Latinos... “Low Hanging Fruit” For Animal Rights Activists?
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When you look at efforts from just about every industry in the United States trying to tap into the emerging Latino market, one has to wonder when Animal Rights Activists will follow suit.
Companies are investing millions of dollars trying to reach this segment of the population. With some estimates putting Latino purchasing power at more than a trillion dollars, it just makes sense that companies would invest money and resources in this growing demographic.
Latinos are the largest and youngest minority group in the United States. According to data from the Pew Hispanic Center, by 2020, about 25% of all US children will be Latino. By 2025, 1 out of every two persons entering the workforce will also be Latino. The implications of these demographic changes will certainly influence how companies will conduct business in the very near future.
A study done at the Social Work Department of the University of New Hampshire by Jerry D. Marx in 2008 indicated that Latinos were eight times more likely to donate to human service organizations when using payroll deduction. In addition, Latinos who were solicited for donations over the phone were twice as likely to donate to educational organizations as Latino donors not solicited by phone. This could mean an opportunity for organizations funded by private donations to sustain their activist agendas.
What has been done by leading animal rights organizations to reach out to this market? Not a lot as far as I can tell. The HSUS does have a publication in Spanish available at one of their websites – “Spanish 101 for Staff at Animal Shelters”, but other than that, not much else I could find.
However, back in 2008, PETA (which is funded by HSUS according to an IRS disclosure on their website) made unsuccessful attempts to buy ads from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency to be placed at each of the nine southwest border sectors, apparently without success. Nonetheless, it seems they are aware of this population segment to market their messages. If ads had been approved, then those considering entry into the United States would have read this message: "If the border patrol doesn't get you, the chicken and burgers will. Go vegan" (or, in Spanish, "Si no te agarra la migra, te atraparán el pollo y las hamburguesas. Sé vegano").
Then, just recently, PETA again proposed to help the U.S. Custom and Border Protection agency secure the border by providing funds if they were allowed to hang their "Say No to Pot (Roast)" signs on the border.
Are Latinos a ground-floor opportunity for Animal Rights Activists? Time will only tell, but as someone might say, those who get there first, may get the first pickings!
I thank you for reading, and for your comments.
Orlando Gil TCTS LLC
Training Connections-Translation Services
“Helping Bridge the Gap with the Latino Workforce in the Ag & Food Industries”
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I think this is ridiculous to imply that "latinos" are easily duped by Peta.
what about my stereotypic view that most "latinos" are goat-eating Mexicans.? Latinos in my estimation are more likely to be bbq addicts and have a family tradition of grilling MEAT.
I think this article is way off; and the tone to me seems derogatory to Latinos, insinuating they have poor judgement..
David,
Thank you for your comments. Not sure where it was implied that Latinos were easily duped by Peta - Please see Pam's response.
As she mentions, the intent was to show the potential this segment of the population represents to just about anyone that can see what is happening in this country demographically.
As far as the stereotype that most Latinos are "goat eating Mexicans", I can tell you - as a Latino myself - that most of us do eat and like meat (goat meat included when is available), but as we integrate and eventually assimilate, our views and potentially our children's views may be influenced by messages like the ones discusssed.
Thanks again for responding.
Orlando
I loved the fact Latinos are contributing to the workforce in the United States. And if is a huge market industry, in fact I'm Chicano born California, and my parents were born in the U.S.. I have my own business and am somewhat connected to the animal industry, but it's a niche market for my pet cremation artwork. I hope someday to create works of art using farm animals (pets) and exotic animals from zoo's and animal sanctuary's. The Latino future looks bright and will be a prosperous market to tap into soon, even if the U.S. border patrol will not let PETA into it!
Ashwork Design Concepts
Ashwork Design Concepts,
Thanks for the comments. Interesting line of work you are involved in. I can certainly see opportunities for your niche business as some people do see their pets as members of their families...
In regards to your comment of "I hope someday to create works of art using farm animals (pets)...", I am not quite sure I understand what you mean by that. Farm animals are not pets. Farm animals are raised and produced to feed the world.
Good luck with your business and thanks again,
Orlando
Interesting topic. I disagree with David- the author does not suggest that Latinos could be easily duped- but rather he just suggests that it seems inevitable that causes such as this will "market" to Latinos. What is surprising to me is PETA's apparent lack of creativity- "Go Vegan" seems like a lot to ask. You'd think they'd focus on trying to get people to think about animal cruelty, issues of confinement in the food animal industry... once you get people to care about those issues then they might consider giving up meat. But using it as an up-front pitch... I think they need a new ad campaign director!
It will be fascinating to observe the political changes in the future in the U.S. as all these young Latinos reach voting age and become engaged in shaping the future of this country. I like what I read here about Latinos being willing to donate to human service and educational programs. I'm hoping for a move toward a more socially progressive future, supportive of worker's rights and government-supported education and health care. (And compassionate animal husbandry- whether we choose to eat them or not!)
Pam,
Thank you for your thoughtful comments. Yes, I agree. it will be interesting to see how Latinos will affect the political arena in years to come as our children grow up and are able to vote.
I also think that we are moving towards a more socially progressive future and this includes changes in animal production practices to ensure that these animals are produced in a safe, responsible manner. As an example, please see what the Pork Industry is doing to ensure our commitment to responsible animal production.
http://www.pork.org/filelibrary/ethicalprinciples/StatementofEthicalPrinciples.pdf
Thanks again,
Orlando
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