by Sebastian Talon

Created on: September 20, 2007

Is it morally OK to wear fur? What a question!

I ask you, what do morals have to do with it? I don't hear anyone complaining about the clothes made out of leather that many more people wear. Mainly because they are more affordable than fur. And I think that this is where the objection to fur comes from. I'd be willing to bet that those who protest fur are those who can't afford to buy their own. And, in true human fashion, have said, "If I can't have it, they can't have it, either."

The fact that men have been wearing furs for thousands of years is not necessarily a recommendation for continuing to do so. But, in all that time, those who have worn fur have learned several things about it. Fur is warm. Fur keeps water off the skin, naturally, without the chemicals needed to waterproof cloth or other types of coats. And if it's put together well, fur just looks good!

So, you say, "What about the killing of the animals to make them?" And I answer, "What of it?" We kill millions of animals a day for food anyway, and no one, except maybe vegetarians, protests those killings. At least not in the same way. Why is it OK to kill an animal to eat it, but not to use it's fur to stay warm?

Or why should I be allowed to do so only if I live like a mountain man in the woods? Why should I have to kill it, skin it, tan it and sew it together myself? There are people who get paid to do those things. A whole industry of people who would all have to find new work if we manage to convince consumers to stop buying fur. Why should they be put out of work, just because some people don't believe in wearing fur?

You say, "But we can make coats out of materials that are just as warm, can be made just as waterproof, and look good, as well. And we don't have to kill animals to make them!" And while that is true, the water proofing can not be done without chemicals that are dangerous in their own right. And dangerous to the whole planet, to boot.

The truth is, there is no right answer. It is a PERSONAL choice and nothing more. It's not some great MORAL DEBATE to wage, for which everyone should be picking sides. Either you can afford to buy and wear fur. and choose to. Or you either can't afford it, or won't wear it and choose not to buy it.

I believe, though, that those who seek to damage fur coats worn by others by, say, throwing red paint on them (to simulate blood, of course), should not be able to hide behind their right to "Free Speech" or to protest when they do so. They should not only have to pay the owner of the ruined fur the entire value, they should be put in jail for a time to discourage them from doing so again. And if they keep doing it anyway, then a special "Three Strikes" rule should be created for them.

Now that I've said all that....I'll also tell you that, personally, I wouldn't wear fur. We bought a fur for my mother years ago, and I'm glad that she is able to enjoy it when it's cold. But, I'm happy with my leather jacket and cotton sweaters and have no need of fur to keep me warm. I just don't agree with telling others they shouldn't wear it.

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