I was disappointed to read Army Feth’s fluff piece last week about how she feels “liberated” to wear her rabbit coat (“Free to wear fur,” ODE Oct. 26). It reminded me of Cartman’s “Whateva! I’ll do what I want!” and you never want your ethics to mimic Cartman’s.
Why should anyone be impressed that Army is no longer afraid of what other people think when that means she takes advantage of others without thinking about them – namely nonhuman animals who can’t defend themselves. We might not need to care what others think, but we should care about what we do to others and what we stand for. And it doesn’t show much caring to glamorize a needless fashion product that promotes the trapping of rabbits in leghold clamps or raising them in cramped cages and then electrocuting them up their butt or sending them to a primitive gas chamber.
Although it’s perfectly normal that this columnist wants to seek happiness, it is a mischaracterization of the Dalai Lama’s peaceful Buddhist principles to suggest he supports hedonism and egocentrism. True happiness and enlightenment can’t come at the expense of others – hence the Buddha’s support of vegetarianism. No one’s “freedoms” should come from stepping on the backs of others. Think of the conscientious consumers who boycotted slavery in the 19th century by refusing to buy cotton products, similar to how people today can refuse to buy sweatshop products or fur and leather.
Animal lovers are compassionate people and therefore most are not going to yell or throw anything at anyone in a fur coat. They are just going to feel sad to see another person who is contributing to animal exploitation and doesn’t seem to care. So if you can’t be without rabbit fur, how about liberating a bunny from the local shelter instead of sporting his remains. The animals need people like you on their side – protecting their own right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness – it can make you happy too.
Carrie Freeman is a doctoral student in communication and society.