Letter to Kim Kardashian

Dear Kim, 

It was lovely seeing you at New York Fashion Week. I've had the pleasure of getting to know you over the years, and I can tell you're a good person with a big, beautiful heart. I'm writing to ask you to extend your compassion to real fashion victims—the animals who are violently killed in the fur trade—by swearing off fur this winter. I think you'd be horrified to learn that every single fur farm that PETA has exposed has been beyond cruel: Investigators have witnessed and documented that foxes are electrocuted, dogs are bludgeoned to death, and raccoon dogs are skinned alive. Just last month, video footage from a fur farm in Poland revealed that foxes are being kept inside filthy, cramped, dark cages and that some had missing eyes and rotting jaws. The footage was released on the heels of another investigation showing that foxes are being selectively bred to grow to an enormous—and dangerously unhealthy—size so that their pelts will be larger and fetch more money. 

Times are changing, though: Gisele Bündchen made a bold statement against fur on the cover of Vogue Paris earlier this summer, and Austria, Croatia, the Netherlands, Slovenia, the U.K., and other nations have taken a stand against cruelty by abolishing all fur farms. First lady and former fur-wearer Melania Trump recently swore off fur, following in the footsteps of so many fashion icons and first ladies. You know I love you, and you can be a hero for animals as well as a great example to all your beautiful followers by swearing off fur. Please do the right thing. You'd be praised all over the world, including by my close friends at PETA. Kind regards, 

Pamela Anderson 

Email to Canada Goose Employees

I hope this e-mail finds you well. On behalf of my friends at PETA and kind people everywhere, I encourage you to use your unique position as a Canada Goose employee to urge the company to end its use of coyote fur.

Despite what your employer might tell you, the traps used to catch wild coyotes whose fur is used to trim Canada Goose's coats crush the animals' necks or snap shut on their legs, often cutting to the bone. The coyotes can struggle and suffer for days in a trap, and those who don't die from exposure to the elements, blood loss, infection, or attacks from predators are shot or bludgeoned to death when the trapper returns. Victims desperate to free themselves from traps—some of whom are mothers with starving pups waiting for them—will even attempt to chew off their own limbs. Please watch this 15-second video and I'm sure you'll understand why I'm so concerned.

There are no regulations in the fur trade that prevent this kind of suffering, but there are many beautiful, innovative materials that we can use instead of fur. That's why hundreds of major designers and retailers—including Arc'teryx, Giorgio Armani, Helly Hansen, The North Face, Patagonia, Ralph Lauren, and REI—have already eliminated fur from their lines and use luxe modacrylics and other innovative materials that are just as warm and beautiful as animal fur without any of the cruelty.

Please, use your insider advantage to urge Canada Goose to make the simple transition to using exclusively animal-friendly faux fur or remove the fur trim entirely. It would be a move that millions around the world would support, and I'd be the first to celebrate such news.

Thank you for your compassion. Sincerely,

Pamela Anderson

WBAI Radio Interview NYC (with Randy Credico)

Yes, I was mentioned in the New Yorker interview -

and, maybe I can help clarify some of my motivation for visiting Julian. -

To humanize him. 

That this is a person who has spent 5 years in a single room.

And that despite this, he shows such fortitude of spirit and clarity of thought. He has many interesting things to say,

and a fascinating understanding of the world.

And not only this,

but I learn a lot about the human spirit by seeing how he has been able to keep it together through such hardship and over such a long period of confinement.

And

Ibelieve he needs human connection -He needs company, to see the world through others' eyes,

and this is why I believe it is important to visit him.

This is someone who has made tremendous sacrifices,

and my idea of activism is that it must be compassionate for people in adversity.

My broader perspective which includes veganism comes from a basic sense of compassion for all living creatures.

If we are to be consistent,

that compassion should apply to all animals and people ,

not just the ones we know.

One thing that I'd like to say is that Julian has held his head high and born his adversity with dignity,

if there is any fairness in the world,

the Department of Justice would call off its prosecution of him.

He has already spent five years confined in a small room.

He hasn't done anything wrong,

but even if you think he has,

surely he has been punished enough. So it's time for the US government to do the right thing and close the WikiLeaks case.

As for upcoming,

this week a case is being heard at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, and Julian's lawyers have submitted a letter to it,

arguing for the rights of asylum seekers.

If the case is successful,

it could change the law,

meaning that other people who are arbitrarily detained could win their freedom.

