Shannon wrote:

a. That the “meat” of my body, or a portion thereof, be used for a human barbecue, to remind the world that the meat of a corpse is all flesh, regardless of whether it comes from a human being or another animal, and that flesh foods are not needed;

b. That my skin, or a portion thereof, be removed and made into leather products, such as purses, to remind the world that human skin and the skin of other animals is the same and that neither is “fabric” nor needed, and that some skin be tacked up outside the Indian Leather Fair each year to serve as a reminder of the government’s need to abate the suffering of Indian bullocks who, after a life of extreme and involuntary servitude, as I have seen firsthand, are exported all over the world in this form;

Sigh... as much as I agree that animals shouldn't be 'abused' for vivisection and other scientifically unnecessary testing, the ideas behind this are simply false and a ridiculous show of melodrama. Human flesh and skin is NOT like animal flesh and skin. For one, human skin is not as resilient as animal skin for things like leather and fabrics. It's too thin and doesn't respond well to tanning and other curing techniques. There's probably a reason for this, regardless of what you believe as the method by which we got here.

Secondly, human flesh isn't a good choice for nutrition. There's not enough fat (depending on subject) and certainly not enough protein stored in the flesh itself. This is a subject I constantly banter with my vegan friends over. Animal flesh is simply the highest source of protein, especially when viewed from cost to produce. Most meat producing animals, such as cows, pigs, buffalo, and hens, are disproportionately rich in meat relative to their size. Hence, built to eat. Anyone who's ever smelled human flesh burning can tell you that it's not an aroma that induces hunger.

If you really want to support animals, boycott factory farming and genetic engineering of natural foods. Boycott vivisection and unnecessary testing on animals. And support proper hunting and game reserves that allow people to participate in the food cycle.

RE: PETA: Ingrid Newkirk s Unique Will