May 14, 2002

Pickers? An animal rights organization

Pickers?

An animal rights organization wants Austin High School to stop using the nickname ``Packers.''

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals contends the southern Minnesota school's nickname is offensive and should be replaced.

Austin is the home of Hormel Foods Corporation, maker of SPAM luncheon meat, Cure 81 ham and other products. Packers is short for meatpackers.

PETA recently sent a letter to the principal of Austin High School, saying being named after slaughterhouse workers is ``nothing to be proud of.'' The group suggests a better name would be ``Pickers,'' which would promote a healthier, plant-based diet.


I guess this is for real. Is it possible that there's anyone out there who would hear about this "campaign" and think "wow, the Pickers! What a swell idea! And it's such a great help to our little animal friends"?

It's bound to be ridiculed everywhere, just like that cow thing. I suppose that could be the goal, in fact. If your press release is silly enough to become enough of a joke in mainstream pop culture, you can get a PETA spokesman on O'Reilly and the opportunity to talk about the organization on national TV. And no harm done, really. Just don't go assassinating anyone, OK?

(via Sullivan.)

Posted by Dr. Frank at May 14, 2002 08:06 AM | TrackBack