Anyone who has been acquainted (or even somewhat familiar) with me for any period of time will likely also be well aware of my nearly lifelong stance against Procter & Gamble & their vast array of low-grade, environmentally unsound products. Although the environmental impact is certainly a concern for me as an informed adult, my boycott began at an early age as a result of my interest in (and resounding repugnance at) the then-common practise of vivisection and subsequent rendering of corpses to generate more product ingredients. P&G has been torturing non-human animals in laboratories for decades, sacrificing millions of lives for the sake of gaining maximum profit using marginally safe ingredients of questionable origin.

Despite numerous appeals & suggestions from humane advocacy groups over the years, P&G has perpetuated these barbarous activities without mercy, remorse, or proper deliberation of reasonable compromise. Spokespersons for the giant corporation have frequently made empty promises to seek alternatives to cruel experimentation, yet continue to buy out numerous other brands & implement inhumane clinical research on newly acquired products. In addition to their normal methods of misleading consumers from behind a shroud of noted acquisitions, their highly suspect advertising methods now include some rather startling celebrity endorsements. I’m still wondering exactly how they managed to convince Ellen DeGeneres, a self-proclaimed vegan, to endorse their meretricious Cover Girl brand (and WHY she would have agreed to do so in the first place)…

Their newest ad campaign, which focuses upon mothers and families, seems to have left out one very vital detail worth careful consideration:

All of the living, breathing, sentient beings who have been tortured & die in their laboratory testing day after day have mothers too. Some of them are (or were) even mothers themselves, though these poor mums were likely never afforded the Universal right to become properly acquainted with the children to whom they give birth.

Despite the brief spell of outrage initially felt at having happened upon the new “family-oriented” slogan, I do sincerely hope that the aforementioned relationship between Procter & Gamble and Ellen Degeneres may be some sort of indication that the company is on the brink of some monumental changes for the better. I can think of very few scenarios more delightful than hearing news of immediate steps being taken in a more environmentally conscious, forthright, and (most importantly) humane direction.
All living beings are born into family and unique consciousness; therefore each one is deserving of equal consideration, regardless of species, gender, creed, or pigmentation. Destroying one being for the sake of another is immoral and unacceptable policy, of which I pray to see an immediate end.

Luka Magnotta, aspiring model and low-budget adult film actor, is in some very serious trouble. He has been connected with several cases of horrific animal torture & killing, and is also wanted by Canadian law enforcement in connection with the murder of at least one human being (apparently he is also potentially implicated in (an)other murder case(s)). The former should have been a warning sign of the latter becoming an imminent possibility, and action should have been taken immediately upon discovering the abuses.

However, society’s seemingly ever-present refusal to accept non-human animals as being valid, sentient beings with as much right to live in peace as any human has been an unfortunate accomplice in many similar cases.

Magnotta has subsequently fled North America, and is now wanted by Interpol as well:

For me, this particular case carries eerie echoes of Jeffrey Dahmer’s gruesome tale, especially considering the fact that each one of these disturbed individuals ended up taking the lives of same-gender lovers, violating corpses, etc. after having become known for a penchant toward violence toward other species…

Jeffrey Dahmer also had an extensive (though somewhat media downplayed) history of torturing & killing animals, dismembering their bodies, and generally drifting through life as a seemingly disturbed, somewhat hardened societal outcast.

Dahmer’s unsavoury activities began in childhood, possibly as a way of punishing others for his own inacceptance of the unique self he was likely in the commonly awkward process of discovering. The self-perceived inability to “fit in” can be very difficult for a child, and unconventional interests/thoughts/behaviours (particularly in relation to sexuality) are often met with reactions of exclusion and persecution by ignorant members of “mainstream society”. Quite often, such persecution appears in the form of violence, tactics of intimidation, and unrelenting public humiliation. For some who find themselves unable to constructively work through the pain and anger which frequently appear as products of such experiences, regrettable reactions may be comprised of uncontrolled rage and violence toward those deemed more vulnerable than themselves. Such reactions, from my perspective, can serve little purpose other than to create even more emotional pain and torment in the individual who carries them out.

