December 8, 2010
Final Researched Argument Draft
The Fears of Fur
Each year the fur industry kills over 50 million animals for fashion. This astounding statement does not even include rabbits, which are among the highest to be killed each year. This is killing more than the population of South Africa alone. To many citizens of the world, fur is a winter staple fashion item, but for others it is a cruel way of torturing an animal for their selfish wants. Fur is a fantastic way to keep warm in the winter, especially if one lives in a cold area. There are many different selections to choose from such as; beaver, chinchilla, fox, mink, seal etc. However, there are many activist groups such as PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which feel the complete opposite. Many of these people think that it is a form of murder and a completely disgusting way to wear fashion. There are many advertising campaigns that display the hatred towards this trend. It is crucial both to the environment and society to use faux fur in both fashion and within lifestyles. The education of fur can be done by learning about endangered species, the fur industry and animal cruelty. Before the reasons behind why we should switch to faux fur and boycott real fur is revealed there is a brief background that needs to be stated. Fur was one of the earliest materials that were used to make clothes. By wearing fur it showed that one was wealthy and had a high stature in society. During the 1800’s France became friendly with Russia. The Tsar of Russia came to Paris to visit his friends and while he was there the people of France took great interest in his stylish furs. Soon after, all of Europe became obsessed with fur and many of these coats were made out of Russian sable. The seal coat was the first coat to ever display its fur on the outside of the jacket. This trend started spreading to the Western countries and becoming more popular. Many animals
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