Sometimes when someone says something stupid, outlandish or inappropriate the only defense they can use is that it was "just a joke." That's the tune PETA is playing to backpedal away from attacking Mario for wearing a Tanooki-suit with a press release and a web game called Mario Kills Tanooki. Today PETA tells web site Kotaku that the whole campaign was meant to be "tongue-in-cheek." Gamers found it to be more like "foot in mouth" or "head up ass."
"Mario fans: Relax! PETA's game was meant to be tongue-in-cheek, a fun way to call attention to a serious issue, that raccoon dogs are skinned alive for their fur," Shakira Croce, PETA's media coordinator said. "We wish real-life tanukis could fly or swat enemies away with their tails and escape from those who profit from their skins. You can help them by never buying real fur."
We're at least glad to hear that PETA heard gamers when they complained about their latest campaign - which many thought went out of its way to lambaste a beloved icon for no particular reason other than to draw some attention. They certainly got some attention.
Source: Kotaku. Thanks to Andrew Eisen for the tip.
Comments
Re: PETA Calls Anti-Mario Campaign 'A Joke'
It's hard to take it as a joke when it's framed as an attack. There are plenty of ways they could have done this without making it look like they were going after Nintendo and Mario.
"No one really believes that Mario actually kills and skins a raccoon dog for his fur in Super Mario 3D Land,"
That statement is a direct contradiction of the exact thing that their game depicts, i.e. a skinless animal chasing Mario to get its fur back from him. Obviously no one thinks that a fictional character wearing a fictional fur suit actually killed any real animals to acquire said suit, but the implications are clear. They were accusing Nintendo of advocating the wearing of fur.
Re: PETA Calls Anti-Mario Campaign 'A Joke'
That's the thing, they likely did mean it as an attack, which makes it all the sadder. They're only calling it a joke now because so many people are calling them on their BS, especially on a company that often refuses to develop a game featuring a gun like object.
Well, there is the crossbow and the zapper, but what I mean is during the developmeny of Super Mario Sunshine, the FLUDD looked like a generic water gun, but they didn't want Mario carrying a gun, so it was changed and changed to a backpack.
Re: PETA Calls Anti-Mario Campaign 'A Joke'
Well, I'm sure "It was just a joke" is the only defense you can fall back on when you're sued for defamation.
Atlanta Video Games Examiner for examiner.com
Re: PETA Calls Anti-Mario Campaign 'A Joke'
No one sued anyone. I can believe it. A SICK joke, but a joke nonetheless. I didn't find it funny at all. That's why I said, "IGNORE THEM! All they wanted was attention!"
PETA, you are a joke!
Re: PETA Calls Anti-Mario Campaign 'A Joke'
In my honest opinion Nintendo SHOULD sue so this joke can seriously come around and bit PETA in the ass.
Re: PETA Calls Anti-Mario Campaign 'A Joke'
joke my ass, the only reason they're backing out is because they're getting far more negative attention this time around than usual, as well as were called out for their sheer lack of tact and intelligence in this whole situation.
otherwise it'd be another one of their usual brag jobs after the fact rather than cleanup.
Re: PETA Calls Anti-Mario Campaign 'A Joke'
I'd say that's pretty much it, they're being taken aback that people dare question them on their BS.
Re: PETA Calls Anti-Mario Campaign 'A Joke'
The only reason I'm not buying real fur, is because I can't offored it.
Re: PETA Calls Anti-Mario Campaign 'A Joke'
Well, everyone is laughing. Granted, they're laughing at you, but they are laughing.
Andrew Eisen