Jun09
What Happens When a Hunter Lives With a Family of PETA Activists?
Posted at 09:21 AM | Permalink
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Comments (13)
You’d be surprised, actually. I know that my friend Melissa Karpel and her family (who were the activists in this case) certainly weren’t expecting things to turn out the way they did. The reason this all came about was for Morgan Spurlock’s series, 30 Days, in which people from opposite sides of an issue spend a month together to see what will happen (in one of the episodes, for instance, a woman who believes homosexuality is a sin moves in with a gay couple raising a family).
But what I like best about this show is that it’s not one of these cheap reality TV stunts that are designed to have people at each other’s throats—it’s a very thoughtful look at how reasonable people with strong convictions on opposite sides of an ideal adjust to spending time with each other. And the upcoming show, starring George Snedeker and the Karpels, is a wonderful example of the philosophy behind 30 Days in action.
You don’t see them, because I don’t publish them, but I get a number of fairly abusive comments on this blog from people who have decided that they think animal rights is a waste of time, and feel the need to try and insult and belittle people who have devoted their lives to helping animals—but for every ignorant person like that, there’s a George Snedeker, who, while he may not share our convictions, is willing to listen with an open mind and engage in a genuine discussion about the issues. I won’t spoil the show for you by telling you how it turns out, but you should definitely check it out if you get the opportunity. It’s on FX on June 17 at 10:00pm. I’ll post again when it’s airing as a reminder. In the meantime, here are some pics:
TAGGED:
30 Days Morgan Spurlock
Comments
thanks for the heads up! can't wait to watch! morgan spurlock is one creative dude... and isn't his sweetheart a vegan? happy watching =0)
Posted by: katie | June 9, 2008 01:15 PM
Shame on the rude jerks who harass you, Jack! What can I say, some 40 year olds get really bored living in their parent's basements, I guess.
Thanks for the heads up on the show! ;)
Posted by: Maya, CVT | June 9, 2008 02:24 PM
THANK YOU for telling us when this will be on...I just read something about it in the paper last week but didn't know the date and was afraid I had missed it. I'm looking forward to seeing it.
And I should have known that you would let us know...you are so on top of things...
And I only send you comments needing kind words or pick-me-ups, cause I get discouraged...that's only been a couple of times...
Mostly I send you stuff looking for cruelty caseworkers...who seem to have hidden in the cracks and basements of the PETA offices...
Posted by: Tamara | June 9, 2008 05:21 PM
I love Morgan Spurlock, but its weird that his wife didn't convince him to even be vegetarian.
This is an issue with a right and a wrong, so anyone who takes the time can see that speciesism is as unjustifiable as any other prejudice.
His wife should sincerely ask him to watch the movie Earthlings, or read Animal Liberation or something, so he knows why she is doing what she does.
I doubt the family of activists will ever explain speciesism.
Glad about the show, regardless.
Posted by: Mark D. | June 9, 2008 05:37 PM
By the way, I hope there is some sort of automatic response system for particular types of comments, like about "nature" etc., because, as Bruce says, some of the most defensive people are actually receptive to thoughtful arguments, etc. I'd hate to see potential mind-changers miss their opportunity.
Posted by: Mark D. | June 9, 2008 05:40 PM
What happens when a "HUNTER" lives with a family of animal activists?
Find a deep lake and hope the bastard can't swim.
Peace, for all animals!
Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter for Animals | June 9, 2008 10:44 PM
I don't get FX, please consider doing a write up of the show after it airs. I'd really like to hear how it turns out.
Posted by: lynda downie | June 9, 2008 11:33 PM
Wish they showed that show down under!!
Posted by: Jack Styles | June 10, 2008 01:24 AM
I read elsewhere the *entire* family he lived with is vegan. That's awesome. I also read that the guy is not a sports hunter exactly. He uses the entire animal he kills (according to the paper). Still, ugh.
Posted by: alazzia![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://blog.peta.org/nav-commenters.gif)
| June 10, 2008 08:57 AM
We live n Detroit Michigan.I saw channel 2 Detriot News on tv this morning that Detriot Edison Power (ELECTRIC COMPANY),was called by a family whoses dog (Rotweiler) had a power line fall on the dog,the dog's owners called DTE & they made them wait 3 days.The dog of coarse died as a result of DTE's assolich neglet.As a dog owner that keeps her pets indoors;I'm outraged!PLZ investigate this situation & help the dog's owners bring the neglectful power co up on criminal animal negect charges!TX,U Mrs.Janel Szabo
Posted by: janel szabo | June 10, 2008 09:49 AM
I think the arguments against hunting are the weakest arguments against a kind of animal use...
...because in SOME situations it is not clear that the hunter is really causing more suffering than he or she is preventing.
Posted by: Mark D. | June 10, 2008 06:05 PM
I know I don't have what it takes to do what the Karpels and George Snedeker did. I'd be looking for Judith's lake. And I'm sure he'd be taking aim at me before 30 days were up.
Posted by: lynda downie | June 12, 2008 01:28 AM
can i see this on the internet
Posted by: kudo | July 20, 2008 09:56 PM