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The voice of Scotland’s vibrant voluntary sector

Published by Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

TFN is published by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6BB. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registration number SC003558.

Poll: Is it ok to be offensive?

This poll is about 9 years old
 

Is it ok to be offensive in pursuit of your cause?

Yes
36
No
41

Animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has come under fire after TFN exclusively revealed it wants to place suggestive ads on the side of Scottish ambulances.

The group says it made its indecent proposal in response to reports that the Scottish Ambulance Service is one of many across the UK to buy expensive new equipment – costing more than £3.5 million – in order to accommodate larger patients.

PETA’s proposed ads features a cleavage flashing sexy nurse and reads: "Lighten Your Load – Go Vegan. Vegans Are 10 to 20 Pounds Slimmer Than Meat-Eaters.” See below:

However, since TFN broke the story, the group has been bombarded with allegations of sexism, misogyny and objectification.

One Facebook user posted on TFN’s page: “It's a seriously pathetic and transparent attempt on the part of PETA to gain exposure through controversy (again).”

This is a reference to previous PETA campaigns which have used overtly sexual imagery and even features porn stars.

The group has also caused offense by having activists dressed up as Ku Klux Klan members turn up at dog shows, making a point about the selective breeding of animals. And also for this advert:

PETA has always taken the line that its shock tactics are a legitimate means to an end: that they get5 people talking about the abuse of animals.

However, it’s methods are hugely divisive.

So that’s why we’re asking: how far is too far? Are charity shock tactics and campaigns legitimate or are they counter-productive? Is OK to be offensive in pursuit of your cause?

Vote below and don’t forget to comment and contribute to the debate.

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