awesome video. but maybe next year we can have a guy do it too. ;)

Posted by: lucas solowey | January 28, 2008 01:59 PM

Beautifully done and undone. I have nothing but admiration for your brave model—on so many levels. And, of course, the "Free Me" video is a classic. Thank you, John Feldmann.

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | January 28, 2008 03:32 PM

Okay, a buddy of mine sent me over here to look at this, and one of my co-workers walked by while I was watched. We were both glued to this thing--all through the hideous crap after the sexy stuff.

I don't know what I think of all this, but I will say that it's an amazingly effective and creative way of getting people to watch the video after the girl takes her cloths off.

I am thinking about PETA in a whole new way. I think this will reach middle America...

Um, can I get that girl's name? Is she really just another PETA member? I guess that's why you're not giving her name...

Posted by: David | January 28, 2008 03:41 PM

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm actually going to have to listen to a PETA speech when I get home and am not on my work computer.

You guys should use that face in a national campaign instead of Pink, or sending letters to prisons asking them to change the diet of a guy who ate his girlfriend. You'd get a lot more public support. Hot girls can get guys to do anything. If that girl showed up at my house and asked me not to eat meat, I'd at least cut it out for a month.

Posted by: Jay | January 28, 2008 03:53 PM

This is the closest I have ever come to becoming a vegetarian.

Posted by: Christopher Cochran MD | January 28, 2008 04:07 PM

I knew somthing some one said or did would get your attention Christopher!
Way to go Peta!

Posted by: Peace to You | January 28, 2008 04:38 PM

As a female as well, I must say that even my eyes couldn't leave the screen. In order to catch people's attention you've gotta do something like this. I love this video and call to action, and as always the "Free Me" vid brought a tear to my eye... Great job with this video!

Posted by: Vegancakes | January 28, 2008 05:59 PM

Gosh guys...is sex the only tool we have to sell Americans on the ideas of such a great organization as PETA? I realize the guys are really into this campaign but as a woman, I find it a step back in time. Do we really have to show our tits and ass to get men to listen to our ideas? And don't you think every American male under the age of 18 will click that little button to see a naked woman. Really, is this the image we want for women? Boys, stop beating your meat and eat your vegetables!

Posted by: Theresa | January 28, 2008 06:29 PM

I love what PETA stands for but as someone who considers herself a feminist, I would prefer it find a way other than using women's bodies to get the point across (especially when only women are being portrayed in this way). I like to think of PETA as a site for animal lovers, not for porn enthusiasts. Though I am not a prude, I think the horrible facts about animal abuse and cruelty speak for themselves. Make the facts more widely known, and folks will respond. I know I and my family and friends have.

Unfortunately, though I do let my kids roam most animal rights sites freely, I do not feel I can let them peruse the PETA site without supervision (and they are both as passionate and more persuasive than I am when talking to others about the importance of fighting animal cruelty). You don't need to fight the fight in this way. If it is the only way men will respond, then shame on 'em.

Posted by: AnimalFriendinTN | January 28, 2008 11:03 PM

Good work:)
You finally got Christopher Cochran to say I & vegetarian in the same sentence...this is ground breaking!!!!!

Posted by: Dana | January 28, 2008 11:18 PM

While she is very attractive, and this seems to be getting national press (maybe international too) it makes me rethink my support of PETA. If we want to be taken seriously we shouldn't reduce ourselves to the lowest common denominator. Our message is too important to get lost in debates over sexual morals. PETA has had so many great campaigns this year, the ABC teen sex talk commercial was brilliant, for example. Continue with the creative ideas that focus on our cause (animal liberation-in case you forgot), and lets leave the strip tease to the professionals. Degradation of morals is a slippery slope.

Posted by: Josh | January 29, 2008 03:19 AM

I can't help but notice that the positive reponses here are mostly by men.
The end does NOT necessarily justify the means. I am glad PETA gets attention for the cause, but I do question the ethics of using women as objects to get it done. Sorry, PETA, I think it is "time for a change."

