PETA is an organization that has ruffled some feathers in the past, and their latest attack on Nintendo’s own mascot, Mario from the Mario Bros. video game franchise, has upset quite a few people – both fans and non-fans alike.

Reportedly meant as a “tongue-in-cheek” move, a PETA spokesperson claims this act was merely a joke made to bring attention to the raccoons who do suffer in real life, as they are killed for their fur coats. PETA released a platform, 2D “game” that features Mario wearing a bloodied raccoon coat, which is dangling haplessly from his body, while being chased by a raccoon. Mario is the target because he supports – through the wearing of the fur in the games – fur.

Proponents of PETA support this move as a way to call attention to the real matter at hand, while opponents denounce their actions, claiming it is yet another in-your-face, cheap attack that discredits the animal rights movement.

PETA is notorious for campaigns that are less than tactful. Remember the comic book being handed out to children, which featured Mommy holding a rabbit by its ears as it stabbed it? Or the time three PETA protesters slung a blindfold around the statue of Gandhi in opposition to bull-fighting? How about PETA’s ill words towards the late Steve Irwin as they criticized how he handled and acted towards wildlife creatures?

The list goes on & on.

I get it. Everyone should enjoy the right to freedom of speech. But when you’re in a position of power and have a huge following of people who are willing to do what you ask of them, for God’s sake, use a bit of respect and tact! For great power comes great responsibility, right? I played Mario Bros. 3 for a few years, starting at the age of 6, and not once did I think, “Wow, Mario wears a raccoon coat. I want one, Mom!” Not once. Instead, I  marveled at the ingenuity of this plumber and his ability to assume different forms by merely touching (or eating) particular items. A mushroom makes him grow. The red flower gives him fire power. The star makes him invincible. Should we get angry at Nintendo for using a celestial form to their benefit?

Set the example and hope your followers will follow. Don’t degrade and ridicule and use in-your-face tactics that will otherwise piss the $@!%# out of people. If you want more people to adopt a plant-based diet, do it in a way that is respectful, not demeaning. PETA has garnered a reputation for idiocy and ridiculousness. Once a supporter of their beliefs because of the information that was presented to me (e.g. factory farms), I now cringe when I hear of the next scandalous act PETA did.

It’s only bringing bad attention, and the animal rights movement should be focused on educating people, not slandering and humiliating them to the point where they lash out in self-defense. When is enough enough?

For anyone interested in checking out the game, click here.