It's a complicated scene these days.

With the havoc of America.

It's unpredictable.

It's a challenge to make sense of it all.

But no more confusing than any other time in history.

We are more informed.

And must be responsible -

by making better choices and not demonizing the messenger.

We get fixated on what media tells us. How, when, why?

When

The content of the cables are most important. Hillary lost her own election.

No one else helped her fail.

The world runs differently now. We are evolving and changing.

And Julian /Wikileaks is a catalyst - partly responsible for this awakening.

It may not be what you want to hear.

But

it's the truth.

And we must deal with it.

Be compassionate, evolveand do the right thing.

It feels like the Wild West - bogus

Feminism, cyber currency -

Tapping into fear and making excuses

while the few stay informed and get more powerful.

It's a dirty trick - but the jig is up -

I think it’s a real option-

A Pardon for Julian -

Pamela

I'm on to you ....

I'm on to you ....

"What about the women?”

has always been used by those in power to justify their brutality from WWI and the invasion and occupation of Afghanistan to the detention of the most effective dissidents and campaigners for liberation. (Julian Assange)

In WWI co-opted women in Anglo countries would go around putting "coward" ribbons on the doors of war resisters.

Gloria Steinem was a paid, admitted CIA agent and girlfriend of Henry Kissinger. Feminism was repeatedly exploited to fracture the US civil rights movement including by pitting black women against black men. The FBI even tried to destroy MLK with illegally recorded sex tapes of his affairs.

Feminism correctly depicted a powerful patriarchy, which of course co-opted them in an instant to split resistance, justify warfare, and flood the labour market with poorly ununionised female labour, leading to a huge growth in profits but no growth in male real wages in the US since 1973.

In Europe corporatised feminism has led to a collapse in the European birth rate, which is now almost half the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman.

Corporations hate children as they take women off the labour market leading to increased wages and higher corporate taxes -- to pay for childbirth, paediatrics and education.

Together most 'feminist' writers and corporations pimp corporate careerism which is now the dominant establishment ideology. Feminists once understood that there is no meaningful difference between 'the patriarchy' and 'the establishment'.

These anti-mother policies result in a scarcity of young adults which would normally have the effect of driving up wages.

Rather than invest in mothers and children to rebalance the birth rate corporatism has found cheaper solutions: Filch young labour from other countries by expanding the EU and increasing inwards migration. Why pay mothers and teachers to build young adults if you can get them elsewhere for free?

The resulting social turmoil and wage suppression has fuelled the rise of the populist right.

Systems of censorship are always turned on the oppressed. The first struggle in any liberation movement is to be heard.

But western feminists have now joined forces with giant transnational corporations like Google and extreme anti women states like Saudi Arabia to promote pervasive online censorship, because "what about the women".

I'm on to you,

Pamela

Pamela Anderson, Uncensored, on Activism, Feminism, Family and Love

by Lauren McCarthy for W magazine - Photos by Luke Gilford, Styled by Dogukan Nesanir.

There are quite a few attributes that Pamela Anderson has in spades. Yes, there’s the superficial bits—the tousled blonde waves and curves that famously landed her on countless covers of Playboy—but a quality that Anderson has on lock, it would seem, is longevity. Consider the fact that Anderson entered the cultural zeitgeist back in 1989 with her first Playboy cover, which she quickly segued into an acting career with roles on popular TV shows like Home Improvement and, of course, Baywatch.

Today, Anderson is a bit of everything—an animal rights activist, a feminist, a soon-to-be author, a mother to two popular male models, a front row regular at fashion shows, and, yes, a bombshell. Relocated to Saint Tropez for the summer, Anderson teamed up with her old friend, the photographer Luke Gilford, for an impromptu photo shoot, and chatted with W about her sons, the advice Julian Assange gave her about social media, and more.

Where in the world are you right now?

I’m in Saint Tropez for the rest of the summer. I have been for about three months so far. I’m renting out my house in Malibu, so I’m semi-homeless which is kind of nice when you get to go to the South of France. I can’t complain.

Do you go out every summer?

I don’t. I’ve been out here plenty of times for shoots, but my evil plan was always to semi-retire here. My kids [Dylan Jagger and Brandon Thomas Lee] are grown and they want me to be happy and they want to visit France, so it works out. I’m not micro-managing their life in L.A., and we’re spending quite a bit of time out here going to museums and experiencing culture and different languages, so it’s the best of all worlds. And it was always my plan and something I really aspired to. I knew before I turned 50 that I would be living on the French Riviera. And here I am.