Posted by: Susannah S | January 29, 2008 09:44 AM

I'm with my feminist friends above, and this is one of the reasons why I won't donate to PETA, even though I think they are doing great work.

Porn, compassion for animals. Sex toys, animals. Hot breasts, animals. Is anyone besides me grossed out yet?

Posted by: Maya, C.V.T. | January 29, 2008 11:09 AM

Naked works! And the animals need PETA to do whatever it takes to make people think about THEM.

Posted by: Spay and neuter immediately, please | January 29, 2008 11:27 AM

Hello everybody,
i just looked the video and it is WONDERFUL! Perfect clean stuff - beautiful young woman in a super healthy body and with a super healthy soul and mind! i just would encourage also young men in doing such a nice video - in order to be balanced you know! nevertheless i stopped it at the point when the poor abused animals are shown because at that time i become very angry again and i just can say: i'm only happy over one thing: that my mother died before she could see all these criminal misdeeds committed by human beings towards all these innocent creatures! there are no words to express my misanthropic feelings towards such human creepers! fortunately we got people like this beautiful young woman for to make up at least a little bit my troubled mind! GREAT WORK PETA - I COULD NOT MISS YOU ANYMORE!

Posted by: Old Spiderwoman | January 29, 2008 11:43 AM

This is a beautiful 'stunt'! as a woman i'm deeply touched - because it shows something that the human being has in common with the animals: vulnerability! When we are naked we are the most vulnerable! and for this reason i think that PETA should continue to make such ads! PETA Germany did one some time ago with a naked pregnant woman (actress Andrea Sawatzky) and i called them to felicitate them because that was really great - sometimes nakedness expresses purity - and this is a special capacity of PETA's artistic knowledge! Of course a man is touched in a different way than a woman - but i think every kind of impression matters here because last but not least it's all for the animals!

Posted by: Yasmin Jameer | January 29, 2008 12:38 PM

“The use of sex will ebb and flow, but it will never disappear. University of Maryland’s advertising instructor, Eric Zanot, said: “There is always going to be sex in advertising for the simple reason that it’s just one of our basic strong emotions. And advertisers are always looking for basic emotions to attach to products in order to sell them.””

Posted by: Peace to You | January 29, 2008 01:30 PM

I think this is so amazing. Can you imagine how dedicated she had to be to do this? I give mad props to this girl, PETA, and to everyone who had anything to do with this.

To the feminists out there complaining about this...keep in mind this is a choice that this young lady made, not forced upon her. Don't you think if you are insulting her choices you are being a total and complete hypocrite? I could have sworn women making their own decisions is exactly what being a feminist really is about, maybe I’m wrong? Are the “feminists” of the world just controlling and as dictating as the rest of the world?

Again, PETA/State of the Union Chick.....awesome job, totally kick ass!

Posted by: Sarah | January 29, 2008 02:19 PM

Gawdalmighty, it's not like it's a porn film or anything. It segues very nicely into some footage that a lot of people might not otherwise watch—footage that literally has changed people's life. These could be people that PETA's never reached before (as one male poster detailed).

I believe, though I could be wrong, that there are more women into animal rights and vegetarianism, so this might interest more males. Sex sells on occasion everything else, so why not animal rights?

And there have been some famous strippers throughout history that were every bit as feministic as any one today.

Ami James got a warm welcome from the females, so to be fair, maybe next year's address should feature a guy (universal gagging motion).

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | January 29, 2008 02:27 PM

People can choose to use their own minds, bodies, and voices to make social statements.

Animals who are slaughtered for food and fashion, tortured in labs, left to die at the end of chains, and those who are beaten to perform in circuses are unable to make any decisions on their own.

I applaud the efforts of creative and compassionate people who are able to bring attention to animal suffering and give a voice to those who have none.

Posted by: Mylie | January 29, 2008 02:38 PM

Theresa, Sex is not the only tool, but it is one of the most deeply moving. I don't blame the gals for being unmoved here, but the way to a man's heart is not through his stomach, especially if you are feeding him tofu.

Posted by: Christopher Cochran MD | January 29, 2008 03:05 PM

Mike, right on, did you convince Jack to get Ami stripping yet? LOL (JUST KIDDING!)

