In Support of PETA

Also, see my other PETA article responding to Penn & Teller's anti-PETA comedy special here.

I am a member of many wonderful animal rights groups, both Christian and secular. I am also a card-carrying member of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). As an Episcopal priest, I see my membership as complimentary to my ministry and the call to serve the “least of these,” which includes all creatures. Yet I know of and hear many disparaging comments made by people about animal rights groups, particularly about PETA. There is even some level of hatred toward the organization. Some anti-PETA comments are made unthinkingly by people who have no firsthand knowledge of PETA and its activities and motives, others are simply expressing a gut-reaction, but others are, legitimately, intellecutally and otherwise “put off” by the approach PETA takes in its battle(s) against animal cruelty.

I generally see both sides of any issue and am quite sympathetic to people’s negative reactions to shocking, outlandish or “in your face” propaganda, all of which PETA is accused of doing. I don't personally like all of PETA's tactics. But the tactics that PETA utilizes can only be considered truly and ultimately “wrong” if what they are defending is not worthy of such tactics and if such tactics are ineffective. It can be a tricky ethical balance. Being a voice for the voiceless and calling for mercy for the millions of animals who suffer at the hands of human cruelty is indeed a worthy cause. And PETA, if anything, is effective.

PETA's various approaches to fight animal cruelty reflect an informed response regarding what gets people's attention and what is most effective with the general population. Is it unfortunate that people refuse to simply respond to letters and reason in order to take notice? Yes. Is it unfortunate that PETA must, at times, take more extreme measures with outrageous protests and ads to get public attention? Yes. But such action is a reflection of our society and the fact that sometimes these are the the only ways to force change when other tacts have failed. PETA tailors its campaigns to fit the audience(s) they are addressing.

The "image" PETA has gained is also not entirely accurate or even fair. Only the tacts on which the media reports gain attention, and those tacts are inherently the most wild and provocative. One of PETA's objectives is awareness raising, and that can only be accomplished through the media. However, most members of PETA spend their time working for animals in quiet and mundane ways, writing letters, making phone calls, and reaching out to others one on one in compassion.

As a society we do not want to be confronted with reality, let alone with gruesome, shocking, or embarrassing images. We do not want to be called to account for our behavior. We shield ourselves and turn a blind eye to everything from starvation and sweat shops to homelessness and animal cruelty. When I worked with street youth, those who passed by would not look at these youth and did want to be reminded that they existed. Such an attitude is nothing new. Our society “opposes” and ridicules anything that makes us uncomfortable. But PETA is not concerned about comfort for comfort sake, PETA desires to see attitudes changed so that the violence and exploitation of animals stops. It is that simple. What might force a change of mind in one person will not work for another…and so many different approaches and strategies are taken by PETA for this worthy cause. Even though I don't agree with every tact PETA takes, I support PETA's objective and therefore support PETA as an organization.

What strikes me as interesting is that some of the things PETA does are similar to the approach and attitude Jesus had. For instance, neither care what the “world” thinks, but seek a higher calling based on what they believe to be right. Neither are afraid of telling the truth; only the “truth can set you free” (John 8:32). Neither mince words when confronting evil: they call a spade a spade. Jesus is known for calling the hypocrites of his day “white washed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead bones!” (Matt 23:27). This is not flattering language to say the least. Both are willing to sacrifice their own reputation for the call of justice and mercy. Both say and do things others consider “shocking” or “offensive.” At one point many of Jesus’ followers left him and were “offended" because what he said was too “hard to hear” (John 6:60-66). Both engage in “foolishness” in order to save others. “The cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are saved, it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18). For those who are familiar with the way of the cross, such attitudes are all too familiar and to be expected. Jesus said, “If they hate you remember they hated me first” (John 15:18).

This leads me to my next point: anyone that has ever been effective in provoking substantial change has been hated throughout history. No one hates the groups that are totally ineffective! Almost without exception it is those who are making real change that are targets for hatred. Being hated can be a sign that one is doing something "right."

PETA consists of very passionate people who are willing to back up what they believe with action. I wish there were more groups who could boast the same. PETA does not harm anyone in their various tacts, outlandish as they sometimes are. Whether one agrees or supports everything PETA does, it should be recognized that they are one of the largest and most effective animal rights groups in the world. Doing what "works" while fighting for a worthy cause that society does not want to hear about will be extremely unpopular: but that makes it no less worth doing.

JesusVeg.com

Rev. Rebecca's Background & Education