It was advertised around campus that Newkirk would answer
any and all questions students may have. However, once she started receiving
backlash, this PETA co-founder seemed that it would be the professional thing
to do cutting us short after three questions. Sara Kitchen, a great friend and
classmate of mine, didn’t agree.
We approached Newkirk and asked her the following three
questions, and were bewildered by her responses, which were filled with
ignorance and hostility.
Q1.
What are PETA’s goals when the world population reaches 9 billion people? Are
we all to be vegans? And if this is the end goal, how do we do this in an
economical, profitable and sustainable way?
RESPONSE: Yes, people will still eat if we take away meat from our
diets. And of course it will be better in all three things you mentioned.
Animal agriculture is responsible for polluting water, releasing unwanted gas
into the air and deforestation. Vegans use the least amount of energy and
water, you know.
Q2.
What will happen to the animals if we eliminate animal agriculture?
RESPONSE: Well you have to stop artificially inseminating them, and
then we won’t be producing billions of animals each year. They will phase out.
I don’t think you care about your animals *waves
her hand in my face*, it’s just an excuse for what you’re doing to them.
It’s something that’s been programmed into your mind, you’re just a business.
Do you take the calves away from their mothers for safety? How would you feel
if I did that to you, “for safety?”
Q3.
How will this affect our economy? Agriculture generates billions of dollars to
the United States economy each year, not to mention thousands of jobs.
RESPONSE: The economy will have to change. We used to have slavery
and horse drawn carriages you know.
Throughout her responses, both Sara and I would try to
respond with the rhyme and reason behind all of our practices, but she would
bring down us down without letting us finish. In fact, we weren’t able to do
more than start a sentence before she would interrupt and start another
argument. Not only was it slightly discouraging, but very upsetting that a
woman of her status and popularity would act so childish. In fact, to highlight
her level of professionalism, I would like to leave you with this last exchange
between Newkirk and I:
Newkirk: I don’t think you truly care about your animals. It’s a
business, and it’s for profit.
Me: How can you accuse me of not caring about my cows? Is it not
possible to have morals and emotions tied in with your business?
Newkirk: I don’t even know what you mean by that.
Sure you don’t Ingrid. I guess they didn’t teach you how to
use insanity and outrageous beliefs to battle an opponent with reason,
practicality and reality… did they?
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