I agree with many here that this is just lighthearted, fun and attention getting, and of course it's her choice. If this were the only sexual PETA thing this month (or week, even!) it would be one thing, but gooey sex is just all over the blog. It's kind of in your face.

And it's a bit offensive to women who visit the site to see animal compassion and get a big ol' eyeful of booby every five minutes. It's just too crass, sorry.

And here's the clincher: I'd challenge Chris (hi Chris! **wink**) and others to HONESTLY tell me that they would really consider changing a lifetime of eating meat over this ad. C'mon, get real.

Posted by: Maya, C.V.T. | January 29, 2008 03:59 PM

Love PETA or hate it! You have to admit that young lady is pretty sexy! I don't know if it will change my mind about anything, but it is a good way to get more people talking about PETA. Have a great hump day everybody!

Posted by: Kurt K | January 29, 2008 04:51 PM

We all have to admit it: this PETA-special is moving more than one question-marked guy on these blogs! and for sure also out there!

Posted by: Miss Jackson | January 29, 2008 05:25 PM

Maya, I didn't change any of my habits, but I WAS compelled watch the propaganda video.

Posted by: Christopher Cochran MD | January 29, 2008 05:26 PM

Maya,

I think it's the old bait and switch. First you get the guys all ga-ga and receptive (effectively putting their minds in neutral or a trance state), and then you bodyslam them with the truth about animal exploitation. It might work...oui?

The young lady certainly delivered her lines with tongue-in-cheek campiness.

But, you're right—sex works best in measured amounts. I find the naked Barcelona fur protest incredibly moving, but there is a zero sex component there, even though they're naked.

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | January 29, 2008 05:46 PM

Awesome video. Anytime you need someone to do another one let me know!!

Posted by: kathleen wissenz | January 29, 2008 08:15 PM

I don't think anyone is debating whether or not this young lady is attractive or not. And to the posters above of course feminism encourages everyone to decide what they want to do with their own bodies. I don't think that anyone here is arguing that she (or anyone else) shouldn't be stripping if she wants to. I think the question is, do stunts like this actually help influence people to become more compassionate, or do they alienate potential animal advocates who believe PETA has lost any shred of legitimacy. I have confidence that PETA will come up with some more intelligent campaign ideas!

Posted by: Ronie | January 29, 2008 10:04 PM

I agree she is sexy and if she were on a site like Suicide Girls it would make sense and I'm sure tons of people would watch it! Its that PETA is using sex to sell veganism that I find off putting. As Peace to You said sex will always be in advertising; but you don't see the Red Cross showing bare breasts and crotches in their ads. No one is doing a strip tease while telling you how important vaccinations are. Sex just doesn't work as a sales pitch for everything. I'm glad the hover-round-mobility chair company hasn't started using naked girls yet, and I hope they never do.

Posted by: Sara | January 29, 2008 10:13 PM

Now Maya, please don't speak for all the women on this blog. If sex brings attention to the cause (and it does) I'm not offended at all. I'm proud to be part of an organization that gets results.

Posted by: elphaba | January 30, 2008 12:20 AM

I am wishy washy about the whole thing. I think PETA stands strong without nudity. To say that this is a wonderful piece because it leads up to the Free Me video, something people might not see otherwise,.....excuse me, but what people would that be???? What ethical person interested in the humane treatment of animals is going to choose nudity over animal rights????? I just can't wrap my head around the reasoning behind this, sorry.

Posted by: Ellen | January 30, 2008 08:07 AM

Yasmin: "sometimes nakedness expresses purity." Yes, sometimes it does, just not in this ad. This is clearly for the purpose of attracting attention, but the animals won't get the attention from this one.

Sarah: "By insulting her choices you are being a complete hypocrite, etc." I don't know, I wasn't insulting her choices,myself, but I do question the constant use of naked women on the part of PETA. And I think it's particularly obscene when right after a strip tease, you show the cruelly treated animals. But I guess that's just me, and a few other of hypocritical feminists here. I am not particularly feminist,by the way. While I will always defend the rights of women, I want to see rights for all beings upheld, those of men, women AND animals. To me, the cruelty perpetuated against animals is a serious business and I want to see it stopped. I DON'T want to see it juxtaposed against a tits-and-ass come on. But, as I said, that's just my opinion.

