Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- confidante / ˌkɒn fɪˈdɑnt / (n) – a person someone trusts and shares secrets with
Example:My mother is my confidante and best friend.
- faux / foʊ / (adj) – fake or unreal
Example:The store sells faux leather bags at cheaper prices.
- forgo / fɔrˈgoʊ / (v) – to give up or let go of something
Example:Emily had to forgo her lunch break so that she could pass her project on time.
- dispose of / dɪˈspoʊz əv / (phrasal) – to get rid of something by throwing it away
Example:I have too many clothes! I need to dispose of some of them.
- source / sɔrs / (v) – to obtain something from a particular place
Example:These special cacao beans are sourced from Mexico.
Article
Read the text below.
Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, will no longer wear real animal fur.
According to the Queen’s dresser and confidante, the Queen’s future outfits will only feature faux fur. Reports speculate that the decision to forgo animal fur came after pressure and criticisms from animal rights groups, which condemn animal cruelty caused by fur farming and production.
The Buckingham Palace clarified, however, that the Queen’s fur clothes will not be disposed of completely. The Queen will continue to wear her existing clothes with animal fur, which include coats, hats, and ceremonial robes used for official events.
Several animal rights groups praised the Queen’s move to go fur-free. Claire Bass, executive director of Humane Society International, said the monarch’s decision will send a powerful message that fur is no longer in fashion.
Still, other activist groups appeal to the Queen to extend this fur-free policy. For one, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) called on the Queen’s Guard to stop wearing their signature bearskin hats. Other groups are also urging the UK government to ban fur sales.
Responding to the call against fur sale, the British Fur Trade Association (BFTA) argued that, compared to faux fur, real animal fur is sustainable, long-lasting, and plastic-free. Some fashion activists agree, claiming that plastic-made faux fur takes a long time to naturally decompose.
Additionally, the BFTA points out that fur can be ethically sourced. It can be a by-product of the food industry, re-manufactured from existing products to save on raw materials, or reclaimed from animal regulation projects to reduce waste.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
• Do you think Queen Elizabeth’s decision to go fur-free will convince others to do the same? Why or why not?
• In your opinion, is it better to use ethically sourced fur or faux fur? Explain.
Discussion B
• If you were an influential person, what idea or advocacy would you push for to inspire positive change in others? Explain.
• In that advocacy, what challenges and criticisms do you foresee, and how do you plan to address them?