Do PETA’s nearly-naked protests really work? (AOL)

PETA activists, from left, Tricia Harris, Meggan Anderson and Amber Tegantvoort show some human skin in Seattle last year. They were aiming to bring attention to the use of animal skin in clothing. Photo:, Joshua Trujillo

I know what you’re thinking. Nearly-naked women? Animal-print body paint? Soap bubbles.

Why wouldn’t that get people’s attention?

(Click image for larger view.) Playboy models pose in a bathtub to highlight the UK's water consumption during PETA World Water Day in March. (Photo by Getty Images)

PETA isn’t a stranger to the streets of Seattle. Last year, the animal-rights group staged at least two nearly-naked protests to decry the mistreatment of animals.

Both involved young women wearing underwear, body paint and smiles.

So, what’s the deal?

AOL News writer David Moye recently took a stab at making sense of the shock-value approach to activism, explaining that PETA didn’t get much attention until the group started incorporating the word “naked” into their campaigns two decades ago.

But does it really work?

“They are very effective in getting eyeballs,” media relations expert Amy Malin told AOL News. “But I’m not always sure if their message gets across.”

Naked people might actually distract from the group’s message in some cases, Malin added.

“For instance, having naked women on a barbecue is interesting and sexy, but I think more people may focus on the sexy women than the idea they’re trying to convey that meat is murder,” she said.

Or naked women in a bathtub, which is what PETA did in London for World Water Day in March. The demonstrations were supposed to draw attention to how much water is used by the meat-processing industry.

Others say the point is awareness — not sympathy. And no one can miss naked people painted green and orange, right?

Here’s more from AOL News:

On the other hand, professional prankster Alan Abel thinks PETA might be better off contemplating whether its stunts actually compromise its message.

“They’re rabble-rousers with a mission,” Abel said. “And they know how to attract attention on slow news days, when there are no ax murderers or invasions of foreign countries. However, I think they should try to create their campaigns on a higher level. I don’t know if it gains support.”

What do you think?


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