Liberation Comes to Michigan! (PICTURES) September 11, 2009

Posted by Ryan at September 11, 2009 2:40 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 9 ) | TrackBack

With the fall semester now in full swing, peta2 is really kicking its college campaigns into high gear. We've got tons of exciting events, debates, and surprises planned for the upcoming semester—in every region of North America.

It was Michigan State University though that had the distinct honor of being first—by helping us re-launch our provocative and thought-provoking Liberation exhibit.

The display consists of twelve giant panels, detailing how the same "might makes right" philosophy is used to try to justify cruelty to both human and non-human animals. Atrocities like slavery and child labor were both commonly accepted in their time (and indeed still are in some parts of the world), even though we can all look back at them and recognize how hideous they were. Few people take the critical next step though of looking at the atrocities we're committing towards animals raised for food, clothing, and other industries today. Chickens having their throats slit while still fully conscious. Animals being skinned alive for their fur. How will history judge these acts?

Pretty hard-hitting stuff, right? That isn't all MSU got to talk about though. To really ramp things up, we sent America's favorite rabble-rouser, PETA senior vice president Dan Mathews, to speak on campus at the end of the week!

As usual, we took tons of pictures—for your viewing pleasure:

Pretty incredible, eh?

What do you think—which school should we come to next?

Midwest: Meet PETA VP Dan Mathews Near You! May 21, 2008

Posted by Marta at May 21, 2008 4:07 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 1 ) | TrackBack

Oh you lucky Midwesterners, it's true: PETA VP Dan Mathews is kicking off the spring leg of his book tour today in Missouri! And he'll definitely be making stops in Oklahoma, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio before winding up in Wisconsin. Check out the dates and locations on his MySpace page.

In case you don't remember, Dan is out and about promoting his PETA memoir, Committed. He'll be signing books and answering questions about animal rights issues and PETA's campaigns and tactics. Let me tell you, this is definitely something you don't want want to miss.

I could barely put the book down when I was reading it—it's definitely a book that reminds activists that we're doing the right thing, but it's also good for people just learning about the issues. And Dan is without a doubt hilarious—I was laughing by myself in my room as I read the book (I'm sure my roommate thought I was crazy—oh well, what's new?).

My mom even went to one of Dan's book signings in San Jose and absolutely loved it, so definitely bring your family and friends along with you.

Why wouldn't you want to meet someone who has crashed fashion shows around the world (to expose the cruelties of the fur industry), is friends with Pam Anderson (an amazing activist), and loves thrift store shopping?

♥ Marta

peta2 Exclusive from PETA VP Dan Mathews! March 21, 2008

Posted by Marta at March 21, 2008 2:11 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 2 ) | TrackBack

We have a very special treat for you today—a guest blog from PETA VP Dan Mathews himself. Be sure to check out his MySpace page to see where you can see him at a bookstore near you starting Monday. Enjoy!
-Marta

Attention anybody who eats vegetables but parties like an animal: join me at a book store near you! I'm hitting the road over the next month, from San Diego to Vermont, to do readings and signings of my twisted animal rights memoir Committed—out now in paperback (see blurbs below from Pink, Morrissey and the Hipster Book Club). The readings are always a blast and attract all sorts: young pierced trendoids, radical grannies, and vegan homos like me!

The book is a breezy read and explains how I first empathized with animals after I realized the bullies who beat me up in high school were the same thugs who mangled the alley cats behind our dumpy apartment. It also reveals some of the ups and downs of being on PETA's front lines, including my favorite jails, my least favorite costumes and the most interesting freaks I've encountered along the way! Maybe you are one of them. Check out this sample chapter—which disses furry Madonna and shows how Morrissey first got involved—exclusive for peta2. And come to my MySpace page for a list of dates.

Hope to see ya soon!

"Mathews writes with the infectious exuberance expected from a sunny California punk rocker, and he almost makes readers wish they were present for the demonstrations and the break-ins perpetrated by PETA. Charming, breezy, and thoughtful, it's easy to forget that Mathews is the vice president of a highly provocative animal rights group. But despite the occasional descriptions of animal cruelty, Committed is a lively romp through an oft-misunderstood sub-culture that may just change people's minds about the way they eat and what they wear."
-Hipster Book Club


"Hilarious! It's like James Bond with freaky costumes, police chases, jet-set intrigue, and a kick-ass sense of justice."
-Pink


"Twenty years on I am still in awe of Dan. Every single day of his life he is in a different corner of the world saving animals—none too big, none too small, none too far away. Dan is there, getting arrested, causing a flurry with the press, and his success stories are phenomenal. He is the ideal American hero."
-Morrissey

-Dan Mathews

Why Are You Committed? February 12, 2008

Posted by Marta at February 12, 2008 4:27 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 101 ) | TrackBack

One of my favorite things ever in life is hearing about what it is that got people involved in animal rights in the first place. Besides the fact that it's so inspiring, what is really amazing is that everyone has a different story to tell.

Nobody can argue that Dan Mathews, PETA's Senior Vice President, is committed to animal rights. If you've read his hilarious book, Committed, you know that there's nothing he won't do to help animals! Dying to read about all of his crazy escapades? This mission is for you.

We've come up with an easy opportunity for you to get Committed just by sharing your story with us (and your friends!). Here's the deal:

- Write a blog on your MySpace (or wherever it is you blog) about why you're committed to animal rights. It can be as short or as long as you want it to be.
- E-mail us at StreetTeam@peta2.com with the link to your blog.
- Relax.

The five best entries we receive will each get a copy of Committed (autographed by Dan Mathews himself!), and everyone else will receive 1,000 Street Team points.

Need some inspiration? Check out my story, see what Rachel has to say, then get typing!

Can't wait to get your hands on a copy of Committed? It's now available in paperback, so go ahead and buy a copy today! Seriously, check out this picture of Dan that's on the back of the book—why wouldn't you want to read it?!

Have fun! And don't dilly-dally too much—all entries need to be received by Tuesday, March 4, for a chance to win. Winners will be notified by March 11.

♥ Marta

PS - This is technically a contest, so by e-mailing us, we're taking that as acknowledgment that you've read and agreed to the following terms and conditions.

Also by e-mailing, you are agreeing to our privacy policy.