People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has tapped into the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot ChatGPT to adapt the Story of Creation, as found in the Bible’s Book of Genesis, to modern times. The vegan version centralizes animals as part of the narrative, along with moral values and practices befitting the 21st century.
In comparison to the original Bible, THE BOOK: PETA’s Version of the Creation Story replaces ‘beasts’ or ‘creatures’ with ‘beings’ and advances an animal-friendly atmosphere by substituting animal skins for plant fibers (such as hemp and bamboo), which are more appropriate in the modern era. Furthermore, in the updated version, PETA replaces Abraham’s ritual slaughter of a ram with a relaxed interaction between him and a lamb, thus depicting a respectful attitude towards animals and God’s creation, rather than a violent act.
Apart from that, PETA inserted the adoption of a shelter dog named Herbie in Genesis Chapter 21, as an example for the need for rescuing companion animals from shelters, rather than purchasing them from breeders. Additionally, Abraham and Sarah discuss the dangers of overpopulation due to overbreeding, something that PETA actively battles against.
Considering the speech of Generation Z – 73% of whom identify as animal-rights activists – has never been so powerful, PETA hopes to appeal to them with its take on the original Book of Genesis. As PETA President Ms. Ingrid Newkirk puts it, the organization wants to make it clear that a loving God would never support cruelty to animals.
The organisation is also known for its bold attempts to raise awareness of animal rights and veganism. Most recently, Hollywood actor James Cromwell – a vegan – partnered with PETA to protest the plant-based milk surcharge of Starbucks in the United States. Together with others, he sat in a Manhattan Starbucks, his hand glued to a counter and voiced the unfairness of the policy, which can be changed to more ethical ways like at their UK stores.
PETA has further shown its commitment to animal protection by acquiring stocks in a range of meat companies, such as Tyson, Hormel and Sanderson Farms. The organization plans to use it to attend annual meetings, interact with shareholders under applicable US regulations and directly approach CEOs to switch from meat to vegan products in the market.
When it comes to the fight for animal rights, PETA is leading the charge with immense courage and ingenious ideas, often all the way to the most daring actions.
