PETA says using animal names as verbal insults is 'supremacist language,' urges end to 'anti-animal slurs'



People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is on another woke jag this week, tweeting out an appeal to humans and asking them to stop using animal names as verbal insults toward other humans.

Why? Well, doing so constitutes "supremacist language," for one thing.

Instead, PETA said, if you want to insult someone you believe lacks bravery, don't call that person a "chicken" — that would be insulting to chickens. Instead, the animal-rights organization suggested, call that person a "coward."

Words can create a more inclusive world, or perpetuate oppression.Calling someone an animal as an insult reinforc… https://t.co/E8UAVNzMSL
— PETA (@PETA)1611680533.0

And if someone tends to tattle-tale or constantly report others' behavior, don't call that person a "rat" — use "snitch" instead. In addition, say "jerk" instead of "snake," "repulsive" in lieu of "pig," and "lazy" instead of "sloth."

"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," PETA added in the tweet. "Stand up for justice by rejecting supremacist language."

Were they done?

PETA wasn't through. The organization continued with another tweet saying, "Anti-animal slurs degrade animals by applying negative human traits to certain species. Perpetuating the idea that animals are sly, dirty, or heartless desensitizes the public and normalizes violence against other animals."

And: "Speciesist language isn't just harmful, but it is also inaccurate. 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 finally concluded with the following post: "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in equality and justice to take a look at their personal beliefs and the language they use, and break free of this outdated mindset that denigrates other animals. Always be kind and consider not using insults at all."

How did folks react?

As you might guess, there was a tad of pushback among Twitter users against PETA's pleas:

  • "Come back to me about being less superior than animals when an anteater builds a house," one commenter said.
  • "6 years vegan, please stop making us look ridiculous," another user demanded.
  • "LMAO But we ARE superior to animals; we are literally superior, mentally, and in most cases physically; our intelligence is far past the intelligence of animals, and we are justified in killing and eating them; we're carnivores LOL," another user observed. "I guess I'm a supremacist."
  • "Specieism? I think that's more when orgs like yours demonize and openly kill dogs and cats for the sin of being meat eaters while only caring about barnyard animals," another commenter noted. "You openly admit to murdering dogs and cats just for being homeless in this very thread, so...self awareness?"

Principal blasted for calling Trump supporters 'a**wipes' with 'small d**ks.' His apology apparently falls short as well.



For some reason a principal of a public middle school in Maine decided it was a fine idea to post profane insults on Facebook against supporters of President Donald Trump the night before the election.

What were the insults?

Bill Gifford, principal of Oceanside Middle School in Thomaston, reportedly wrote that Trump "is not my president and is possibly the worst president ever," ripped Trump's "trolls," and called them "asswipes." He also reportedly wrote that Trump supporters have "big trucks" and "small d**ks."

It apparently wasn't the first time Gifford took on Trump supporters, as he also reportedly posted over the summer that "Trumpmonkeys" are "ignorant f***ers" who are part of "goon squads" and added that now "the gloves are off and you are either with me or with him and his fascist army."

What happened next?

Gifford's posts were widely circulated among the Regional School Unit 13 community and alarmed parents who said the principal set a bad example for students, the Bangor Daily News reported.

In fact, the paper said Gifford was the second Maine school official last week who came under fire for making disparaging remarks about Trump and his supporters on social media. Believe it or not, the school board chair of Regional School Unit 71 resigned last Wednesday after making profane posts about Trump supporters on Facebook on election night, the Daily News said.

I'm sorry (kinda)

Gifford apologized to RSU 13 parents on Wednesday, saying that "my mistake was to include profanity, and for that I am truly sorry and hope that the community can accept this heartfelt apology," the paper reported.

He added that "it is a great privilege to hold a leadership position and help guide our youth to realize their full potential. With this great privilege, I realize that I have the responsibility to ensure that I demonstrate effective ways to communicate, even when I disagree, in a way that ensures a productive and respectful dialogue," the Daily News noted.

But the paper said Gifford's apology didn't quite measure up for some parents.

"I believe that thinking we can hold the principal to a lower standard than the students are held to is inexcusable," parent Steve Spearin told the Daily News. "If a student had said those things in that manner, an apology of 'I'm sorry you heard me say it' — no matter how nicely worded — would not be acceptable."

Spearin added to the paper that by disparaging Trump and his supporters, Gifford effectively targeted district students and families who might support Trump.

"I am gravely concerned that the views Mr. Gifford expressed are reflective of the way he interacts with his students," Spearin also told the Daily News. "I am also worried that my children may face negative repercussions if they express anything contrary to those views."

Now what?

It appeared Gifford deleted his Facebook page as of Thursday, but the paper said it got a look at screenshots of his controversial posts.

Regional School Unit 13 Superintendent John McDonald would not comment on the matter Thursday, the Daily News said. The Village Soup reported that Gifford did not respond to its emailed request for comment.

More from the paper:

RSU 13 does have a social media policy in place for employees, however it largely focuses on school officials using social media for school-related proposes. When it comes to personal use of social media, the policy states that "employees are expected to exhibit professional decorum on social media and shall not engage in conduct which distracts from or disrupts the educational process of students or the operations of the schools."

Oceanside Middle School serves students from six Knox County towns, the Daily News said, adding Trump received around 38 percent of the votes from Knox County as opposed to former Vice President Joe Biden's 58 percent.