Posted by: Susannah S | January 30, 2008 09:26 AM

Advertisers recognize the power that sexual imagery and suggestion have on consumers. According to Neil E. Harrison, a writer for Canadian Business and Current Affairs, “advertisers recognize that ''sex sells'' because it attracts attention” (Harrison). Attention-getting techniques have always been the cornerstone of advertising; even if it makes a consumer look in disgust, the point is that the consumer looked, and if the imagery is pushing the envelope or shocking or borderline offensive, it becomes more memorable.

Posted by: Peace to You | January 30, 2008 11:06 AM

Elphaba, in all seriousness I agree with you, and I apologize. I really am speaking only for myself.

Like I said before, I'm not opposed to all of PETA's "naked" tactics, just the obnoxious in your face overdoing of it. I like a pretty naked girl as much as anyone (I'm straight, honest! LOL) but sometimes here it gets to the level of porn. Again, ew!

Mike, good points. Again, I'm not against all of it, just some of it. And really it's this porn stuff COMBINED with the disrespect shown sometimes like with the cemetery stunt PLUS the whole Alf thing, where PETA refuses to condem things like arson, assault, etc and at the very least throwing pies in someone's face is extremely immature.

I can totally understand someone breaking down a door of a lab or whatever to rescue animals in danger - I get that. But arson, assault, porn, etc just makes them look like criminals and it makes me very uneasy.

Posted by: Maya, CVT | January 30, 2008 11:28 AM

The animals were being beaten or forced into being part of cruel lab experiments. That does not constitute propaganda.

Hitler's speeches and Nazi posters are examples of propaganda.

Photos of the victims of the Nazi regime is not propaganda.

Videos of cruelty committed against non-human animals is not propaganda. It is an attempt to educate the un-informed and perhaps elicit sympathy, kindness and compassion. Of course, not all people are capable of feeling nor demonstrating such tender feelings.

Hello Maya!

The feminist philosophy is not entirely a bowl of cherries. Some of it is very harsh and tends to lay blame on others.
I still support PETA even if I disagree with some of its stances and demos. Maya, there is no perfect group but of all of them, PETA has accomplished the most for animals. It also has this blog for us that allows us to be privy to the latest effort on behalf of animals which no other org does. I really am surprized that you do not support PETA monetarily and are so critical of it. There is no perfect org, there is no utopia of animal orgs. I am Catholic and although I do not agree with the Catechism and other things about the church I have not abandoned my faith. Instead, I make attempts to remedy wrongs and voice my concerns in the hope that changes can be made. I even am the Sec'y of Catholic Concern For Animals USA, a vegan, animal rights Catholic org organized by Catholics (both lay and religious are inviolved). Just hope you can ponder over what I have I written and maybe get a different pov. Peace to you! :)

Posted by: Ana | January 30, 2008 01:19 PM

Hi Ana!

I really liked hearing about your organization. I think that's wonderful, especially the fact that all are invited. I think church groups are so devoted to their communities and really important.

Just so you don't think I'm a big hypocrite, I do donate hundreds of dollars to local rescues, wildlife rehabbers, and of course we've spent thousands on vet bills for our AIDS infected strays in the neighborhood to give them good homes.

I also belong to the NRDC, who save whales, polar bears and the Earth. They are really good.

I agree completely that PETA is wonderful, but as a shelter worker and vet nurse I had a different perspective. Try telling clients not to declaw cats or to stop buying from pet stores, and they just think I'm a violent, crazy person. Make no mistake about it, that's the fault of PETA.

People say, "I don't go for that PETA stuff." They use it as a curse word.

I'm not a psychologist, but you have to understand, the public needs to TRUST before they can believe. Shoving porn in people's faces is a form of aggression and it makes people nervous. People don't trust PETA.

