A resurfaced tweet from animal rights organization PETA that claimed cow’s milk is a ‘symbol of white supremacy’ has gone viral and amassed millions of interactions.
In a 2017 tweet, the activist group said that dairy milk is a common drink among white supremacists because ‘the dairy industry inflicts extreme violence on other living beings.’
‘Cow’s milk has long been a symbol used by white supremacists. One more reason to #DitchDairy,’ People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said.
The tweet was picked up and reshared at the weekend and got 4.2 million views.
PETA also claims on its website that ‘drinking dairy milk is bad for human health’, but studies increasingly show that switching to plant-based versions can have lasting health consequences.
In a resurfaced tweet, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said that dairy milk is a common drink among white supremacists because ‘the dairy industry inflicts extreme violence on other living beings’
‘Aside from “lactose-tolerant” white supremacists, cow’s milk really is the perfect drink of choice for all (even unwitting) supremacists, since the dairy industry inflicts extreme violence on other living beings,’ PETA wrote on its website
In a longer article on PETA’s website, the agency pointed to research that has found that white Europeans can digest lactose better.
They said that white supremacists have used that as an excuse to consider themselves the ‘master race.’
‘Aside from “lactose-tolerant” white supremacists, cow’s milk really is the perfect drink of choice for all (even unwitting) supremacists, since the dairy industry inflicts extreme violence on other living beings,’ the agency wrote.
‘PETA is trying to wake people up to the implications of choosing this white beverage and suggesting that they choose something else pronto.’
However, science has repeatedly shown that cow’s milk has more nutritional benefits than plant-based alternatives like oat and almond milk.
Earlier this summer, a major study found that nine out of 10 plant-based milks are ‘nutritionally inferior’ to cow’s milk.
These milks contained less of at least one of three vital nutrients than cow’s milk: calcium, vitamin D, and protein.
Dr Abigail Johnson, the epidemiologist who led the study, said: ‘Our results provide evidence that many plant-based milk alternatives are not nutritionally equivalent to cow’s milk.’
She even said people who drink plant-based milk exclusively should consider supplements to ensure they do not miss any vital vitamins and minerals.
Overall, the plant-based milks had about 350 milligrams (mg) of calcium and three micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D per 8.1 fluid ounces (fl oz) (240 milliliters, ml) on average.
They also contained about two grams (g) of protein per 8.1 fl oz (240ml).
For comparison, the US Department of Agriculture says that whole milk contains about eight grams of protein per 8.1 fl oz (240ml).
It also has about 306mg of calcium and nearly three mcg of vitamin D per serving.
Additionally, a report from the United Nations‘ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which looked at more than 500 studies, concluded that animal sources of food offer ‘crucial sources of much-needed nutrients.’
These include protein, fat and carbs, iron, calcium, and zinc.
Not getting enough calcium has been linked to several health issues, including brittle nails, slower hair growth, and thin skin.
It can also increase the risk of osteoporosis, brittle or weakened bones, because when the body doesn’t get enough calcium, it has to draw it from the bones.
In kids, calcium is essential for growth and development.
This isn’t the first time PETA has tweeted strong opinions about dairy with little evidence to back them up.
Also this weekend, the agency posted: ‘Drinking dairy milk is so embarrassing.’
They did not give any explanation. When a user asked what other kinds of milk are out there, PETA responded: ‘Oat, pea, macadamia, soy, tigernut, cashew, almond, coconut, rice, hemp, hazelnut, flax milk… all great alternatives.’
The organization also tweeted a video last week claiming that ‘cheese destroys families’ of cows because calves are ‘pulled away’ so their milk can be turned into cheese.
