Does PETA ever make you embarrassed to be vegetarian/vegan?

Question

I'll admit, I think PETA is a little intense at times. They can take things too far, but, hey, everyone can sometimes. But it's just that omnivores tend to only know PETA for their extreme stunts, so the organization itself and everyone involved with them can start to get a bad image when the organization is brought up.

So does PETA's negative image ever make you feel kind of bad to be vegan or vegetarian?

I know it does make me sometimes, because I don't want to be generalized as one of those in-your-face vegans.

Answer 1

I think that PETA makes a very bad impression of us veggies. Frankly, as far as information goes, PETA has alot of it. But these protests and picketing, and the blood things... I am sorry that is just innappropriate. If we want others to respect our choices as vegetarians/vegans then we need to have respect for them as well and be a constant source of information while maintaining integrity. That is why PETA hasnt gotten anywhere really, no integrity! Lets earn some respect from the general public and maybe they will open a kind ear

Answer 2

No, mostly because I don't let the actions or opinions of others influence my sense of self.

Similarly, despite the actions of GW, I am not embarrassed to be an American.

Answer 3

mmmmmmmmmmm............

meat....

try it, its good.

seriously, its got all kinds of stuff in it your body needs. even if you love animals is doesnt mean you cant eat meat. humans are the only species who choses to be omnivore, carnivore, or herbivore, i dont get it. but to them-their-own right?

Answer 4

My reasons for being vegetarian encompass far more than PETA's limited vision of animal rights and the elimination of cruelty in animal husbandry. I do think that they have a place in the education of the public, however, it isn't the whole of the story and I am not sure that they have the most effective methodology of winning the hearts and minds of the public. We all march to the drum of different drummers -- have strong reasons that differ from each other: spiritual reasons, religious reasons, Biblical reasons, physiological reasons, ecological reasons, ethical reasons, economic reasons, health reasons, ahimsa issues and that encompasses humans as well as animals, hunger and death by starvation of millions of children, men and women -- just for starters. PETA is really the least of it.

Answer 5

PeTA are a bunch of uneducated, self-loathing fools. Their feeble attempts to rewrite human nature border on the zealous.

I'm not a vegetarian, nor do I plan to be one. I eat a healthy, balanced diet that keeps my cholesterol low and my cardiologist happy. If someone does not want to eat meat or dairy products, that's their thing. Enjoy. I'm perfectly fine with it, whatever your reason. I don't force my omnivorous ways on people, and I wish PeTA would show me (and others) the same courtesy.

Answer 6

PETA is too radical for me.  I prefer Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine.

Answer 7

Sometimes, yes. Whenever someone finds out that I am a vegan, about 75% of the time I get "Ooh, are you one of those freaky PETA protesters?" No, no I am not. I am a PETA 2 member for the goodies, etc. And PETA's good for helping to raise awareness. However, it puts a terrible label on us vegs as being crazy hippie protesters, which, of course, most of us are not.

Answer 8

No. I am ashamed and embarrassed to be a human. Considering we are the horrible creatures that contribute to the slaughter, torture, and killings of the world's beautiful animals, the littering of the environment and destroying our ancient rain forests, and our difference in opinions ending in hatred and discrimination resulting in war.  

I find it weird that you call standing up for humanity "crazy". I'd rather be considered "crazy" and fight for peace and justice in this world than conform with the crowd in search of acceptance. Wouldn't you? ...Obviously not.

Edit: Lady Rae - thank you for your reply, I found it very sweet and I am sorry for judging you so quickly. Friends??? :-)

Answer 9

I used to praise their name.Then I slowly realized animals need to be saved,but performing those stupid stunts make people get a negative image of PETA thus defeating the whole purpose of their protests!Not to mention hurting people and destroying property is never right in any cause.

Think if the shoe was on the other foot.And a religious organization threw fake blood on you to try and convert you to their religion.What would you do....?

Answer 10

They are like the crazy uncle that everyone invites to BBQ's. I stoped supporting them when they said it was cruel for blind people to use guide dogs.

Answer 11

I agree with you that Peta people are completely ridiculous sometimes. They often take things way too far. I don't feel bad or embarrassed to be a vegetarian because of it though.

Answer 12

Yeah, PeTA can give us (veg*ns) a bad rep, but it doesn't bother me.  A person only needs to spend 5 minutes with me to se how awesome and "normal" vegans are.

Answer 13

Does it make me feel bad to be one? No.

Does it make me embarrassed that people automatically assume I am affiliated with them. Of course.

Besides the fact that they are an "in your face" sort of organization, they are also not filled with all the glory they make themselves to be. I read an article of truth that states that Peta did end up killing animals that they could not "get rid of." Besides the fact that they crave attention and have to make themselves overly known, they do what they are against.

And I just tell people "yeah I am but no im not a freak about it" and they usually get it.

Answer 14

Not at all. Not even close.

Any publicity is good publicity in the world of "fringe" movement public relations

Answer 15

Yeah sometimes because they seem to make people think we are crazy.  I am crazy, but it's not because of animals ;)

Edit:  Listen cure-ros..., I am not saying that PETA is crazy, nor that anyone who works for animal rights is crazy at all.  I always hear people saying that PETA people are crazy, and PETA does some things that others do see as crazy.  That is the ONLY reason I said what I did.  I understand why PETA does the things they do, but a whole lot of other people don't understand it.  I DO support PETA, but I do believe that they can get a little overboard and freak people out.  Jeesh, lighten up.  I ended the comment with a joke.

And I don't conform to any crowd, I don't give a sh*t what anyone thinks about me, I fight for animals just as hard as you do.  What is happening to animals affects me so deeply that I get very depressed when I think of what they are going through.  You shouldn't judge people, especially on a question like this.  Not everyone who is fighting for animals agrees with all of Petas actions.  We are on the same side, fighting the same fight here.  By the way I too am very ashamed to be a human, especially when thinking about a quote I heard where someone said "If animals had a religion, humans would be the devil."  That affects me more than you may ever know.