The Discerning Brute: fashion, food & etiquette for the ethically handsome man

Year of the Rabbit

2011 is the year of the rabbit, according to the Chinese Zodiac. Peace, harmony, and education are associated with the Rabbit. If you’re like me, someone who is skeptical of most things astrological, supernatural, spiritual or otherwise other-worldly, the Zodiac is simply a fun offering of interesting advice and useful ethical navigation to be taken with a grain of salt and informed by whatever is going on in your personal life. I am not convinced that there are only 12 types of people in this world – yet I still find myself reading astrology now and then. I guess it’s just fun to think something in the newspaper is about me.

China’s animal-inspired zodiac showcases a curious affection for animals – infusing them with meaning and symbology… curious because the country itself has no animal welfare regulations and is notorious for brutalizing many of the same animals they elevate with so much cultural importance. From the rabbit fur trade, to bear-bile farms, to zoos where the endangered animals’ bones are served as soup, China is the last place any animal would want to be.

I made the painting above, titled “Unlucky” to symbolize a dichotomy in our relationship to rabbits, to call attention to the silliness of superstition, and to recognize animals that are killed for their skins. A fur coat has just as much superstitious meaning behind it as a rabbit’s foot. The bearer believes the coat to be a form of protection; a talisman that transforms them into an elegant fashion icon, and at a very base level, a symbol of power over those weaker than ourselves.

It is the year of the Rabbit – not of the rabbit jacket or ear-muffs or hat. Not year of the skinned-alive rabbit, nor year of the screaming rabbits (and they do scream), and certainly not year of the powerless rabbit. Why is it then, that most of the worlds rabbit fur comes from China? Why is it that designers are using faux-spirituality like the über-Zen Donna Karan, instead of faux-rabbit fur?

My New Year’s Resolution is to make the year of the rabbit one that a rabbit would want. Please join me by getting involved in the PINNACLE Initiative.

Some other helpful links for animals in China:

• Chinese Animal Protection Network, China: http://capn-online.info/en.php
• Humane Society, International: http://www.hsi.org/news/news/2010/06/chinese_zoos_062310.html
• World Society for the Protection of Animals: http://www.wspa-usa.org
• China Cat Animal Protection: http://www.pictures-of-cats.org/china-cat-animal-welfare-protection.html
• Animal Concerns – In Defense of Animals, International: http://www.animalconcerns.org/
• World Animal Net – Animal Protection Law: http://www.worldanimal.net/protect.html
• Animals Asia Foundation: http://www.animalsasia.org/

3 Comments

joshuakatcher, December 25th 2010 | Tags: animal welfare, bear-bile, china animal cruelty, chinese zodiac, donna karan, peta, rabbit cruelty, rabbit fur, vegan, vegetarian, year of the rabbit
Posted in vegan

Matt & Nat for Autumn, Undercover Animal Lover

• Matt & Nat’s autumn “Faithless” bag in green and brown plaid, and “Braun” in coated khaki are both very warm and fetching accessories for any gentle-man. Also new is the “Mingus” backpack and the “Teller” and “Moller” in plaid.

• PETA’s recent undercover investigation into the sick experiments at Professional Laboratory and Research Services, Inc. (PLRS) has resulted in a major victory for animals. PLRS is surrendering nearly 200 dogs and dozens of cats and shutting its doors for good! Vivisection is inherently cruel and needs to be stopped. Learn more here.

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joshuakatcher, September 18th 2010 | Tags: autumn 2010, fall vegan bags, matt & nat, matt and nat, mens accessories, peta, undercover investigation, vivisection
Posted in vegan

Meat Is (Still) Murder

BLODIG: Dyreverne pakket inn i sellofan og smurt inn i kunstig blod under en demstrasjon i New York. FOTO: TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP PHOTO/SCANPIX

Yesterday, I participated in a bloody spectacle in Times Square. I undressed, lay down in a giant meat tray, got drenched in stage-blood and then wrapped in plastic. Finally, a supermarket-style sticker was placed on my man-parts that read “FLESH: Billions of animals are abused and violently killed because you eat meat. Get Help. Visit www.goveg.com“. There was a media frenzy, and a crowd of onlookers stood by, quietly absorbing the visuals. I kept hearing people murmur,”I’ve lost my appetite“, or “Now what are we going to have for lunch?”.

