People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) wants the baseball term “bullpen” eradicated from common language, because it perpetuates “a human-supremacist worldview.”
PETA suggested striking out “bullpen,” the area where major league pitchers warm up their throwing arm prior to facing batters, with the more animal-friendly term “arm barn.”
The organization said the word “bullpen” refers to “the holding area where terrified bulls are kept before slaughter,” and devalues talented players by mocking the “misery of sensitive animals.”
PETA encouraged the MLB to “liberate the language we use in baseball,” during the World Series matchup between the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros.
“People are striving to eradicate racist, sexist, homophobic, and ableist phrases (or team names) from our common language,” the organization said on Thursday. “But unfortunately, many of us also grew up hearing phrases that condone violence toward animals and perpetuate speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview.”
“Sayings such as “kill two birds with one stone,” “beat a dead horse,” “bring home the bacon,” and “bullpen” all normalize violent acts against some of the most defenseless members of our society,” the announcement continued.
PETA’s “arm barn” suggestion was widely mocked by social media users. “One of the few remaining bipartisan trends in America is people from all walks of life thinking @PETA is a joke,” a critic tweeted.
“I’m not convinced that PETA isn’t just a bunch of trolls and possibly the greatest comedic geniuses of our time,” said another.
“What the hell is wrong with people ? It’s been the “bullpen” forever,” a Twitter user concluded. “I’m sure PETA cannot produce one bull that objects to it being called bullpen! I will wait for their response. Until then, just STOP trying to ruin everything!”
PETA could do some real good for animals if they stopped with these ridiculous stunts
— William Buecker (@wcbuecker) October 28, 2021
wpDiscuz
The PETA people are insane.