Being on this blog is very deceptive. It looks as if PETA has tons of supproters, but seriously, walk ANYWHERE and ask the average stranger what they think of PETA. Try it.

We need to understand what changes people's behavior. PETA gets it right maybe 90 percent of the time: great literature, WONDERFUL celebrity endorsements, clever campaigns, very very cool videos.

Then they go and ruin it all with stunts that get the most publicity, the offensive, aggressive stunts that scare people away. It's a real shame. As an animal professional I've seen it not only affect PETA but every animal profession.

And it's ironic what you said about propoganda. Did you notice what I asked Chris? He said the video got his attention, but that it was propoganda. Bingo.

Ask any "anti" if they will change their habits because of T and A. I doubt it.

But I still love PETA and I will continue letter writing for them, and I would love to hear more about your organization, so I would love a link!!

Namaste, my dear!

Posted by: Maya, CVT | January 30, 2008 03:10 PM

Ana I would expect someone as educated as yourself to know the definition of propaganda. By labeling the video as propaganda, I am not labeling it as untrue. Lighten up Francis!!!

Posted by: Christopher Cochran MD | January 30, 2008 04:30 PM

Christopher,

Sure it's propaganda, but then so to is the message promulgated by any other special interest group—such as the National Dairy Council.

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | January 30, 2008 05:51 PM

Maya, I must say, I have not had the same experiences as you have, even in the south. People are always nice to me when I talk about PETA, I've had one negative remark made, ever, and he came around too. Maybe there is something to be said for TnA, and they're only nice to me because I rock the cleavage. Who knows?
It might seem like I call you out a lot (probably because I do) but it's awfully refreshing to do so and receive an honest, thoughtful response rather than an angry deflection. I'm pretty sure we're going to have to agree to disagree on PETA stunts, but before I give up I'd just like to point out one thing: Every time PETA does something outrageous, whether it's a naked protest or buying a headstone in a cemetery, it gets TV and printed news coverage for that local area and frequently makes a national paper or two. In those news stories you'll find phrases, entire paragraphs discussing the treatment of animals by whomever is being protested. In detail--graphic details the media would not otherwise be willing to discuss because they are too depressing. So yes, the stunts may be silly, may be offensive to some, but they serve their purpose very effectively. The public may not be ready to hear it (if they were the media would be discussing the issues without the benefit of PETA stunts) but the animals need their stories to be told.

Posted by: elphaba | January 30, 2008 07:26 PM

Hi Maya!

www.catholic-animals.org

Take a look and read some of the wonderful writings from various learned people. The journal, the Ark, is a wonderful compilation of stories and information. It also includes both beautiful and sad photos of animals in various conditions. I am both a life member and the Sec'y for its USA counterpart (CCA originated in the UK). Ironic that such a wondeful Catholic org originated in a predominantly Protestant country (at the commencement of this org).
As usual, coch continues with his sarcasm and venomous insults directed at me. Another indication of low intelligence and frustration. Your buddy coch does a good job of killing the wildlife you are busy in earnest to save just as I am. But coch didn't come here to learn only to insult animal advocates especially women. Educated women are his specialty.
Maya, I do a lot of work trying to educate others about the horrors of declawing. Sometimes I am very successful. Peace and joy to you!

Posted by: Ana | January 31, 2008 08:57 AM

Mike, I totally agree, I speak English and in the English language propaganda is material, usually biased, that is presented to sway or prove a point. If it is to sway to a bad cause or if it uses untruth then it's bad propaganda, but there is nothing wrong the video being called propaganda. The video in question is a very effective propaganda video; that was my point.

Ana, let me help you out on some of those surname insults: Cockroach (my all time fav), Cock-ran-off, cock-head, cock-face, cocky, etc. I learned most of these in elementary school. Now you don't have to work so hard to think up new name insults. Oh, and all those things you said aren't propaganda can all be easily used as propaganda, but hey, ok!. Don't let your hatred for me dumb you down. I know I won't, but then again I don't hate you.

Posted by: Christopher Cochran MD | January 31, 2008 12:26 PM

Hello Maya

Describing the nudity as porn is a little harsh and extreme. I understand you may be offended by it, but by no means is it porn. Models in women's mags pose in the nude as well but I don't view it as porn.

