Dear PETA, May I Have a Word?

Recently I wrote an essay on language, specifically about one word, and its variations, and their usage, specifically the concern I, and others, have about how this word, originally created centuries ago, to describe Felines, has been perverted to such an extent that its more vulgar meanings are seemingly treated as the norm, and to use the word in its original context will get you funny looks, or worse, from those without a clue.

You can read the piece, and join the discussion, here: May I Have a Word?

Beginning today I am starting an effort to contact various organizations who have, for decades, fought for the rights, health, and safety, of Felines, to see what they have done, if anything, regarding this issue or, if nothing, then where they officially stand regarding it? ;-D

No, if you have never followed my blogging, over the last 7+ years, I am most certainly NOT just a simple, funny animal picture, with captions, sort of critter blog, so buckle up! ;-D

Dear PETA:

 

My name is Nikita...

 

I'm just an ordinary Guy Cat, nearly 12 years old, fixed, and declawed, living happily indoors all my life, with a Human Male who loves me dearly, and has encouraged me to share his passion for blogging for the last 7 1/2 years.

 

Your Mission Statement says that you are "the largest animal rights organization in the world", "dedicated to establishing and defending the rights of all animals", and "work on a variety of  issues", through "public education, research, legislation, special events, celebrity involvement, and protest campaigns" to "promote kind treatment of animals".

 

For the last 7 years one of MY biggest issues has been in the realm of Language Usage by Humans as it affects the Feline Community, especially in English Speaking Nations.

 

Words have meaning.

Words have a History, especially in Literature.

Some words, over time, have their original meanings perverted by succeeding generations of users, thus leading to their original meaning being nearly forgotten for lack of use in that fashion, and any potential users fear of being mis-understood when using the word in public.

One such word is the one at the center of an essay, the latest version (3rd in 7 years) of which I posted, on my blog, over the weekend.

The word is "PUSSY", and its related words such as Pussies, and Pussy's.

Over the last decade some voices have spoken out in defense of the original meanings of this word, and against its perversion.

I am just the latest to do so, and probably the very first Feline to go public with my concern, and part of my effort has been to continue to put a spotlight on those Humans who came before me in the fight.

 

My essay is here: May I Have a Word?

 

Your efforts on behalf of the Feline Community are to be applauded, especially your mobile clinic, SNIP (Spay, and neuter, Immediately, Please), and sections on your sites that focus on Cats.

 

My Human, admittedly, doesn't always see eye to eye with you on many things, but he thinks that your efforts for Cats help bring attention to important issues.

 

In modern day vernacular most Humans seem to consider the use of the word Pussy to be a vulgar slang, and find instances of its usage toward other Humans to be cruel, demeaning, hateful, and damaging psychologically.

 

As a Feline I consider the appropriating of this word for such purposes to be just as cruel, demeaning, hateful, and damaging to Felines the world over.

 

I searched your site to find out where your organization stands on this issue, and was surprised, and disappointed, to find nothing at all.

 

You say you believe that animals have an inherent worth—a value completely separate from their usefulness to humans.

 

You say you believe that every creature with a will to live has a right to live free from pain and suffering.

 

You say that Animal Rights is not just a philosophy—it is a social movement that challenges society’s traditional views.

 

You say only prejudice allows us to deny others the rights that we expect to have for ourselves.

 

Whether it’s based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or species, prejudice is morally unacceptable.

 

Freedom of Speech is as important to us Felines as it is to you Humans but, just like Humans, we are offended by the way certain words are used, and feel it important to speak out about it, at every opportunity, so as to make the case for change, and hopefully be a positive influence on the evolution of culture, and society.

 

That such an important organization as yours has apparently found no reason to speak out, or take a stand, on this issue is extremely disappointing.

 

Where do you stand?

 

HAVE you spoken out in any way at all, and I just can't find the information?

 

If you have not addressed this, ever, why?

 

Would you care to do so, now?

 

I would be more than happy to post any responses, to this letter, that you care to make, on my blog.

 

Sincerely yours,

 

Nikita Cat

 

Proud Pussy Pundit

 

Meowsings of an Opinionated Pussycat

 

***UPDATE - 1/17***

 

Dear Reader:

 

One of the reasons I blog is to spread information about my fellow Felines that will help educate not just Daddy, and I, but any Cat, or Human, that comes across this blog.

 

As the above letter mentions we have issues with PETA, but a comment, below, by Teri and the Cats of Furrydance, leads us to information that makes clear that we don't know the half of it when it comes to problems with PETA.

 

A link in the article about PETA lead us to a site called PETA Kills Animals which describes itself this way:

 

" "PETA Kills Animals" is a project of the Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the full range of choices that American consumers currently enjoy. In addition to malicious animal-rights activists, we stand up to the "food police," environmental scaremongers, neo-prohibitionists, meddling bureaucrats, and other self-anointed saints who claim to "know what's best" for you."

 

Daddy woke me from a wonderful nap, after my day of setting up the latest Carnival of the Cats, to tell me about the link.