I had a look at some of Magnotta’s social media after reading some news of his criminal behaviour, and noticed a certain mob mentality being expressed in commentary from other visitors. Such statements such as “SICK BASTARD I HOPE YOU DIE,” and “MURDERING (sic), ROT IN HELL” seemed to be the consensus, in addition to various scattered comments (some relatively complimentary, others not so much) relating to his appearance. It was enough to make me feel genuinely bad for the guy! In fact, I found such internet trolling from so-called “peers” to be disturbing enough to compel me toward leaving a comment of my own. I can only imagine that such reactions were a regular part of Magnotta’s everyday life, and many of his actions may have been a reactive, defensive way for him to handle such negativity.
Many may ask, “What does a person’s sexual orientation have to do with violent, criminal, irrational, or otherwise immoral behaviour?”

Generally speaking, there is always a link to be found between a person’s actions and disposition in life in relation to the way they are treated.

Mainstream society’s refusal to accept non-human animals as valid, sentient beings deserving equal consideration corresponds directly with similar societal behaviour toward certain members of its own species.

My Universal supplication for today is for all of us to find the strength within ourselves, allowing us to take a much-needed moment consider all possible factors in any given situation.

Mob mentality is neither productive nor beneficial when brought against individuals, even if the presentation of events seems horrendously grim and utterly wrong. There are more rational ways of handling such situations, without resorting to perpetuating the hatred which likely led to the initial enactment of such horrible crimes.
Even after having seen the kitten snuff video (which I found to be utterly deplorable and greatly upsetting) I simply cannot imagine any positive end resulting from vigilante “witch” hunts. Hurting someone who is already so obviously disturbed can never bring those kittens back (and may even cost the world more defenseless babies).

There are so many horrific atrocities occurring on our planet at present, and the only way I can see for us to be able to remedy such a vast amount of injustice toward all beings (including our living Earth) is to work toward healing ourselves with inner peace.

The Golden Rule is a wonderful way to begin this process.

Having read through very recent statements posted by Kathy Ireland regarding her blatant disregard for freedom, well-being, and right to life for non-human animals, I realise that there is really no point in feeding her with any more energy in form of appeals to wake up to reality & stop using fur. I recently read through some statements from her which directly attacked several prominent activists who attempted to appeal to her self-professed “charitable nature” by urging her to disengage in use of fur trade activity and related sales. She appears to exhibit textbook psychopathic behaviour by way of attempting to shift attention away from herself (& questionable ethics); at one time praising film icons of the past who engaged in wearing of furs, and subsequently accusing activists of publicity seeking by way of appeals. She then proceeded to perpetuate the debate by engaging in negatively charged exchange with several misguided individuals who were toadying for exactly what she had accused activists of seeking: attention. As to be expected, these frivolous attention seekers seemed more than delighted to receive a virtual pat on the head for expression of disregard for non-human life.

In my opinion, Ms. Ireland is certainly NO Audrey Hepburn! It should also be perfectly obvious to anyone with a shred of common sense that women in the past were far less privy to information related to such matters than we are in present day society. There is simply no excuse for (feigning) ignorance!

Witnessing much of this was quite bothersome, and I am incredibly tired of seeing PeTA’s shelter kills being cited as justification for other (completely unrelated) atrocities. While I am no fan of PeTA, I find ignorance of this magnitude to be nothing short of inexcusable. However, I opted to refrain from becoming any more involved in pointless debate and simply researched a bit more:

From what I have read, it seems that the callous, has-been fashion model is presently denying accusations of generating monetary gain from sales of animal fur cruelly obtained from breeding facilities. She claims to believe that fur farming is “humane”, and goes on to state that all proceeds from sales will go to “Kathy Ireland Worldwide”, her so-called “benevolent fund” established with alleged intention to benefit non-profit organisations.

If this is indeed the case, anyone who recognises non-humans as valid beings with rights to their own lives should take the time to find out exactly which “charities” will be benefitting from this blood money so that we may BOYCOTT them. Proposing a boycott on Kathy Ireland’s ill-begotten products is simply stating the obvious, especially considering the fact that she’s been using child labour in Asian countries for YEARS without any sign of remorse. There is simply no reason to buy anything endorsed by this empty minded, shell of an excuse for a human being, though one might imagine that her name would not cross any of our minds for any reason (other than having plead with her to curb these unethical practises). That having been said, there is really no reason to waste time and energy by converting it into negativity and outrage at her seemingly soulless disregard of common ethics toward Earth & other inhabitants. Instead, why not convert this energy and time into something positive by seeking and spreading word on charities of integrity? It seems far more constructive to support those who strive to make a difference without resorting to accepting blood money, who do not endorse, support or otherwise engage in corrupt or unethical activities.