Denigrating ALF is harsh on your part as well. ALF has enlightened many as to what really is going on in many of the fur farms , factory farms and labs. The labs, in the universities I have studied at, performed some very painful and unethical procedures on animals. Most people are not privy to these activities. It was difficult for me to attend while knowing all of this. You mention arson and destruction of property by the ALF. Both British and American feminists did the same. They set buildings on fire, broke windows to government buildings as well as to private businesses. Many were arrested; yet again, they continued with their urgency. today these women are heroines. The ALF destroys property for 2 reasons: to cause financial hardship to animal users/haters/killers and to destroy that which contributed to the oppression of animals ( read pain and deaths).
Having researched many social movements I have a different perspective on the participants. The ALF members adhere to a peaceful philosophy but governements and enterprises that make their money off of the backs of animals have a violent and capitalist one. Money is the vital interest not compassion to any animal. On the other hand, the government has proven itself violent to those who oppose these enterprises. Advocates have died and have been severely injured by the legal authorities. Abusive legislation has been enacted to severely punish animal advocates and basically to eradicate their civil rights. The ALF has killed no one ( it certainly would have been reported otherwise). People have sacrificed in the name of justice and so do animal advocates for animals. Your harsh synopsis of both PETA and the ALF is unwarranted in my opinion. I don't support violence but destroying weapons of destruction/oppression is a different issue. I try to be objective when I view all of this. If you can be kind to Cochran who is an avid hunter and goes out of his way to list the animals he hunts and where/when he hunts them on this blog, please try to be more open-minded about PETA and the people that rescue animals from unspeakable pain and horror found in labs, on fur farms and factory farms. You rescue animals so I know you have kindness/goodness in your heart. Maya, people also criticize feline rescuers; in their mind only humans deserve help and some refer to the cats as vermine. People love to blame PETA for everything; but that's logical because PETA is in-your-face and considered radical. HSUS is soft and appeases the masses. If I were a cat in a lab, or fox on a fur farm or cow or chicken in a factory farm, I would want an abolitionist willing to make sacrifices to liberate me from the hands of my cruel oppressor. Peace and joy to you! :)

Posted by: Ana | January 31, 2008 01:06 PM

Oh, God! Stop already with the nonsense. This is not porn, PETA is not exploiting women. This brave woman chose on her own free will (unlike the animals, which have no choice) to do this, and last time I checked, there's nothing wrong with the naked body. This attracts attention and vistors to PETA's website, so maybe they will be curious and click around and read up on some new info about animals rights while they're here. And it's not like PETA just videotaped a naked woman and posted it on their website. Notice (besides there no being a fast-forward button) the act is followed by Meet Your Meat.

And I agree with some others: PETA, next year, we can have a guy too.. any takers Jack? :p

Posted by: K | January 31, 2008 01:10 PM

Hi Elphaba! I REALLY like the phrase "agree to disagree", because once people get past hurling insults then they can actually solve problems and get results.

You're welcome to call me out any time, it keeps me on my toes LOL. ;) And I enjoy discussing such issues, no matter if people agree with me or not.

I must confess that since Jack posted PETA's good work on exposing pet stores I've been tempted to donate to their cause, but when things get "offensive" again I tend to back away.

Blessings, Elphaba!

ps Rocking the cleavage is a great thing.

Ana, thank you for the link!! I will definetly check it out. And you should email me some time, I have been gathering cutting edge information on declawing and even know of some possible studies - I'd like to join you in that cause, it's one I feel incredibly passionate about.

I'm certainly not defending Chris, but communicating on the Internet is very challenging, I think that with no tone of voice or body language it's hard to know if someone is truly attacking you or just being defensive. I'd suggest either ignoring him altogether or asking for him to speak to you with more respect.

