Over the years, PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, has been mocked for being an extremist group that pushes its views on the public, but PETA has put forth some forward thinking ideas that could help sociaty progress toward a better world. PETA has helped to reveal the ugly world of the beef, poultry and fish industries in the hope that more Americans will become vegetarians.
On PETA2.com, there are many graphic images of the cruelity that animals face on the farms of today. Cows are hung upside down and left to bleed to death so someone can have a steak fo dinner. Chickens are packed so tightly together in a cage they can't move their wings. To produce veal, calves are crammed into a pen that prevents them from moving to create tender meat. Animals are living creatures who deserve better thhan the quality of life they receive today.
Saving the animals isn't the only reason why one should turn to vegetarianism; it's also healtier. Studies have shown that vegetarians tend to live five years longer than meat-eaters. Cutting out meat lowers cholesterol and helps one lose weight.
Vegetarianism is important because it affects the environment too. An american who eats meat uses five times as much water, by the food they eat, than vegetarians. Water is a precious resource and meat-eaters are using too much. The rainforest is becoming smaller and smaller every year to make room for farmland to be used to raise cattle. If there were more vegetarians in the world, the rainforest could be saved.
PETA is an important organization that lets the world know what's really going on in the meat industry and why more people should consider vegetarianism. If more people were vegetarians, animals wouldn't have to suffer, people would live longer and the planet would have a rainforest.
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I agree with you, and disagree as well.
Most of your vegetarian arguments are true, however, you won't necessarily lose weight by becoming vegetarian. It's a difficult transition for someone who has limited knowledge of nutrition. A person who consumes lean fish and poultry who converts to eating cheese fries is not going to lose weight. But, I do agree that it's a cruel practice, and it should be avoided when possible. I do think that I would eat meat if it were the only thing available for my survival, so I can't hold the people of underdeveloped regions to this idea until better means of cultivation are available to them.
I do like PETA's awareness videos and ads about meat and the fur industry. I never thought about how bad the fur industry was until I was looking up a video about meat production to send to a friend and stumbled upon a fur video. It was appalling, and I will never wear or buy fur again. I also try to let my friends know about it, without pressure. Most people will accept an emailed video after a friendly conversation more than they would accept someone calling them an animal killer.
One thing I dislike about PETA is their portrayal of research. I think that research is helping us, as well as animals, to lead happier, healthier lives. I agree that cosmetic research is unnecessary, but we shouldnt end all animal testing. Many lab animals are treated with respect and dignity, but we could use more training and supervision so that labs who aren't will be forbidden from doing such research.
Cheers!
http://progressiveu.org/blog/leslieq
Check it out...it's a work in progress.
I agree with what PETA is going for the animal's welfare. but they are also kinda over the top on some of the stuff they do. i agree that they have to go out and be dramatic, and what not in order to be heard, but i don't think they should do it and hurt other human beings. i am an animal activists and an vegitarian. i believe that animals should have their welfare against cruel actions protected. i don't know if you read about the meat company that was raming their 'downed' cows inorder to get them to move to the slaughter. i thought this was disgusting! or the michael vick case, this says alot for the pro football players that are suppose to be role models. role models for who?
i agree PETA does alot of good, but they aren't the only organization. there are many many more that need the credit, and also many and millions of veterinarians that need this credit as well.
good post!
The whole Michael Vick thing was pathetic, but I wouldn't go so far as to say that all football players are like that. Veterinarians do need some credit for the great work they do!
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