Make a difference for all beings & our planet: Boycott Kathy Ireland Worldwide and ALL affiliated non-profit organisations.

Our human experiences on this planet are occurring on a very limited timeline. Let us use this time to create something positive for ALL, instead of relinquishing our will to the undeserving.

Follow Up:

Shortly after this post was made, another blog was brought to my attention by one of the aforementioned activists who have taken it upon themselves to address this nasty business with Kathy Ireland (the others being the Barbi Twins, formerly of Playboy fame). Amy Rebecca (a.k.a. ‘La Belle Nuage‘)  primarily focuses her energy on strong opposition to the fur industry by way of her Fur Free L.A. campaign. Her follow-up post contained a great deal of relevant (and priceless) points & information, so I asked her permission to add hers to this blog as a follow-up to mine. Amy very graciously granted my request, so below is another piece of the puzzle related to sussing out exactly where Kathy Ireland’s “benevolence” lies:

Kathy Ireland and the Case of the Twisted Fur Logic

As I mentioned in my previous post. I find it more than annoying when others refer to my work as PETA. Kathy Ireland claims that PETA is going after her. If Kathy did any research like she asked, she’d know PETA is not attacking her. I AM. I am FUR FREE LOS ANGELES. Got it? I started the petition. Look, it says “petition started by Amy Rebecca.” Guess who? I designed the posters flying around the internet with the little “Fur Free LA” at the bottom. And I’ve been joining other outraged animal lovers in the “twitter wars” over her sale of fur. 

The mention of a different organization is not only irrelevant, but is trying to shift the controversy away from the issue at hand. Now she’s trying to shift the controversy into some sort of twisted positive light claiming that this blood money is actually going to non profits. 

I have tried to follow the money, but the trail is twisted. Stay with me now. What Kathy failed to mention is who exactly the money is coming from and exactly where it’s going. She says “an amount equal to proceeds” is being given away. We don’t know if the “proceeds” means wholesale or retail. She touts her worldwide retail sales as $1.9 billion, but her personal income, while still hefty, is actually a mere fraction of that number. She makes her money by selling the use of her name, and she is linking her name to the sale of fur. Her collection of fur for American Legend is sold exclusively to Macy’s Fur Vault. So it’s the price American Legend sells their fur to Macy’s–not the retail price to the public– which they are going to give away. 

But WAIT! Now Kathy is claiming “an amount equal to all profits” is going to non profits. Which is it, “proceeds” (the sales amount) or “profits” (a much smaller number)? The problem is that Kathy Ireland Worldwide is a privately held L.L.C. (Limited Liability Company). That means there is no public information about its finances and its contributions to non profits. I could try to dig, and dig, and dig and still find next to nothing about how much is actually going to non-profit. 

Here’s something we do know: American Legend is part of the Fur Commission USA, which is a NON PROFIT! With the question in the air of how much is going to non profits, I’m left bewildered about which non profit those proceeds are going to? Because without public record, and no details forth coming, one has to wonder is the money going back to the fur commission? Okay Kathy, why don’t you reveal exactly where the “amount equal to proceeds” from the sale of your fur is going? I don’t mean the list of charities you tout on your website. I mean, this specific amount is going to this specific non profit. I use the word non profit because YOU did. You didn’t say charity. The fur commission is a non profit.  So is that where the money goes? 

The bigger issue is not how much is going to a non profit or a charity, but the fact that this money is tainted. You can’t make up for violently killing minks by giving away money to “non profits,” whatever they are. And could it be that these donations are being made to the non profits that were responsible for killing them? 

Nothing justifies the death of those animals. Not even throwing your pro life beliefs into the conversation. If you want to talk about the sanctity of life, how does 30 million fur farmed animals being killed for fur coats fit into that? 

Whether or not Ms. Ireland & company continue to callously deny the value of non-human life, voices compassionate individuals should weigh on her conscience (or ego, at the very least) if driven in great number. Even if only to appeal to her sense of avarice, please support the campaign against this cruelty by signing this petition at Change.org. Each & every voice makes a difference for animals, human and non-human alike.

Peace, blessings, and much gratitude to all for having cared enough to read both of our posts.