He's worth talking to - after all, you're very well educated and can teach him to treat animals better, with some work. I think it may be worth the sacrifice. Just MHO. ;)

Posted by: Maya, CVT | January 31, 2008 03:45 PM

Coch
I don't hate you, that would be a waste of time. Being arrogant you think I would waste any type of emotion on you....get a grip. What I hate is injustice. As far as dumbing down I am far too intelligent for that. But of course your arrogance thinks I would for the likes of you. Again you are arrogant even about your name. I simply wrote the first 4 letters because it was easier for me. I write constantly, because of my discipline, and I get tired and I simply shorten names/words for my benefit. It wasn't an attempt on my part to insult; insulting others is your specialty. You barely are civil in anything you write to me and it irks you that I am very intelligent and can argue with the best of them. I can respect a difference of opinion but I don't appreciate the constant juvenile put downs that you so much enjoy. Ironically, if you knew me personally you would both appreciate my intelligence as well as my looks. I have always been described as personable. So stop being so arrogant I have no desire to play with your name or anyone else's. It didn't cross my mind about your name until you wrote of it. Ridiculing others be it because of a name or appearance is for dumb, insecure juveniles. BTW, the things that you write can also be construed as propaganda as well. If you want to continue to insult me, well, go ahead, and enjoy yourself. I refuse to sling any of your vile directed at me back to you. Very counterproductive and hostile. I would rather have a written dialogue with someone both respectful and civil. But you are cocky! ;)

Posted by: Ana | January 31, 2008 04:59 PM

Coch

Also, I dislike vulgarity so, no, using your name in a fashion that would attempt to conjure anything vulgar is distasteful to me. You really are attacking the wrong person in reference to your name. Try someone else. I have way too much class for that.

Justice for Animals!

Posted by: Ana | January 31, 2008 05:03 PM

Hello Maya!

I do not recall where you left your email address but I can always go to your website (kitties!) and write to you there. Declawing is very important to me because so many cats/kittens suffer very serious consequences because of it. You and I both know that declawing does not promise a permanent home. Too many other nations ban declawing (legally, medically) and the USA needs to get with the program. Of course, capitalism has a lot to do with it. To find declawed cats in the streets is heart-breaking. The felines are utterly helpless! To find all paws declawed is criminal. No vet should be allowed to perform this amputation on 2 paws let alone 4 paws. I originally wanted to be a vet but having a small child and going to vet school proved to be too much of a challenge. Luckily, I had the grades to go into any field and I ultimately decided history. Thanks for the compliment, but I honestly do not think I can influence CC. His denigrating me has taken on the life of a past-time for him. Otherwise, I have no problem trying to educate, influence and convince others to become more aware of the animal suffering caused by human behavior and in encouraging compassionate choices regarding animals.
I speak to people with kindness when doing so; it benefits the animals when I do. The capacity to be compassionate is in people, not all people, certainly, but there are those that are reachable. Peace! :)

Posted by: Ana | January 31, 2008 05:25 PM

Hey again Ana!

My email address is karyfinch@yahoo.com. The URL line here does not fill my website address automatically and I'm too lazy to type the whole thing LOL.

But you may have to sign up for Vox just to get in touch with me so it may be easier to use karyfinch@yahoo.com but of course I would love to speak to you on Vox too!

I apologize for using Alf's name, I have not really researched them, instead I should have just said that I beleive that arson is deadly wrong and anyone who does not beleive me should volunteer at a burn center for a week.

I don't mean to be nasty to PETA, I'm just terribly opinionated and I think that I have a somewhat inside perspective. But it goes without saying, it's just my opinion and nothing else.

I would LOOOOOOOOVVVVE to see declawing banned here. I hope we can exchange ideas. Peace and love, my friend.

Posted by: Maya, C.V.T. | January 31, 2008 05:52 PM

Maya, Like I said, boring. First thing you know somebody freaks out over calling it a propaganda video. I would love to have discussions about wildlife and habitat and other meaningful subjects but I always seem to get baited into these wacky side roads where English isn't spoken and no one walks on dirt.

