The animal rights group PETA came under heavy fire after releasing a commercial that was purportedly inspired by former NFL player and activist Colin Kaepernick.
Social justice warriors normally courted by the organization delivered the most brutal rebukes as they blasted People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals for “appropriating” the protest against racial injustice sparked by Kaepernick when he kneeled during the playing of the national anthem.
(Source: PETA)
The one-minute animated commercial was “inspired by Colin Kaepernick’s activism against racial inequity and systemic oppression,” the group explained.
“PETA worked with a talented group of advertisers and artists who came up with the idea for our beautiful ad. Positively acknowledged by Kaepernick himself, this project pays homage to all movements that remind us to open our hearts and minds and reject all forms of injustice, including sexism, ableism, racism, ageism, homophobia, and speciesism,” PETA said.
Though the ad was set to air during Sunday’s Super Bowl game, PETA claimed the ” National Football League (NFL) apparently found our new Colin Kaepernick–inspired ad—with its message of inclusion and respect—too daring and pressured FOX to snub our commercial.”
The activist group countered by releasing it themselves on Friday.
The commercial features “The Star Spangled Banner” being hummed in the background while various animals, including a fish and a snake, are seen “kneeling’ like Kaepernick, who is a vegan.
But PETA did not get the left’s praise as it may have expected. Instead, the organization was raked over the coals for everything from disrespecting America to being stupid enough to portray a “kneeling” fish and snake.
why does every thing u do have to be so controversial? u literally go against the cause u fight for by giving animal rights protectors and vegans a bad rep
— John Harrison (@PicassoMyDear) January 31, 2020
I support PETA on animals, PLEASE stay out of divisive human political crap involving Collin Kaepernick in your ads, it only makes PETA look stupid.
Your aren’t helping the cause?? pic.twitter.com/fpS8AN5dVB
— Bry Ven (@bryven1) February 1, 2020
But PETA really felt the heat over its “tone deaf and insensitive” nod to Kaepernick.
You appropriated a symbol of peace and solidarity against white police officers against BLACK Americans effectively putting them on the same pedestal as animals-and y’all not wondering why that’s messed up?!?!
— the biggest little bitch witch ? (@wildbitchwitch) February 1, 2020
