Reply #59: Same strategy works for Fred Phelps

[Gormy Cuss]

Many people know his name and have seen his God Hates Fags signs in all their disgusting glory. He has succeeded in reaching many people through media coverage of his stunts. I guess that helps his cause or he wouldn't keep doing it. Based on the opposition at some of his recent campaigns I'd say he's successful only if the goal is to engender more sympathy for gay rights.

I used to respect and support PETA for raising awareness of our relationship to animals. I even found the early attention-getting gimmicks to be quite amusing (changing the name of the town of Fishkill, for example.) IMHO the organization expends far too much capital using these gimmicks rather than focusing on constructive ways to engage people in their cause. I'm for the ethical treatment of animals but I wouldn't give PETA one dime.

But hey, as long as PETA believes it's a successful strategy we'll continue to see gimmicks.