Do you remember the first time you went there?

The first time I came was with Playboy about 20 years ago. I’m not really good with times and dates, but that was the first time. It’s a beautiful light. Everybody looks good in Saint Tropez. It is either full of beautiful people, or it’s the light. I can’t tell.

Tell me about how this shoot you did with Luke Gilford.

We always come up with some kind of narrative and cinematic way of shooting together; we both put a lot of work into it, but it also came together collaboratively and naturally… We wanted to play with a bunch of different characters and I’m so much into fantasy and playing characters. With each outfit, we created a different character. It was just really fun. Luke gets it. There is not time wasted. He giggles a lot behind the camera, but I’m used to it now.

How did you two meet?

He wanted me to do a short film [the 2015 short Connected], and he met me a low point in my life; I hadn’t decided to go through my last divorce yet and I was in a terrible place. I was miserable, I had cut my hair, just everything was really difficult. It was a difficult relationship, and it wasn’t healthy. Luke came over with the script and he wanted me to read it with him, and I just couldn’t even see the words. But it was such a great time for me to do it, even though it probably took us about a year to get it together. When we shot it, I was still in the same broken place, which really worked well for the script, and we’ve been shooting together ever since. Every time we get together, it happens so naturally. It’s one of those collaborative things that you can’t even explain. It’s magical. And they’re not always beautiful pictures; I don’t think they’re pretty or beautiful. They’re just really significant. He’s a real director, and sees things with a different eye. Everything he shoots, you know it is him. He has a real way of storytelling, which is why it is so fun to shoot with him.

And you are wearing all Stella McCartney in this shoot.

Of course. She’s a trailblazer. She’s created a very beautiful, super high-end fashion line without hurting animals. It’s incredible, and so difficult. I’ve tried my little hand at things that are vegan, and it’s just difficult. People are ready for it, but it’s difficult—even the fabrics are more expensive because they are more forward-thinking and takes a little bit more effort. But it’s worth the extra bit of money. Vivienne Westwood said, “Buy a couple beautiful, important items, don’t just buy and consume crap.”

Speaking of fashion, you’ve recently re-emerged as a front row staple at a lot of fashion shows, and your sons are both models.

I’ve been doing this a long time; I walked in a few Vivienne shows years ago. And the boys are just doing this for fun; Brandon’s an actor and Dylan’s a musician. Brandon gets to be an actor on the runway, and just eats it up and loves it. My other son has this plan for his life and is very ambitious and all about the music, so it doesn’t really want to do any of this stuff; he turns down stuff all the time. He’s very calculated, while Brandon is very on his sleeve.

I just support my friends. Vivienne, of course, and Andreas are doing really fabulous, crazy, wild stuff. I did their last campaign with Juergen Teller. I love working with them, they’re like family. And Stella is like family. I guess that’s my little world. Dolce & Gabbana are really cool, but I don’t like that they have fur. But they’re funny and really sweet, and very generous and really good to my boys. I have nothing bad to say about them.

What is it like to see your sons model and walk the runway?

I didn’t want them to be in this business, and neither did Tommy [Lee, Anderson's ex-husband]. They’re both very smart boys and both got into incredible universities. They’re both big achievers. We just wanted to make sure they knew that they could do things other than what we were doing... They’re both doing really good, and are at the age where they can make these choices. Of course, Tommy and I are like, ‘Oh no.’ But they’re handling it really well because they’ve been surrounded by all of this there whole lives, so they’re very open-minded and can thank uncle David LaChapelle for that.

Did you give them any advice when they did make the decision to pursue this industry?

Just to be themselves and not try to fake this formula and not to be so worried about this freaking social media stuff. Just be themselves, work on their craft, be passionate, and that there are no rules. You do what you want to do. They are both very strong-minded, anyways, so it’s not like they are looking for advice from me. I’m always rambling on.

I see on your website that you have been journaling and have an entire section dedicated to your writing.

