PETA has had enough of common phrases that “perpetuate violence toward animals.” The animal rights organization, which is formally called People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, took to Twitter on Tuesday, December 4, to share a list of such phrases that it would like to see replaced with more animal-friendly colloquialisms.
“Words matter, and as our understanding of social justice evolves, our language evolves along with it,” the tweet stated. “Here’s how to remove speciesism from your daily conversations.” Included with the tweet was a list of expressions PETA has deemed troublesome, and substitutes to use instead.
Words matter, and as our understanding of social justice evolves, our language evolves along with it. Here’s how to remove speciesism from your daily conversations. pic.twitter.com/o67EbBA7H4
— PETA: Bringing Home the Bagels Since 1980 (@peta) December 4, 2018
For example, instead of saying “Kill two birds with one stone,” PETA would prefer people use the phrase “Feed two birds with one scone.” Furthermore, if PETA had its way, the popular phrase “Bring home the bacon,” would be changed to “Bring home the bagels.”
In a subsequent tweet, PETA expanded on why it would like to see these phrases, and a handful of others, replaced with language that doesn’t invoke harming animals. “Just as it became unacceptable to use racist, homophobic, or ableist language, phrases that trivialize cruelty to animals will vanish as more people begin to appreciate animals for who they are and start ‘bringing home the bagels’ instead of the bacon,” the organization explained.
While PETA may be well-intentioned, not all social media users were here for the revamp of the English language. In fact, several Twitter users pointed out how ridiculous this notion seems by using animal-themed idioms of their own. Check out some reactions below:
Referring to someone in a gross, demeaning, and despicable manner (i. e. Use of the “N” word) can in no way be compared to the use of ages old idioms.
Nice try, @peta
— Aimee M. Hembree (@AimeeM_) December 5, 2018
“Feed two birds with one scone”
You stingy mate? Why can’t they have 1 each?“Be the test tube”
I don’t know how I feel about liquid being poured in me and out of me…“Feed a fed horse”
If the horse has already been fed why am I still feeding it?— Player 0 (@Vongola357) December 6, 2018
I can’t tell if this is satire.
— Trump Needs a Thesaurus, Stat!! (@toilettweetage) December 6, 2018
I love animals, always had animals in my life, always will and I will never hurt an animal on purpose.
But I really hope this is sarcasm …
— Michel Babin (@Badgertista) December 6, 2018
Have you not got bigger fish to fry? 🤔
— You can call me V (@vspearson85) December 5, 2018
You’re opening a can of worms here. This could be the straw that breaks the camels back. But I’m a fish out of water on these issues. Your idea of changing these idioms is like shooting fish in a barrel and you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. It’ll be all bark and no bite
— Kevin Stapleton (@KingOfAnnacurra) December 5, 2018
However, PETA did have some defenders, but even they mused that the organization should, in part, be focusing its energy elsewhere. “Find something else to worry about, like actual physical abuse to animals,” one wrote. Added another: “PETA… come on. I am totally for ethical treatment of ALL LIFE. But you’re absolutely just feeding the trolls with this one.”
Tell Us: Do you support PETA’s movement toward more animal-friendly language?
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