PETA, The next generation

Giovanni Rosenda, staff writer

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have given themselves a new look.

With a new generation of concerned youth, PETA is now providing a website with different views on how to take action.  Peta2.com brings the focus of animal cruelty closer to home for students. 

It’s as simple as clicking on a link that says “college” for information pertaining to young adults.  Automatically, information abounds about how one can earn money just by standing up for what one believes in.

Also available for students are campaigns to join.  There are four in particular that are currently open for recruitment.  All are, for the most part, self-explanatory.  The first one called “Cut Out Dissection,” uses the catch phrase “cut class, not frogs.”  Of course, this is not condoning skipping classes, but to find an alternate way to teach rather than terminate. 

The second, stated “Veganize Your Cafeteria,” means just that.  In the act of notifying people about the noble cause, why not be able to enjoy fine cuisine in the process?  The third campaign, “Fight the Circus” is a little presumptuous.  “No, we’re not encouraging you to punch clowns,” PETA states in an excerpt.  This campaign focuses on not allowing your class to take trips to the circus. 

The last campaign, “Animal Testing on Your Campus,” is a more hands-on approach to eliminating products found in classrooms, the janitor’s closet and bookstores that have been tested on animals.

PETA2.com also enables herbivores with the know how of how to make an entrée when rushed for class.  Then, for the job-seeking student, PETA also has a link that helps with resumes.  

PETA2.com is not just for the classroom.  They also dip into the entertainment field.  They have their own television clippings, e-news, radio, CDs and videos of personal interviews with various artists who are also vegetarian or vegan. 

One major interview includes The Blood Brother’s Keyboardist and vocalist Johnny Whitney.  Other artists include The Shins’ James Mercer, Good Charlotte’s Benji Madden, Russ and Zach from Only Crime, and Jeph from The Used.

If you or someone you know is interested in PETA, visit the website.  Peta2.com is jammed full of information.  For those who wish to take action, take advantage of the free stuff available.  For those who might like to take the big leap and try vegetarianism, or maybe veganism, there are special starter kits that can be mailed out.