I’ve been doing this for years! I don’t know where everybody has been. They’re like, “Oh, you’re finally doing something with your life,” and I’m like, “Motherf--ker, I’ve been doing this since I f--king came to L.A.” I hate when people say, “Now you’ve finally grown up.” I’m an activist, and I’m not doing it for myself. I’m doing it for animals and people who are vulnerable and can’t speak for themselves. It was never my intention to get any credit for any of it, and people are just noticing. But it’s nothing different, and my priorities have not changed. I’m just being myself, and I have been an animal activist since I was a kid. It was natural to share the attention when I was on Baywatch and had 150 different countries watching. I thought, “Let me see what I can do and speak to governments and Parliament.” And I did, and have been doing that for a very long time. But it’s funny when people say, “You’re finally doing this.”

How do you now use social media to highlight these causes that are important to you?

I shut down my computer and cell phone for six months one time. I thought the social media thing was crap, because one time I was offered a movie, but in the contract they said, “You have so many followers,” this and that, and I said, “I’m not getting involved with this. This is really bad, and I don’t want anything to do with it.” So I threw it all away. But then I started to realize, you can use it for good and I started to kind of slowly get back into it. It’s not for personal reasons, but all the things I believe in. That’s the difference. I worry about young people whose self-worth is based on how many followers they have or how many likes they have. That’s why I’m writing a book right now called “The Sensual Revolution” which is about desensitization. It’s just amazing, the statistics and what people are going through right now, and how young people are experiencing fame in this bizarre way. But, that’s part of life, and you can’t always complain about new technology, and true information is good. Julian [Assange] always says, “As much information as possible is good, and you have to weed through it because some is wrong and some is right. But the truth is the truth.” Before I wanted to not look at all, but he said, “You have to look at everything and break it down.”

It’s definitely a much different landscape for people starting out now compared to when you first entered Hollywood.

Thank God it was different then. There has to be some mystery. People don’t want to look at you when they can look at you all day on these things. I look at Instagram stories and think, “I really don’t know all of this about you. I don’t want to know what you are eating, or what you are doing, or where you are going.” I don’t care. I just don’t. So, I try to be enough involved where I can use it to my advantage when it comes to causes that I believe in, but try not get too personal. I love poetry and read constantly, so if there is something interesting on mind, it’s something I can play with, so it is personal, but not blatantly personal. I’m not taking pictures of myself in the mirror in different outfits. I do not get those.

What are you reading these days?

Right now, I’m reading Frida Khalo; I’m always reading Frida. I’m reading "Napoleon and Josephine" because I’m learning French, and so I’ve been listening to a lot of French music and watching French movies, because that is how I can learn. I’m Canadian so I have a good base, and I’ve been speaking a lot since I’ve been here. It’s the language of love.

Even though you are Canadian, having come to France from the States, do you find that people want to discuss President Trump with you?

I don’t think people really think that’s something they should talk to me about. Not that I’m not involved with politics—I’m very political and I do have a lot of political opinions and friends who are very political—but it’s just an endless subject and I don’t have much to say that is positive, so might as well not talk about it.

What else have you been doing during your time in Saint Tropez?

I don’t think I’m moving back to Los Angeles anytime soon, but I’m trying to decide if I’ll go to Provence or Northern France, so I’m looking around. I have a lot of friends who are here and have met interesting people, and it’s easy for me to get around. I’m writing a lot, and getting more involved in not just women’s issues but I’m looking at the history of women’s issues and thinking about feminism in general. I don’t want to be told how to to a woman by a man or a woman.

It’s part of what I’m writing my book about, so it has been what's on my brain lately. I’ve been working on it for over a year. There are four chapters in each part and six parts, so I’m getting there. I’m getting close to the end and really love how it’s turning out. I’m going to promoting that, and I have Coco de Mer, which I’m doing a joint venture with; my lingerie line comes out in December. It’s really sexy, playful lingerie—more on the playful side than the bondage side. I’ve got a lot of little things like this going on, but mostly just living my life and being in love and happy and seeing my kids when I can. And I love that my kids are in love and have girlfriends; they are not shy and really, really open to sharing their experiences with people. They are just really cool. They are 21 and 19, and kids that age don’t want girlfriends; they want this whole Tinder madness. But my kids don’t. They really are lovers, and romantics, and that’s what I’m most proud of. 

Love is the most important thing in the world. Everything else is meaningless, really.

www.wmagazine.com/story/pamela-anderson-activism-feminism-interview

VSD

VSD Interview/english

1, When and how was born your connection with animals and your ecological consciousness ?

*I have been an activist since I was little. And, have always had an affinity with animals. So it was a natural move for me to share all the attention I was getting world wide on Baywatch. I joined forces with PETA - I sent a handwritten letter that said "please use me..."

