Text Assignment 2
PETA, the social movement that I chose, definitely has a collective identity and makes use of numerous frame methods in order to drive their cause. They have a very wide encompassing but focused mission statement which is to investigate, publicize, and end animal cruelty. One very effective method that is used to frame their cause is the use of video imagery of actual acts of cruelty to animals. They maintain a very good website that provides a wide array of information which also includes such videos. They have a huge and compassionate following, many of which are very famous personalities. They make very good use of famous movie stars for example to speak out on cruelty to animal issues. Another example of how they frame or publicize their cause is to make effective use of the news media. Their simply stated objective and the way that they go about getting their message out brings much attention to the work that they do and draws people from around the world to become a part of the movement.
The PETA movement has some very strong fundamental similarities to the pro-life movement. There is this common thread that they share that life, one concerning itself with children and the other with animals, is to be held in high regard. In the case of the pro-life movement the importance of a child that is brought into this world is placed at the highest level. The total needs of a child must be addressed with love and respect. In the case of PETA, they believe that if you are going to be responsible for animals that they should have the appropriate priority in your life. Like children, animals have needs, wants and emotions that need to be always taken into consideration. Pro-life is based on a Godly view of what is right and just for a healthy family. PETA activists have similar strong convictions about their specific animal interests.
The environmental movement is a challenge to industrial society. They argue that what is in the best interest of mankind should take priority over the driving force in our society which is growth. Similarly, PETA attacks the industrial establishment that has to do with animal production or experimentation when acts of cruelty are reported. Both of these movements are forces to be reckoned with. They both have a strong record of making use of the courts to change our industrial society for the better.
The PETA movement definitely has an iconic face. Her name is Ingrid Newkirk. She is probably the most famous animal rights activist in the world. She is the co-founder and current president of PETA. She is a tireless activist that speaks around the world and has published many books on the subject of cruelty to animals. She has a very interesting background and is very interesting person. Take a look at this icon of the cruelty to animal’s movement by visiting her website.
http://www.ingridnewkirk.com
PETA is committed to supporting grassroots efforts around the world. As for changes to be implemented to give PETA a better edge I strongly feel that there is none. They have proved many times over that they are doing everything within their power to better the humane treatment of animals. Given that they are a movement that is international the makeup of the total army of activists is very diverse. Race, gender, class, religion and political lines are crossed. One of their primary missions is to educate. You will find websites where they solicit the help of young people starting at the age of 13 asking them to get involved. Since their target cause is not human based, people of all walks of life are part of the PETA movement. I am not aware of any practices that are used to frame the movement that would lead to exclusion.
