PETA Are Campaigning To Ban Use Of Animal Names As Insults

PETA is campaigning against people using animal names as insults because it 'reinforces the myth that humans are superior.'

Jennifer White, a PETA campaigner, appeared on Good Morning Britain this morning to discuss the viral campaign in further detail.

The animal rights activist group argued in several tweets that using animal names as an insult, such as 'chicken', 'pig' and 'sloth' is insulting to animals and therefore 'normalises violence against other animals'.

The group also claimed that the 'anti-animal slurs' are inaccurate and suggested other non-animal based insults that should be used instead.

The tweet from PETA that sparked the debate reads: "Words can create a more inclusive world, or perpetuate oppression.

"Calling someone an animal as an insult reinforces the myth that humans are superior to other animals & justified in violating them.

"Stand up for justice by rejecting supremacist language."

Included in the Tweet is an info-graphic with the alternate words, including 'coward' instead of 'chicken', 'snitch' instead of 'rat' and 'repulsive' in the place of 'pig'.

PETA/Twitter)

PETA's statement was met with a mixed reception on Twitter, with several users criticising the animal right's group while other users to the defence of the group and the animals in question.

One person responded with: "Animals aren't oppressed by those words because they don't understand our language. And have no concept of words and their meaning."

Twitter)

Another person defended PETA by adding: "The point is it reinforces speciesism in humans by maintaining the view that animals are less than."

A third user tweeted: "6 years vegan, please stop making us look ridiculous."

Twitter)

The original tweet was followed up with: "Anti-animal slurs degrade animals by applying negative human traits to certain species. Perpetuating the idea that animals are sly, dirty, or heartless desensitises the public and normalises violence against other animals.

"Speciesist language isn't just harmful, but it is also inaccurate."

The group also argued: "Pigs, for instance, are intelligent, lead complex social lives, and show empathy for other pigs in distress. Snakes are clever, have family relationships, and prefer to associate with their relatives.

"PETA urges everyone who believes in equality and justice to take a look at their personal beliefs and the language they use and break free of this outdated mindset that denigrates other animals."

The Twitter statement ended with: "Always be kind and consider not using insults at all."

Topics: Life News, Life, Real Life, Animals

Gregory Robinson

Gregory is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, he has worked for both print and online publications and is particularly interested in TV, (pop) music and lifestyle. He loves Madonna, teen dramas from the 90s and prefers tea over coffee. Get in touch [email protected]

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