 

What we read was profoundly disturbing, and we barely scratched the surface.

 

I am no longer willing to include a link in my sidebar to PETA'S efforts on behalf of Felines, because of the concerns this website, and its investigative reporting, raises for me about PETA. 

 

Felines, and their Humans, owe it to themselves to become as informed as best they can so that we can understand just what those organizations that claim to help us are doing.

 

One more thing: So far the only response I've gotten from PETA, to my letter, was a form -email welcoming me to the website, and encouraging me to sign up for newsletters, and alerts!

 

***END UPDATE***

 

***UPDATE 2 - 1/25***

 

Hey there! Guess what? I heard from PETA again!

 

A week after the 1st note.

 

This time even my e-mail program knew it was spam, and treated it as such. ;-D

 

Like the 1st one this automated letter claims to be written by, and signed 

Sincerely,

Ingrid E. Newkirk
President
PETA

This one worriedly expresses the hope I'm enjoying my involvement with PETA, and eagerly invited me to "share your experiences with PETA on Facebook" at their page there. ;-D

Unlike the first letter, "Ingrid" didn't say "don't hesitate to let us know if you have any questions", providing me with an actual email address, instead of a form link, though "she" still  looked forward to "working alongside you in this important fight for animals".

Well, 2 weeks is more than enough time for someone to actually respond to the letter itself, especially such a serious letter, wouldn't you agree?

And "Ingrid" DID invite me to write, and to visit their Facebook Page afterall.

I think I'll send her a Thank U, and at least write their Blogger, and Tweeter. ;-D

***END UPDATE***

***UPDATE 3 - 1/26***

Well, now, this is interesting...

Guess what I got this morning?

PETA Praises, Proselytizes, Persistent, Pontificating Pussy. ;-D

***END UPDATE***

 

 

 

Comments

[Everycat]

I dunno Nikita, there's a heap of legal abuse carried out on animals every day in the world, ear trimming, tail docking, cat toes denuckled to save furniture, cats and dogs skinned alive for food, farm animals living and slaughtered in the most appalling conditions...

The language we use to describe our world gets us that world, maybe there's some other words that need tackling first?

We'd like to see PETA and all animal welfare organisations work a bit harder on changing laws that allow people to mutilate or harm animals wherever they are in the world.

We'd like to see some serious education for all apes on living respectfully with the whole animal.

Words don't feel pain.

[Nikita Cat]

Daddy tells me there is a Human saying that goes something like this:

"Sticks, & Stones, May Break My Bones, But Words Will Never Hurt Me!"

The truth is, as he even admits, that words CAN do harm, and not every human, or every critter, has the strength to ignore the pain.

I agree, whole-heartedly about what you say about abuse, and about the need of groups like PETA to do all they can to fight such abuse.

You talk about the need for education, & respect...

I could not agree more.

That is why I've written about something so simple as a word, and am asking questions of PETA, and other groups in the days to come.

Would reclaiming the word for Pussydom Assembled lead to a lessening in cruelty to Felines?

I don't know, but at least I can make the Humans think a bit, thus helping to educate them.

Education about abuses, including those created by the use of language, can hopefully bring more respect, and appreciation for Felines, and our critical place in the Human World.

[Everycat]

Nikita dude, we do see your point, and agree.

PETA have used naked women in some of their campaigns to highlight the way some animals are abused.

They say this exploitation is ironic, but our ape says she'd like to hit PETA with an irony bar (heh geddit?)

Yes we say!

Reclaim the Pussy word, not just for cats but to free apes from exploitation too!

It can do nothing but good to educate apes in respecting us, and maybe via that route, they'll learn to respect themselves as well.

Whicky Wuudler

[Teri and the cats of Furrydance]

I have a problem supporting PETA as I live in Virginia where this terrible abuse happened

http://www.consumerfreedom.com/news_detail.cfm/h/2833-peta-kills-animals----and-its-a-felony

and as to the HSUS

http://www.vidoosh.tv/play.php?vid=4360

I send my $$$ to Best Animal Society and to help the cats of the CB

[Melvin and Zoey at Mouchois]

I'm going to tell the truth, and admit that I am against a lot of what PETA does.

I'm not against the organizations sole mission, but more against how they carry it out.

It seems as though they are a group that has fueled more hatred than love, and has sent out a message that people do not matter when an animal is involved.

They have also proven to be pretty big hypocrites in the past (see Teri's post).

I sometimes wonder if the money has blinded the real problem for PETA, and the only way they can get any real following is by sending a sexual and hateful message (ie their group's against animal eating, marketing that people who eat animals should consider eating themselves.)

Search the "Illogic of Animal Rights" sometime and you will find a very well written, well thought out message to PETA.

PETA is no longer an organization against animal abuse, but rather an organization against mankind. :(

It's sad to see this, as they could do so much good if they just let go of the controversy.

As for your letter to them, Hoorah to you!

I do hope that they at least pay some attention, but if it isn't about controversy and making money, then it may go overlooked. :(