Ode to the Crazy People

Today I went to see the Batsheva Dance Company at the Benedum and ended up being overwhelmed with a series of emotions. There were a bunch of protesters outside the theater holding signs and pacing peacefully back and forth. I walked past them as quickly as possible, embarrassed for contributing to anything opposed to by a human rights group. I had done my research beforehand and decided not to go, but ended up receiving a free ticket before the show. 

So I went, and ended feeling immensely guilty. One, for not taking a clear stance either way on the issue. Secondly, for passing up the protesters without stopping to chat. They obviously are very passionate about the issue, braving the cold and angry looks, and surely had something important to say. I felt as though I redeemed myself a bit more later in the night, though.

Even though we ignored the protests outside, it stirred conversations inside, and I was able to explain both sides of the conflict. However, I'm not here to write about the problems facing Israel right now, because to be perfectly honest, it confuses me and I don't want to get the facts wrong.

I want to challenge you to stop and think when someone goes out of their way to project a message. Standing outside in the cold in front of lots of Batsheva-going people is rather brave to me. So the next time you see protesters, regardless of whether or not you find the cause pointless or disagree, strike up a conversation. They are obviously passionate about what they stand for, passionate enough to risk rejection and harsh opposition. It doesn't mean you have to agree with anything they say, just get a different perspective.

Wouldn't the world be better off if we all opened our minds just a bit more?

Rabbit? Or dog?

Are you guilty of being a fur hag? Many people aren't aware of the cruelties that are hidden behind that bushy exterior. Let's see, here...

• In China, where much of the US's fur comes from, dogs and cats are often skinned for fur, then passed off as "fox" or "rabbit."
  
• Animals hunted for fur are caught in steel traps so painful that they sometimes chew off their own limbs in order to escape.
• Many animals used for fur are anally or genitally electrocuted as a cheap form of execution, which often proves unsuccessful.
• The animals who are not killed by cheap execution methods are skinned alive or half-conscious.
• Fur is NOT a by-product of any meat industry.
• There are NO federal laws protecting animals used for fur. Beating, stomping-on, breaking bones, or starving the animals have no consequences and are used to kill diseased animals or those not electrocuted.

Grossed-out yet?

So are many other Americans finally being exposed to these disturbing facts.

But there is hope!

Tons of designers and celebrities are realizing that fur is very not cool or fashionable in any way.

Check out all these shops and designers that are following the fur-free trend!

Abercrombie and Fitch

Aeropostale

American Apparel

American Eagle

Ann Taylor

Anthropologie

Apple Bottoms

Banana Republic

BCBG

bebe

Betsey Johnson

Billabong

Calvin Klein

Champs Sports

Charlotte Russe

Dockers

Dollhouse

Eddie Bauer

Esprit

Express

Foot Locker

Forever 21

The Gap

Guess?

H&M

Hollister Co.

HSN (Home Shopping Network)

J. Crew

Kenneth Cole

Levi's

Limited Brands

Lucky Brand Jeans

Nautica

Old Navy

Overstock.com

Paul Frank

Polo Ralph Lauren

Stella McCartney

Steve Madden

The Limited

Talbots

Timberland

Tommy Hilfiger

Vans

Victoria's Secret

Zappos.com

See? There are tons of alternatives! I didn't list them all here, just some of the big ones I've heard of before.

For more information, go to www.FurIsDead.com They have a lot of ways you can get active, including taking about 10 seconds to shoot an email to Urban Outfitters and Amazon.com to urge them to stop selling fur. It's well worth taking a look!

Or try FurKills.org for some cool victories and news updates.

Click here to see what your fur coat used to be.

For a video of Martha Stewart denouncing fur, click on this link:

Is there anybody out there?

I decided that I am finally gonna get my butt a-movin and try to make some sort of a difference in the world. A blog is kind of a sucky way to do that, but I'm gonna try my hardest.

I know that most people just don't give a damn about the world, but you really should, you know? For your own sake, and for your family and friends and children and grandchildren.

Don't leave the world a mess, and don't kill yourself because of uneducated lifestyle choices.

I am going to start posting regularly, and once I get a hang of how I want to handle this, I'll start sharing it with other people. Sound like fun? I think so :)