Lip-syncing America's national anthem is not the worse thing Beyoncé did on Inauguration Day. Many people look more harshly on her wearing a fur coat. Unlike Aretha Franklin, who is apparently shameless, Beyoncé removed her fur before the now controversial performance, but wore it in the procession.
Clearly, money does not buy compassion, and she was just one of the pop stars who appeared in fur at the 2013 inaugural events, but she was the most visible. Fur was even spotted at the Green Ball.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) confronted Beyoncé in 2006 about wearing fur and using fur in her fashion line. Videos showed Beyoncé going catatonic and bolting from the restaurant, but she was clearly not moved and remains one of the pretty people who do ugly things, according to animal activists. Beyoncé has been criticized for swaddling her baby in a fur sling.
Why can't more stars be more like Wendy Williams, who has adopted compassion over killing. Williams joined the ranks of other famous stars who realize that fur is not a symbol of success and luxury, but of death and abuse. PETA says that "fur is worn by beautiful animals and ugly people." Kudos to Williams for standing up for animals.
Friends of Animals, an international animal advocacy organization with a strong anti-fur program, realizes that it might be difficult to get celebrities to stop wearing fur, but hopes to counteract the damage they do by sending compassionate messages to the community.
They offer “No Fur” pins and stickers to spread the message that wearing fur is not acceptable.
Friends of Animals succinctly asserts that "animal rights present a genuine and profound challenge to our culture. It’s not just about having sympathy for maltreated animals and outrage over what people do to them. It is about viewing animals with respect and ensuring they can live in their own ways."
Friends of Animals' vital message is that to end the fur trade is we must extend to animals their birthright of freedom.
This author finds it particularly disgraceful when people whose cultural history includes oppression, ignore the similarities, and continue to oppress other living creatures in a misguided attempt to appear successful, accepted, and beautiful.
Fur is not beautiful, even on Beyoncé. Fur kills. Remember the lack of compassion represented by fur before you celebrate those who wear it. Think. Say no to fur.
America's first lady, Michelle Obama, who does not wear fur, has said publicly, to the surprise of many, that she admires Beyoncé. Apparently, they have a mutual admiration thing going. Maybe Mrs. O can talk some sense into her; PETA couldn't.
Don't let that stop you. Buy a pin or sticker from Friends of Animals. Tell the world: Fur is not cool. Fur is cruel.
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