The Thanksgiving Post from PETA Backfires Stunningly.
Art by @freebison
Online mockery of PETA's Thanksgiving social media post has been observed.
An image of a family of turkeys gathered around a dinner table was shared by the animal rights organization on X, the social media platform that was once known as Twitter.
The artwork, which was made by user @freebison, features birds saying grace before they eat a Thanksgiving meal consisting of gravy, potatoes, and a platter with a roasted human head on it.
The message stated: "We're lucky turkeys would never do this to us—you don't have to do it them, either."
There have been nearly 26 million views of the post since it was shared on Wednesday. Many users did, however, draw attention to the fact that turkeys are omnivores and do consume things other than just plants and seeds, like lizards and insects.
Turkeys eat meat, which is ironic, according to @LawSelfDefense.
"The only reason they don't eat us is because we're top tier predators," Cameron wrote. "They sure as heck would eat us if they could."
"As someone who [raises] birds, just a little FYI. They would definitely harm both you and themselves," said @TheHermitDruid.
@portal_patrol_ concurred, "They will hunt you down," but Britt countered, "Looks like we need to get them before they get us."in response to @TheHermitDruid.
Users of X's community-led fact-checking service, the Community Notes, were likewise going bonkers over a paragraph that said, "Turkeys are not vegetarians." Mice, lizards, frogs, and pretty much anything else that fits in their mouths are all eaten by turkeys.
"If turkeys were larger or had the technological means to farm and eat humans, their current diet reveals they likely would."
On Tuesday, PETA held a display with a similar theme in Kansas City as part of its "ThanksVegan" campaign. A nearly nude male model, "trussed up" like a "human turkey," was on display with bags on his feet and skin-colored underwear.
The table featured soft bread rolls and other classic Thanksgiving fare, along with a mock human-sized roast turkey for comparison.
Not surprisingly, Rauz wrote, "PETA make new fetishes that I never knew exist," in response to the "human turkey" going viral.
Bill Ari stated, "PETA really said stuff a twink not a turkey."
Alex made a joke, "She's a baddie, she's showing her panty."
Bubu commented, "Really dig those baguette plushies tho," and Suki questioned, "His head being supported by a plastic cup???"
PETA has been contacted by Newsweek via email for comments.
PETA is one of the most well-known animal charities in America, but controversy has long surrounded the organization's tactics. Established in 1980, the group advocates for animal rights and counts actress Pamela Anderson, actor Alec Baldwin from 30 Rock, and Joaquin Phoenix from The Joker among its many supporters.
PETA's publicity gimmicks have drawn criticism, though. The organization faced backlash for its 2021 National Boob Day social post, which made a sexist comparison between women and cows. Additionally, the organization has been under fire for its repeated claims that milk causes autism.
