In which I attempt to be diplomatic.
A few months ago, PETA emailed us about making Easter bunnies for them.
Here’s how I wanted to answer their email:
Dear —
In my 20 years as an animal rights activist, I’ve become more disgusted with your tactics with each passing year. I disagree with your methodology so deeply I often wonder if our movement wouldn’t be better off without your presence all together. As a feminist, as someone who cannot care about animal rights in a vacuum, I can’t support PETA.
Even if I did work with you on this project, here’s how it would go: I’d tell you the price for custom Easter bunnies, you will say it will be too expensive. I’ll tell you our prices are what they are because we only use organic and fair-trade chocolate, and you’ll tell me what matters most is that they are vegan. That’s not the only thing that matters to me.
Our world needs radical change. That’s why I’m here. We’re a vegan chocolate shop, but we’re not just that. You’re not a radical group, and we only share the tiniest small sliver of a goal. Our path toward that goal is so widely divergent that I don’t see why it would make any sense at all to work together.
Best,
Lagusta
After much discussion and editing, here’s what I sent:
Hello —,
Lagusta
Dear Lagusta,
Thank you for your forthright and honest response. We’re sorry you feel we cannot work together at this time, but respect that you must follow your own conscience in this matter. Clearly, much care and craftsmanship went into your products—we hope that receives the attention it deserves, and wish you the best in all your endeavors.
Sincerely,
Person With A Good Heart Who Should Get A Job At A Good Animal Rights Group
4 Responses to “In which I attempt to be diplomatic.”
Very well put.
thanks!
Oh that first letter was just perfect!!
I worked at PETA and wish I would’ve sent a letter like that first one to everyone at the org when I quit! So disgusting.