2, Do you think that your early struggles participate in the creation of this distinctive sensitivity?

* I still prefer animals to most people.

3, Do you remember your first steps as an activist ?

* I got my Dad to stop hunting - I always was the one people would bring the bird with a broken wing to. Or the cat that walked sideways. I have been surrounded by misfits my whole life. I think I'm in love with loving even the seemingly'unlovable'.
It is part of my charm.  

-4, Why did you decide to launch officially your own Foundation in 2014 ?

* I had my foundation set up for 10 yrs before this. I knew that this would be a huge part of my adult life. I worked so much and I raised my own kids without a husband or nannies. I had no time.
Then I decided to put more energy into it when I was with my last husband who preferred I didn't work or drink (or do anything away from him) - he was very generous? -
But
Maybe out of boredom I launched PAF officially. I am still yet to make best use of it. I hate to fundraise.
But the funds PAF does generate - We share wisely with people on the front lines. The ones risking their lives to make a difference.
My decisions are not always popular- but effective.
I am in the board of directors of PETA, the Russian council of IFAW (and speak at the Kremlin regularly).
I am the international chair of the board of directors or The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.
And am a founding member of TENURE along side Julian Assange. Supporting Activists who make changing the world for good-
A full time job.

5, You fight for theses causes for a long time. But it seems that your implication increases since a few years. Why ?

*I have more time.
But I have always been very active politically and engaged in the world. Maybe you are just noticing.
I do not do this for attention for myself. But for animals and people that suffer unnecessarily and have no voice.

6, Would you say that your priorities have evolved ?

*My priorities are the same. I was raised by empathetic women. My father is a poet and extremely bright.
My Grandfather was my biggest influence. An artist - who told me the trees speak to us. He taught me about nature and fairy tales. Nymphs and Fairies. Mythology.

7,  How could you define your activism today ? Would you say that philanthropy is now your full-time job ?

*I am a full time philanthropist,
mother to 2 beautiful and compassionate grown men and I draw, paint.
Writing my book. The Sensual Revolution. The lost art of sensuality out in the Fall.
I am co conspirator with Coco de Mer and have a Pamela loves Coco de Mer line of lingerie out this December. Amongst other Sensual devices.
I rent out my property in Malibu - I'm building a business
on my waterfront property in Canada with a new home for my parents - I'm renovating my Grandmothers's old house...  I'm very busy.
But I love living in the south of France.
It's nice to be able to get around Europe quickly.

8, What are precisely your current fights and campaigns for animals and environment ?

*I was in Nîmes lately protesting bull fighting. It's always touchy trying to change traditions or culture. There are always those who just can't let it go because of many reasons but most of all ignorance and unwillingness to evolve. Just like the cruel seal hunt in Canada or the slaughter of defenseless whales as a blood sport in the Faroes. People get spitting mad. Fortunately it's generational- and the youth are coming and much more open to new ways of being.
I do something every day.
I just convinced the Mayor of Jackson in USA (the 'fattest' city in USA) to go vegan for one month as a good example to community - I am creating a line of faux fur coats in Moscow with 'only me'.
Sea Shepherd and PETA are very active and I'm always involved.
If the oceans die. So do we.
It is urgent.
We need to leave it alone so it can replenish itself naturally. It may take 50 years.
I'd love to go to Yemen. I'm working on putting together a humanitarian visit. ASAP.
I think there is an opportunity presently to save Yemen.

There is increasing recognition of the catastrophe and many women, children and men are dying every day. A new cholera infection every few seconds as a result of the war, I'm curious to help - I'm interested in a UNHCR, UNICEF or Red Cross mission.

9, How do you feel about Donald Trump’s decision to quit the Paris climate agreement ?

*Maybe USA was in it for the wrong reasons to start with.
They are married to oil. Maybe things will run smoother now. There is always a silver lining.

10, You visited refugee camps in Calais several times this year. Is the migrants’ situation one of your priority currently ?

*We are all potential refugees - climate refugees. Just wait till you need a hot meal or a bed to sleep in.
I put myself and my kids in a refugees shoes. I would do the same to give my kids a better life.
Risking so much for a better life. They are all heroes.
And we must do our part to help.
The propaganda is ridiculous. It's Infuriating how these young people are being treated.