Posted by: Christopher Cochran MD | January 31, 2008 06:07 PM

Ana, I seem to recall CC comparing you to some Birkenstock-wearing hippie a couple of months ago (actually I am pretty sure the comment was even more critical than that, but I am not going to try and search for it to get the exact quote). And on several occasions he has gotten huffy and called Kelly "bigoted" (WTF?). Then there are the times where I can almost see him climbing up on that pedestal to preach to all of us dummies who don't pay as many taxes as he does and who will simply never know as much as he does about anything!

I think he needs to get back on his meds, because clearly he cannot recall how nasty he has been to many of the people on this site. I would never counsel anyone that he is someone worth talking to. He is simply too arrogant and quite two-faced when he is not-so-subtly attempting to ingratiate himself to Jack so that he does not get booted off the PETAfiles.

Posted by: Michele | January 31, 2008 09:58 PM

Ana (part deux), CC's comment that "This is the closest I have ever come to becoming a vegetarian" was so unbelievably insulting to vegetarians and vegans, don't you think?

Posted by: Michele | January 31, 2008 10:00 PM

I am a supporter of PETA in their struggle for animal rights. I routinely promote the organization and use much of its literature.

However, I agree with Maya and others who object to these types of media stunts.

First, it reinforces the patriarchal system by using women's bodies as objects for men's sexual gratification. I totally think women should be able to do whatever they want with their bodies, particularly when it is non-coercive and for political purposes. But we must ask ourselves in regard to the context - is this advancing women's liberation or hindering it?

Second, these stunts are ineffective. It distracts from the real issue - animal exploitation. The focus should be on the animals, not the their advocates. Again - ask ourselves - is this advancing animal liberation or hindering it?

PETA, you can do so much better than this. Drop this nonsense and return to serious hard-hitting campaigns like the Animal Liberation Project. The animals deserve nothing less.

Posted by: Brandon Becker | January 31, 2008 10:13 PM

I'm pretty bummed out by this, folks. Everywhere I turn, it's more and more tits and ass, and now even PETA.
So now being a good person isn't enough? We have to show perfect little naked bods to be heard?
I'm disappointed.

Posted by: julia | February 1, 2008 04:38 PM

Thank you, Brandon! My conviction was wavering and your comment was just what I needed to know I'm not crazy.

Namaste, blessings to you!!

Posted by: Maya, C.V.T. | February 1, 2008 05:28 PM

Michele
I completely agree with you. I just do not want to waste time on this bozo. Every word you wrote makes utter sense. His claim to fame is his skill at insulting others and being able to ingratiate himself with Jack so as to allow him to continue his diatribe against both animal advocates and the other animals. See his other nasty comment January 31, 6:07. I am Latina but so articulate when speaking English. He is simply matter, takes up space and weight. As I wrote, I waste no emotion on CC but his arrogance states that I do. Yawn!!!!
Thanks again for your intelligent comments and for bringing some light onto this blog.
Part 2 Yes, I agree. Vulgar comment from a simple mind. Let's both anticipate more mud-slinging in my direction from CC. All very amusing. My colleagues are laughing the loudest when they read his comments!! :)

Posted by: Ana | February 1, 2008 06:25 PM

I really do not have a problem with PETA using nudity to stress the importance of veganism. What I do have a problem with is the lack of diversity. Must the person always be white and a female? What about a male or an African American?

Posted by: Latacia | February 2, 2008 12:51 PM

Brandon and Maya,
Things may not be ideal for women in this country, but the last time I checked we were doing pretty ok--certainly better than certain ethnic groups, homosexuals, etc. So I don't worry too much about womens' liberation when I think about how far we still have to go for the animals. They need all the help they can get, in all the creative ways compassionate people can come up with to help them.

Posted by: elphaba | February 2, 2008 11:24 PM

Elphaba, you have a good point. All I can say is that I do think that we are far behind in other countries who have had women presidents and don't have such a patriarchal religion pervasive in the country.

I must stick to my guns on this, but I so agree with you - animals are dead last in the compassion department - I only hope PETA finds the other of thousands of creative ways to help animals. We're only limited by our imagination.

Obviously this is all just my opinion, and all respect to you for sticking to your guns as well. ;)

Posted by: Maya, C.V.T. | February 4, 2008 01:52 PM