Is There a Softer Side to PETA?

When one thinks of the non-profit organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, images of naked models or paint-stained fur coats usually come to mind. While most PETA members, including Senior Vice President Dan Matthews embrace this pigeonholed ideal, real citizens are left wondering why PETA, an organization with such a valid message, insists on wowing Hollywood-types with their sensationalism and thus leaving out most average citizens - children included.

With stunts like throwing acid on models wearing fur, having their coats ripped off, staging virtual love-fests on city streets to oppose eating meat or the, "We'd rather go naked than wear fur" campaign, many of us are left wondering how all of this drama fits into the real issues.

While PETA has successfully used these campaigns to stop major companies like Revlon, Avon, Gillette and GM from testing on animals and designers Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger from using fur in their clothing lines, I highly doubt North Carolina pig farmers or fur manufacturers in Ohio are concerned with Hollywood-staged taunting.

PETA boasts 1.6 million members and is the number one charity for teens and adults aged thirteen to twenty-four according to Dan Matthews on a recent KQED San Francisco radio interview.

Dan admitted that PETA does its best work when causing a stink or coming up with a witty way to prove a point. PETA is not a violent organization, nor do they physically free animals in distress. They prefer to confront the corporations involved with animal cruelty. When companies like Kentucky Fried Chicken don't listen, watch out! Still, their unofficial slogan is, "More vaudeville than violent."

For Dan and PETA in general, humor plays a large role in activism. PETA is perceived as this foreboding dangerous organization but humor makes their borderline shady acts more palatable.