NORFOLK — Sayings like, “kill two birds with one stone,” and “don’t beat a dead horse” have been around for a very long time. However, PETA is asking people to use more animal-friendly phrases instead.
“I think people are too sensitive. I think people are too politically correct,” said Cathy of Norfolk.
Cathy said she loves animals, but PETA has gone too far. PETA released a list of sayings that they believe are “anti-animal.” They even offered alternatives to the phrases.
For instance, instead of “kill two birds with one stone” they want to change it to “feed two birds with one scone,” or instead of “bring home the bacon” they prefer “bring home the bagels.”
“I feel no one is going to take this seriously,” said Cassie of Norfolk.
“No one is going to say these sayings either,” said Devon.
Cassie and Devon are both supporters of PETA, but they said publicity stunts like this get in the way of what’s important.
“I love PETA. I think what they do is great for animals, but this is a little much. I don’t think it’s necessary, I think they should just keep doing what they are doing with their bigger issues,” said Cassie.
Keith Butler said when you analyze it none of these sayings actually have anything to do with animals, for instance, “beat a dead horse,” which PETA now wants to change to “feed a fed horse.”
“It means just not letting a situational issue go, so know the background behind a saying before you want to get rid of it,” said Butler.
PETA declined an interview but released this statement:
Words matter, and as our understanding of social justice evolves, our language evolves along with it. Just as it became unacceptable to use racist, homophobic, or ableist language, phrases that trivialize cruelty to animals will vanish as more people begin to appreciate animals for who they are.
“They have to find something better to do with their time,” said Jim Schade.
Schade adores his golden retriever Gibbs. He said he’d be the first to step in if he saw an animal being abused, but he also said there’s absolutely no harm in these sayings.
“I believe they are going way over the edge there, it doesn’t even actually make sense, when I walk away I don’t think I’m going to kill birds or anything like that, I don’t think it’s ok to kill birds,” said Schade.
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