11, You are also fighting for a political asylum for your friend Julian Assange. What do you think of his situation since the Swedish justice has dropped their rape inquiry ?

*Of course Sweden dropped their 'case' -there was nothing there. I pathetic attempt at extraditing him to USA. I hope Macron grants Julian Asylum in France. I believe he just might. He is forward thinking. It would be a strong message to send to the world. We are watching him closely.

12,  Why do you decide to spend all summer in Saint-Tropez this year ? What are you plans ?

*It's my favorite place in the world so far. I have worked - done photoshoots here many times. And my plan was always to come here before I was 50 after building and renting out my house out in Malibu.  
I did it. It took a lot of hard work. Perseverance. I'm still working on my dream. I love my dreams. I make them happen.

13,  It seems that you have a spiritual affiliation with Brigitte Bardot. How could you explain this link ? What is your relationship with her ?

*We speak on the phone occasionally - she has called me 'her daughter'. We both love animals. She is a big inspiration and such a beautiful woman. I love the style of St Tropezin the 60's. Bardot was integral to that scene. Bohemian. Sexual Freedom. Love.

14, You said France is « your adopted home. » What do you like so much in our country ?

*I love French people mostly. So polite and interesting. I love the language too. I am learning French quickly. I am Canadian so I have a good base. But never spoke the language out loud.
I understand mostly.
I do need a professeur.
I have noticed that it's tough to do business here. I've been let down a few times.
I'm Canadian.
My word is enough. A handshake means something.
Maybe I've just been unlucky
In France so far- in this regard.
Also -
I'm not used to men gossiping? -
It's not attractive.
But I'm happier here more than anywhere. It's an observation an experiment.
It's a new world.
It's exiting.

15, The 19th January 2016, you came in Paris to defend the ban of force-feeding ducks and geese in front of the Assemblée nationale. What are your memories of this day ?

*It was chaotic. So much press people trampling each other. I got my message out on record. That was important.
Even though it may have been a joke to some. It meant a lot to people who care about this barbaric treatment of defenseless geese.

16, Do you consider yourself a feminist ?

*Not really. I don't like anyone telling me what a woman should be. And that Includes by feminists . I love being a girl. It has plenty of advantages. And being a man has plenty of disadvantages if you really think about it.  Statistically. I empathize with men. Having 2 young men who are my children- I can't help but worry about them. As well as women and children of course.

17, Do you feel like you had to fight for establishing your legitimacy as an advocate for environment ? Do you think your image helped or was a brake ?

*No I just keep fighting for causes I believe in.  I'm surrounded by artists and smart people like Vivienne Westwood and Julian Assange. So people can feel comfortable. That Im well informed and I love culture, history, art and an avid reader. This is how we engage In the world. It is romantic to care. To read, to go to museums. Stay Engaged !

18, 25 years after, how do you feel about Baywatch and your cult red swimsuit ? And about being such an icon ?

*I don’t think it was that long ago?, but, I think it's funny. I loved Baywatch. It was so fun to be on the beach everyday with my Dog. Then my kids.
I love being outside in the Action. The swimsuit I still have. It still fits.

19, You said that your innocence saved you during in Hollywood. In what way ?

*Naivety maybe. Somehow I missed the typical troubles girls find in Hollywood. My beliefsystem that no one is essentially bad.
This carried me through.
Even in the most dangerous of times. Looking back.

20, You just celebrated your 50th birthday. What does that represent for you ?

*I don't like birthdays.
People say Je n'ais pas d'âge.
This is how I feel.  I like this expression.

21, How could you explain the path that led you to be the advocate for people and environment your are today ?

*It came naturally.

22, What are your role models ?

*My mother.

23, How do you share you fights with your two sons ?

*They know of everything I do. They were raised by me. I love it when they speak about a cause they believe in. They are their own people - I am very proud of them both.
Brandon the Actor
Dylan the Musician.
Drawn to the arts. I know they will both contribute to the world in positive ways.

24, What are your next projects, in militancy and arts ?

*I have no plans. Lots of offers. I don't know yet. Right now I'm enjoying the fruits of my life so far. I'm always in love ...
I'm lucky I can make this is my priority. Love is all that matters.

25, What about you book « The Sensual Revolution », to be published in 2018 ?

*It's about desensitization. Reminding people the importance of making love. .

26,  In what way do you think you inspire people ?

*I think I have led a unique life. My best experiences were overcoming fears and societal expectations. I springboard into the unknown when I let all that go.

