A popular trend that you will definitely see sported on campus is Canada Goose jackets. Maybe it’s just me, but I felt like these came out of nowhere. All of a sudden, I was passing by all these fluffy jackets and at first, I didn’t even notice the brand because they look a lot like any other winter coat people wear. However, the difference about Canada Goose jackets is that they have real fur, compared to many others that use faux. Because of this, Canada Goose jackets are very expensive (upwards of $1,000!). So, not only is this a gross amount of money being spent on one item of clothing, but it’s also an ethical dilemma. 
Real fur used for coats is a product of animal abuse, and nothing but. These animals suffer because of the choices we make; they literally die for our fashion choices. There are a million other brands of coats you could support that would keep you just as warm, I’m sure. On top of that, brands such as Patagonia actually put money toward causes like helping the environment! I would understand if it was truly in the name of warmth, when the winters have been so harsh and cold these past few years, but it’s not. It’s a status gesture, and a way of separating each of us by class.
I know how popular these coats are—Tom Brady even wore one to the Patriots parade! But that doesn’t take away from the cruelty factor. His coat caused just as much pain (and death), to the coyote as the person next to you in class. Save yourself the money for books, for school, a vacation, or even give it to someone in need! The extreme clashing of the sight of homeless, freezing people sharing the same street as people wearing these jackets is sickening, frankly.
No one is asking you to be vegan, or to do something extreme; just don’t support the abuse of animals when it comes to fashion. There is literally no point, and it feeds into making this trend not only normal, but acceptable and praised. Don’t put these people on a pedestal where you want to be like them, dress like them, or act like them. It’s better to be someone who is original, saves their money, and doesn’t support animal cruelty for fashion. Those coyotes needed their fur more than you did, or ever will. It’s important we address issues like this rather than blindly feeding into them. We don’t have to participate in every trend, even if we may feel obligated to do so. A coat doesn’t determine anything about you, but your choices DO make a difference! even if it’s a small one. So, after reading this article I hope you’ll take the time to share with people the dark truth that is not often talked about in high-end fashion. For a minute there, we came out of the fur craze and were taking the right ethical step in society, now we just need a redirection.