In Defense of PETA's Naked Protest Tactics

Let me begin by noting that I am not a member of PETA, nor do I approve of all their tactics. In fact, I excoriate their financial support of ALF members. But I do believe that their naked protest tactics are often unfairly targeted, especially when other organizations engage in similar--or worse--campaigns.

The ethical superiority of vegetarianism is moot; some may hold this to be true, others may believe omnivores are the superior gastronomes. This article is not designed to encourage vegetarianism or edify animal rights. Rather, the purpose of this essay is to argue that PETA's naked protest tactics are both effective and more respectful than the tactics used by many other organizations and businesses.

The Effectiveness of PETA's Naked Protest Tactics

Cohesiveness among supporters. As demonstrated by the comments on Stephanie Manning's Do PETA's Naked Protest Tactics Work? article, the very nature of these campaigns arouse strong emotions. Although these protests seem to enrage and infuriate those who consider public nudity an immoral act, they also cause many animal rights activists to leap to the defense of the organization. As a result, PETA supporters unite with each other, and ultimately end up feeling even more dedicated to their cause.

Attention to the cause. PETA's naked campaigns are, primarily, for the purpose of raising awareness about the fur industry (although they've been known to use nudity for other issues, too.) In general, there's a larger proportion of the public that's opposed to fur--even some very famous fashion designers and celebrities refuse to wear it. Since the average person is more likely to endorse bans on fur as opposed to bans on meat, PETA's naked protest tactics draw attention to a cause that's likely to be supported.