I do not support the ideas and beliefs of PETA, however I must add that I was rather impressed with the website in that it exceeded my expectations. When I typically think of a PETA protest I think of the naked marches and the splattered paint on others wearing fur. I think of abstact posters/billboards and other media, and I also think of very opinionated and forceful members. However, the image portrayed on the website offers a much more professional view of the organization. There are several comparisons made, and though some are taken as silly, anyone looking at the website will notice the effort that PETA makes to respectfully sway or convert the beliefs of the opposed. I was also surprised to see the organizations acceptance of an individual's transition away from meat and animal products. I believe that the official website provides a better welcome than the protestors demonstrations typically seen in news headlines.
Another example of protest that we looked at this week is the Guerrilla Girls. I was initially confused about their intentions, although it did become clear after looking at some of their billboards and flyers. I noticed that the Guerrilla Girls want to raise awareness for professional women in Hollywood. I particularly like the billboard with Trent Lott on the Oscar award. It list a couple of statistics and also includes humor with the mis-matched head on the Oscar, being that of Trent Lott who is a major political figure. The poster drew attention to the fact that more women are involved in politics than in film production. I thought it was a creative way to inform people and not be to abstract or offensive. They have found a creative way to express their feminist views in a funny way that very effective.
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I agree with your opinion about the Guerilla Girls. I think using humor is a very effective strategy because it allows relation and understanding.
I agree with you that many people have an idea that PETA is known for its "crazy" protests. I was surprised about their respectful and thoughtful website. I think they that worked harder to send a more positive message about their organization.
you're blog made me think about how groups like PETA are portrayed in the media, and how much control they really have over it. Their website seems to suggest that they would like to present themselves as much more reasonable, but they are often represented as being extremist and hostile. Is the fault of the groups, the media, or the audience, I wonder, and what can be done about it?
I noticed the same thing about the stark difference between PETA's website and what they're usually associated with (anti-fur campaigns, KFC, etc). I think that difference makes the identity of the organization a lot more confusing.
one thing you said that i thought about was how effective is the Guerrilla Girl's protests being as they are left somewhat vague to leave room for humor. maybe this method will be more influential in the long run.
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