In the process of cloth making, different raw materials are used. They include cotton, silk, nylon, and animal products such as wool and fur (Emberley23). The use of animal products to make clothes has triggered several controversies over the years. This resulted from the fact that materials obtained from animals necessitated killing them. The use of fur in the fashion industry triggered debates for many years. Though use was minimal in the late ’80s and early ’90s, fur has made a comeback. Opponents of fur use have cited reasons to desist from killing animals for fur. Inhuman and unfair treatment of animals is the main reason. They have expressed dissatisfaction and anger towards users of fur in the cloth industry (Emberley34).
Advocates and opponents have debated this controversy of fur used for many years. Proponents state that fur is fashionable and therefore it is the way to go in terms of new fashion designs. They cite reasons that fur is warm and possesses a nice aesthetic appeal. Their reasons have come under strong attack from opponents of far use in cloth making. Opponents have all along proposed the use of synthetic materials. Environmentalists have declined this proposal stating that synthetic materials are pollutants since they are non-biodegradable and should be avoided (Emberley49). They claim that other parts of an animal have other purposes even though killed for fur. As such, nothing is wasted. This controversy is far from over because many cloth firms still use fur to make clothes and associated accessories.
Fur coats troubled animal rights activists. They fought hard to eliminate fur use. They held conventions to convince cloth-making firms to use alternative materials. The proposed use of refurbished fur and synthetic materials. College students fought for the eradication of far use by forming groups that convinced cloth firms to desist from using fur. They pressured administrations to avoid giving contracts to firms that used fur. The controversy also troubled animal lovers and pet keepers because it was meaningless to them. They argued that killing animals for fur was unethical and wrong.
In today’s world, fashion is very important and diverse. It defines the way people dress, talk, relate to each other and the technology they use. Every person has a personal definition of fashion and this explains its impact and importance (Emberley124). Fashion identifies different people, cultures, and social groups. It denotes a way of life in some regions. This happens in cultures that develop a specific dress code for members. Fashion helps in interpreting and understanding the values and attitudes of people in a certain era. As such, it is a sign language to pass on certain messages and an expression of modesty. To individuals, fashion may be a way of expressing certain personality elements and a form of protection from cold by keeping warm. This is because clothing is a basic human need. For example, outgoing and talkative people prefer bold colors. Beauty is another reason why fashion is important. People love to look attractive through proper dressing and this has a positive impact on their relationships. Fashion is a big industry that provides service to many people and so it provides employment to people who seek jobs in cloth firms. (Emberley128). Fashion is important to both individuals and culture as explained above.
Works cited
Emberley, Julia. The Cultural Politics of Fur. New York: Cornell University press, 1997. Print.