I am an animal rights activist, and I believe very strongly in what I do. I work actively in animal rescue, I am a vegetarian, and I avoid buying animal products whenever possible.
Several years ago, I was given a BEAUTIFUL fake fur coat as a gift. This is not your run-of-the-mill fake fur - it was very expensive, from a reputable made-in-America fake-fur dealer, and it looks and feels like real fur (although not as warm). When I received it, I was thrilled. My thoughts at the time were that, if people could see how beautiful fake fur can be, they might be willing to buy it instead of real fur. And anyone who compliments my coat gets the full scoop, of course.
The problem has been that most people don't comment on my coat, which I can understand. If I see someone wearing fur, I absolutely don't compliment them because I find it truly disturbing and am disgusted. I've gotten a couple of glares when I go out (probably from animal-rights people like me), but more than that, I feel like a hypocrite when I wear it, as though I'm advertising for the fur industry (even though little polyesters were all that died for my coat). I want to put a big sign around my neck boasting, "It's not REAL!" But since that would look silly, the result has actually been that I just don't wear my beautiful coat, even on holidays and special occasions. Is this my only option? Is there any way to wear my coat without encouraging the use of fur, or feeling like an accused murderer? Have any other animal-lovers dealt with this, or is it just me?
Thank you to everyone for your advice. I think you're right - I'm worrying too much about what people I don't even know are thinking about me, instead of what I actually believe. I would never wear real fur, and anyone who knows me would know that. And to Mommymommymommy, who said that no one against fur will go out and get it because of me, but those who are pro-fur might have an aha moment because of me, that was a bit of an aha moment for me, and it made me feel better, too. This Christmas, I think I'll wear my coat and see how it goes (and stop looking around to see who is noticing). Thank you all for your opinions.
When someone glares grin at them and tell them it's fake. Those are actually the opportunities you were looking for when you first got it.
Your particular coat is in line with your particular beliefs. If you want to wear it, wear it! People that know you, know your beliefs and that it's not real. If anyone actually takes the time to approach you and comment--all the better opportunity to spread your beliefs!
I think this is a matter on your own conscience.
I choose not to wear diamonds, or any precious stones for that matter. It's a matter of my priciples. People are raped, murdered, made into slaves, and battles are fought because our society chooses to give value to these rocks. I don't wear fake stones either. I think that fake jewels perpetuate the value we place in wearing the real ones.
But this is just my personal opinion. I don't fly this flag or force it on anyone else. If someone asks me why I don't wear a diamond wedding ring I explain, but not outside of that.
You have to do what feels right to you.
I'm confused why you find it disturbing and are disgusted when you see others in fur coats when you wear one that looks real? Maybe theirs is fake fur too and looks real like yours? If you care so much of what others think, don't wear the coat. I, on the other hand, know who I am and what my what beliefs are so who cares what others think by looking at me. I doubt people are really glaring at you. You're probably just insecure about wearing the coat so you're imagining that glares. If you love the coat, I say wear it!
Maybe you can get a cute button made that says something witty about it being a fake...make it an advertisement for fake furs.
People glare at you? I have a real mink fur coat that I wear all the time when its cold and I have never noticed anyone glaring at me. People are going to continue buying fur whether you wear your fake one or not. And I happen to be an animal lover too.
Lisa
!
If you like the coat, you should continue wearing it. What should matter most to you is that you know it isn't real fur since that would bother you. Not so much of what others think. I think most times if I see people wearing fur I have never really given it much thought whether it was real or fake. BTW: I am an animal lover, and I have a real fur coat that was given to me- but that is a whole different discussion- one that would probably get pulled! ;) But if you are that uncomfortable with it- I will give you my address and you can send it to me! I promise to wear it! ;)
If I knew you and saw you in a fur coat, I would assume it WAS fake because of your activism. If I didn't know you, what you thought wouldn't really matter to me anyway.
I have a fake fur coat and I wear it. If I see someone staring, I cheerfully say "It's polyester." making small talk. At least in my area (Minnesota) there are few people wearing fur, real or fake, anyway. When I do see someone, 90% of the time it's an elderly person and I assume that it was inherited.
When I was younger, I had a vintage pile velvet coat that I loved. A male friend once snorted at me and said "I can't believe you have a fur coat." I snorted back and said "It's velvet."
But I still got rid of it. And now, over 15 years later, I probably couldn't fit in it. But it still makes me sad that I got rid of a coat I loved because some damn fool thought it was fur.
If you like the coat, wear it. You know who you are. You know what you believe. And you know you are true to those beliefs. If someone else thinks your coat makes YOU someone else, is that your problem? No one who is against wearing fur is going to run out and get a fur just because your coat is pretty. But someone who admires it and tells you it's beautiful might get an "aha" moment when you tell them it's fake! : )
It's basically a judgement issue. The fact is that its not real fur, it's a nice, warm coat. If you don't judge others you wont feel the judgement yourself. You cant judge a book by its cover.... as you can very well see.
If you do get a comment on the coat you can just tell the truth about it. If people glare, oh well, let them glare..... they will end up feeling judged one day as well. It always goes full circle.
Hi,
I am a animal lover too and I understand your dilemma. I think unfortunately your option is to sell it or donate it. I don't think that people will understand since it looks real but its fake--- I just don't see how you could wear it without feeling this way. I don't wear fur and I don't even wear fake fur because it looks too real to me and I don't like the association I get with wearing it--people won't stop to ask if its real or not, they will judge you immediately for it. Maybe you could sell it and find a beautiful coat that is equally attractive and draw attention that way? :) Good luck to you.
M
I would wear it and not worry about it. If someone says something to you -tell them it's fake.
I agree with the other poster. Fur coats (fake or real) aren't hugely in fashion or style these days, so I personally wouldn't wear it for that reason. This is probably why you don't get many comments, either.You see more faux fur trim than anything, which is more in fashion. Maybe you could wear wool instead, or some other fur where the animals are shaved, not killed for their coat.
