People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, otherwise known as PETA, apparently has a “Person of the Year” award that they give out and for 2013, they’ve decided to bestow the honour upon Ricky Gervais. Is he a vegetarian? Not that that’s a stipulation of the prize, but one would think… In any case, he’s been given the award because he’s spoken out against animal cruelty a lot… on Twitter. Apparently his comments about animals have been retweeted over 92,000 times this year, which makes him a pretty key player in the Twitter activism game. I jest.
“Ricky Gervais makes sure that animals have their say, tweet, growl or roar on Twitter,” said PETA Managing Director Ingrid E Newkirk.
“He finds humor in most things, but cruelty to animals isn’t one of them. As he says himself, ‘Animals are not here for us to do as we please with. We are not their superiors, we are their equals. We are their family. Be kind to them’.”
Fair enough. I’m all for treating animals kindly. I love my dog and if anyone ever hurt him, I would hurt them, so I get the sentiment. I do think PETA is kinda awful, but I suppose they mean well, so since it’s Christmas, I’ll just wish a hearty congratulations to all.
Most people I've met who weren't kind to animals weren't kind to people either. Kindness is kindness. Simple as that.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) September 21, 2013