In addition to the New York Post video above, the event got coverage in New York Magazine, CNN, on Howard Stern, IFP, The Calgary Sun, Toronto Sun, contactmusic.com, and various other places, and made headline news in Norway, the Netherlands, and China.

Gallery Image

It’s no surprise that PETA takes criticism from both sides for their attention-grabbing tactics. Some argue that their spectacles compromise the seriousness of the message, while others complain about not having these ideas “pushed” on them (as if the visual and emotional assault the meat and dairy industry pays billions for each year isn’t pushing a specific, and untrue, idea about milk and meat) – but you can’t argue with a crowd of hundreds who mostly took pamphlets, pictures, and asked questions. It was an effective and stimulating demonstration.

The religious couple at the end of the video who have a “live and let live” philosophy about veganism miss the point; the animals are very much alive. What they are really asking is for activists to” live and let kill“.

One critic, on the CNN website, wrote that she’ll never take PETA seriously (or any animal activists) so long as they throw paint at people and wish cancer upon meat eaters.

I love this myth, that animal activists throw paint at people (aside from themselves). I don’t think that’s happened since 1980, yet everyone who questions animal activists’ tactics seems to believe that they’ve had, or will have, paint thrown at them, or in this case, diseases “wished” upon them – and that justifies “not taking them seriously”.

Let’s reiterate: This CNN writer is unwilling to take the side of the (supposed) paint-throwers, because throwing paint negates what…. facts? Validity? But this same writer is willing to take the side of the throat slitters, the skull crushers, the limb grinders, the life-takers, the mother-child-bond-breakers, the mothers’ milk thieves… because that industry does not throw paint at people. And instead of wishing cancer on people, they very physically give cancer to people. This activist-cancer-wisher, paint-thrower is a straw man!

Most animal advocates are animal advocates because they are compassionate. Most of the animal advocates I know are the same people who are the environmentalists and human rights activists. I can’t imagine any one of my friends wishing cancer upon someone .

From the animals’ perspective this issue really isn’t very gray. Most of us don’t need to eat them to thrive, and it hurts them, us, and the planet. What’s so difficult?

20 Comments

joshuakatcher, July 28th 2010 | Tags: animal rights, blood, meat is murder, meat tray, peta, times square, vegan, vegetarian
Posted in activism, animal rights, vegan, vegetarian

Bear Hats, Covered Feet

Terra Plana’s new vegan range includes some sharp, organic canvas and eco-PU footwear. Thanks to reader Tyson for the tip!

Dark Brown Claudius Black Claudius

Stella McCartney defends bears! Bearskin hats have been worn since the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 where they were taken as a badge of honour by the Grenadier Guards when they defeated Napoleon’s bearskin-wearing Imperial Guard – but not for long is PETA and Stella McCartney have their say. A Hint Magazine Article today covered Stella’s “relentless crusade for critter-friendly fashion.”

PETA's faux-fur version of the bearskin.

The dashing, discerning, Dan Matthews showcases the Faux-Bearskin that PETA and Stella are pitching to the Palace to save bears’ lives. Why the synthetic version, you ask? Because it often takes a whole bear to make one hat! Royally gross. There’s no good excuse.

“McCartney is partnering with PETA to give those vigilant palace guards a fur-conscious makeover, swapping their bear fur hats with synthetic versions. (Going naked instead of wearing fur is not an option, apparently).”

Check our UnBearbleCruelty.com for more.

1 Comment

joshuakatcher, July 27th 2010 | Tags: bear skin hats, palace guard, peta, Stella McCartney, terra plana vegan
Posted in accessories, activism, Shoes, sustainable, vegan, vegetarian

TARKAN’s Stand For Turkey’s Strays

We’re no stranger to pop phenomenon Tarkan. Last season we interviewed him about his love for animals, and now, photographer Giuilano Bekor, Gaudy PR’s Avo Yermagyan, PETA Germany and yours truly teamed up to make this amazing spay/neuter and dog rescue campaign take place just in time for Spay Day on February 23rd! Did you know Turkey has a huge pet overpopulation and strays problem? Stars like Tarkan have actually taken in many strays, and with campaigns like this we hope people will take action and have their pets spayed and neutered, keeping more dogs and cats from living sad, dangerous and unhealthy lives.