27,  What is your motto in life ?

*Be you! And love fearlessly without expectation. Today is the only day we can count on.

BULLFIGHTING : HEADS OR TAILS ? It’s all the same...

A bullfight, that bloody rite condemned by the majority of Europeans, consists of torturing six bulls for a quarter of an hour each. First of all, the picador thrusts his lance, six inches into the bull’s neck and twists it inside the wound to sever the ligament. Then he opens up the wound by driving in six harpoons, three inches long : the banderillas. Then the animal is put to death, supposedly with a single sword-stroke. However, this is extremely rare. The unhappy record stands at 34 attempts.

But the worst happens before. Some bullfighters demand that the bulls be mutilated before they come to the bullring. They are willing to take fewer risks while earning up to $ 80 000 for a single performance. The horrible practice – afeitado - consists of sawing off, with no pain killer, two to four inches of the horn. The nerve is then pushed back towards the root and the tip is sharpened again. A bull’s horns are sort of antennae. Mutilating them, deprives him of his spatial perception. Moreover, in 2001, a study found that 40 Spain’s bulls out of 200 were drugged before stepping into the ring to show less aggressiveness 

In addition, the spaces in which the animals are raised are getting smaller and smaller. Their muscular qualities are so deficient that they often fall to their knees as soon as they enter the bullring. As for the animals’ health, Alliance Anticorrida has obtained autopsy reports stating that a damning proportion of bulls suffered from tuberculosis and other serious illnesses. This led to the meat (usually sold) being seized. 

In these circumstances, how can one dare talk about an equal fight ? In 60 years, seven bullfighters have been killed compared to a proportion of 180 000 bulls. Moreover the law allows anyone, where there is an uninterrupted local tradition, to torture and put a calf to death under horrible conditions. Children practise and the sword goes in and comes out again, while several of them gang together to finish the animal off. Its death throes end in a blood bath. 

Even bullfighting schools exist where children, from the age of nine, are taught the art of torturing and killing. These so called schools are subsidised by the authorities using tax payer’s money. Nonetheless, Alliance Anticorrida managed to ban all the under sixteen bullfighters from killing bulls in France

Encouragement for bullfighting creeps in everywhere, into schools and even hospitals. In Marseilles a show was put on for children suffering from cancer. While no blood was shed, the children were insidiously given a taste for cruelty. Bullfights use the perverse techniques of seduction : colours, glittering costumes, brass bands and sunshine. Everything masks the bloody reality, even suggesting that, in Portuguese bullfights, the bulls are not killed. This is never the case. The animals are systematically slaughtered, away from curious eyes, when they get back to the stable. What’s more, some think that bullfights are « with it », smart and show-business. And others, for fear of rejection, won’t admit that they just don’t like them.

Bullfighting cannot be justified. No argument stands up to objective examination. Justifying bullfighting for economy reasons doesn’t hold water. It’s like justifying cruelty for money. Moreover, Victor Hugo, Courteline and André Malraux, famous French opponents of bullfighting, are worth just as much as the proponents, Goya, Picasso and Hemingway quoted by bullfight lovers as examples. 

And to matadors who insist that they love bulls, we answer : « You don’t kill what you love ». In 1992, two French bullfighters, upset and vengeful because Spaniards ones had been more popular, set a punitive expedition prior to a bullfight. And who did they attack ? The organisers ? Not at all. They stabbed to death the bulls shut up in the corrals ! These brave bullfighters, sentenced in 1994, are today glorified by the medias, praising their courage. 

 

ALLIANCE ANTICORRIDA ACTIONS

In 2016, after a long struggle, Alliance Anticorrida succeded in having the « Feast of the bull tied to a rope » forbidden in the whole South in France. Alliance also bought seven polls to show bullfighting is not the tradition of the inhabitants, even in the ten departements which organize bullfights. Thanks to the Alliance Anticorrida’s actions Lee Cooper, McDonald's, Afflelou, Yves Rocher, Interflora, Frank Provost, Véolia, Danone, Zippo, Société Générale, Crédit mutuel, Larousse, Pepsico , Géant, Carrefour, Auchan, Aldi, Intermarché, Castorama, Leader Price, IKEA, Puy du Fou, Cora etc. have stopped promoting bullfights in their communication. In ten years 20 cities have stopped organizing bullfights See http://villes-taurines.fr

www.allianceanticorrida.fr