable people.
A PETA official told Spokesman-Review reporter Kevin Graman that the Santa Claus campaign is "a light-hearted thing that we're having fun with." Try telling that to children passing through the 5000 block of Trent. Santa's not coming? Only a holiday party-pooper of the first order would pull the rug out from under families after weeks and even years of good-natured Christmas make-believe.
At another level, the message is sophomoric and slightly pornographic.
The attention PETA gets from its outrageous acts probably serves a purpose, that of fund-raising and getting its name out to the public. But we wonder how over-the-top campaigns, such as Spokane's Santa, affect the work of legitimate animal-rights activists and groups. Such tactics can marginalize well-meaning people who work hard to adopt dogs and cats at animal shelters.
Extremism hurts legitimate causes. Anti-abortion efforts are hindered by the fanatic who terrorizes abortion clinics or doctors. Earth First!ers marginalize environmental efforts when they sabotage timber equipment and spike trees. PETA's lack of discretion turns off the public, too.
• "Our View" represents the editorial voice of The Spokesman-Review. It is written by members of the editorial board, who are listed on this page. <<