Check out Peta Germany’s interview with Tarkan:

When did PETA first enter your life?
During the promotional tour for my album Come Closer, PETA reached out to me to voice feelings about my wearing a fur coat on the album cover. Having been an animal lover since childhood, this instance when I was pictured wearing fur on the cover of my album was truly a regrettable one. On the day of my album’s cover shoot, we tested many looks, one of which happened to include a coat with fur accents. The pictures ended up being used as the album’s cover artwork. In hindsight, I wish I had never worn the coat—but I am also a believer that everything in life happens for a reason. Because of that mistake, PETA and I crossed paths, joined forces, and are now working together to protect animal rights worldwide. Once all the unimaginable circumstances being suffered by helpless animals were brought to my attention and I saw footage portraying the horrible pain that animals were enduring for the sake of fashion, I immediately swore off fur.

What do you think of PETA?
I am happy to be supporting PETA—an organization that’s fighting for animal rights worldwide. PETA’s relentless efforts to protect the well-being of animals around the world is a cause that is very important to me.

How do you think we can make animals’ lives better? Do you think that the existing campaigns are enough?
I am fortunate enough to be able to use my celebrity to draw attention to PETA and to encourage my fans to join the animal rights movement. I feel it is up to all of us to take a stand as consumers and choose a cruelty-free lifestyle. Once we stop encouraging industries that are making a profit at the expense of animals, we will end the demand and make a change for animals worldwide.

Do you think that celebrities are doing enough to protect the rights of animals in Turkey?
There have been many celebrities in Turkey who have spoken out for animal rights, including my dear friend, Sezen Aksu, who is both an animal lover and an activist. I hope that with this campaign, more of my colleagues, friends, and fans will be inspired to voice their support for animal rights.

How did you find your dogs?
Over the last few years, I have rescued approximately a dozen dogs from the streets of Turkey. Some were brought to me by friends, and some have even shown up at my doorstep looking for a home. They have brought me endless joy, and I treasure their unconditional love.

How many dogs do you have, and where do they live?
I currently have four dogs (all rescued), named Efe, Carmella, Johnita, and Jackie. They all live with me at my ranch just outside Istanbul.

Do you have a favorite among them? Why?
I love all my dogs, as each has his or her own unique character. But Johnita is very special to me—she is the one who never leaves my side, no matter what.

Tell us a story about you and one of your dogs.
I used to have a dog named Efe, who I loved—and who passed away. Just a week later, a stray dog who almost identically resembled Efe showed up at my doorstep. I immediately welcomed him into my family and named him Efe as well.

How is your life nowadays? What is the latest with you?
I am currently in the studio working on my new album. In my free time, I like to work with many nonprofit organizations such as Doğa Derneği (Nature Foundation), UNICEF, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and more, to use my voice for change. But most of all, I am happy to be able to come home to my loving companions at the end of a long day at the studio.

5 Comments

joshuakatcher, February 19th 2010 | Tags: dog, germany, neuter, peta, spay, Tarkan, turkey
Posted in vegan

Danzig Wins, Hi-Top Brogues & Miami Dolphin’s Ricky Williams

Our favorite vegan tough-guy, Mac Danzig, won his bout against Justin Buchholz on the Feb. 7th, 2010 event, UFC 109 Relentless. Read the full article on UFC.com. Prior to the match, the fighters were asked in a video what their favorite junk-foods were. Danzig said, “Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies and Soy Ice Cream“. I’d have to agree, but I think coconut-cream based ice cream is a bit better…

Miami Dolphins’ running back Ricky Williams has a Heisman Trophy, a Maxwell Award, and is a Pro Bowl MVP – but he’s also a vegetarian who participated in a faux-chicken wing taste-test for PETA a few days go. Check out the video, but please don’t ask “duh..Ricky, where do you get your protein?”

Ricky is co-owner of a new restaurant, Proof, in Miami that has a lot of vegan options. The winning wings may have been gardein buffalo wings!

Nanny State, made by Dr. Shoes has some really cool, waxed canvas, tartan-lined, brogue boots in black, green, and brown.

4 Comments

joshuakatcher, February 8th 2010 | Tags: Mac Danzig, nanny state, peta, proof miami, ricky williams, UFC
Posted in activism, animal rights, celebrity, cruelty-free, event, fashion, food, green, news, sports, vegan, vegetarian

Woll-less Waistcoats, Easy Sneaks & Flexitarians

Sometimes it can be tough avoiding the the wool industry when looking for a decent waistcoat. Here’s a couple wool-free options by Topman. And if you think wool is just a haircut, check out our pal Gary Smith’s article Pulling the Wool over our Eyes at Elephant Journal.

Overstock.com announced that it will no longer sell products made from exotic skins. According to company officials, the Salt Lake City-based online retailer “has removed from its site all apparel and accessory products which feature exotic animal skins, including snake, alligator, crocodile, lizard, ostrich, stingray, eel, shark or kangaroo and will no longer sell such products.” Thanks to PETA for cluing them in.

These sneaks are made of 100% organic cotton. Spring is just around the (very long, cold) corner!

The world’s largest food service company, Compass Group, launched it’s Flexitarian initiative, which is aimed at expanding the variety and supply of meat-free options for its customers—promoting healthier, more sustainable and more humane eating.A “flexitarian” is someone who actively integrates meatless meals into his or her diet when possible but isn’t a full-time vegetarian.

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joshuakatcher, January 5th 2010 | Tags: compass group, exotic skins, flexitarian, organic, peta, sneakers, topman, waistcoat, wool free
Posted in animal rights, cruelty-free, fashion, food, green, news, social responsibility, Uncategorized, vegan, vegetarian

DBTV: Tarkan Interview at NYC Fashion Week

Tarkan might not yet be a household name in the United States, but with his forthcoming album – star studded with collaborations featuring some of the hottest US artists, it soon will be unforgettable. In Europe, Russia, and especially Turkey, the press has compared his effect to that of Elvis’ on the US in the 1950s. Tarkan, famous for his spellbinding performances, is an award winning German-born, Turkish pop-singer known as the “prince of pop” by the media on the other side of the Atlantic. He has several multi-platinum selling records, with a total of over 15 million albums sold.

Check out my interview with Tarkan at the Emilie Humanitary fundraiser at Fashion Week in NYC where we discuss his humanitarian, environmental, and animal causes in addition to music such as his fighting of a controversial dam in Turkey and his collaboration with PETA to help animals like strays in Turkey and those typically used in the fur industry.

Tarkan was confronted by PETA in 2008 for wearing fur on the cover of his album. Once he learned of the plight of fur-bearing animals, he made an apology and has sworn it off. He also really enjoyed the Dr. Cow’s vegan cheese I gave him, and I hope to get the opportunity to prepare him a full vegan meal soon!

5 Comments

TheDiscerningBrute, September 23rd 2009 | Tags: emilie humanitary, interview, peta, Tarkan, turkey, video
Posted in activism, animal rights, celebrity, fashion, interview, music, news, social responsibility, Uncategorized, video

Local Myth, Man-Boob Billboard & Walking For Farm Animals

It turns out that omnivorous locavores may be bending over backwards for no reason if their goals are environmental. Read the Forbes article that takes the meat out of the locavore argument and puts the emphasis right back on the largest single contributor to greenhouse gas emissions: meat and dairy. But we know that already, right? There’s nothing green about local bacon aside from the greenwashing in which it’s packaged. It’s almost as bad as the “humane slaughter” myth.

Sometimes all you need is a simple, organic cotton tee in a few colors to take your wardrobe to the next level. Logos, silkscreen graphics and band names can distract from the main attraction: you. Alternative Apparel has crew neck and v-neck tees in every damn color.

PETA recently took some heat for asking us to save some whales - from blubber. Women went nuts when PETA put up a billboard saying that adopting a vegetarian diet can lead to weight loss, and now they are going after the guys! So what do you think? Offensive or crafty?

Meatloaf is not just for meat-eaters. With 33g of protein per serving, Field Roast’s Classic Meat Loaf packs some serious muscle. Order it online or check your local retailer.

Walk like a man. We often hear about all the things we should do “like men“. But now, you can really walk like a man, by raising money to benefit Farm Sanctuary! Click HERE to see all the walk dates and locations.

To raise funds in person, please use the Offline Donation Form. You’ll need to bring the completed form and any donations with you the day of the Walk. If you can’t make it and want to sponsor someone, like our friend Gretchen or Dave, or simply donate, please do that too!

Thanks to our friend Ari, who is often a guest columnist on GGA, and who owns the snarky, yummy vegan, soy-candle company A Scent of Scandal forwarded locavore and man-boob articles.