Leather and our modern society
Leather, due to its excellent ability to resist abrasion, found a use in different social occupations. Thoughts and images of cowboys in leather chaps eventually gave way to men who wore leather jackets on motorcycles, to protect them from road blowouts and wind, and to aviators who wore leather helmets. Some motorcyclists also wear leather chaps or pants to protect the lower body. Today, many sports still use leather to help play or protect players (i.e. baseball, soccer, football, etc.). Due to the flexible nature of leather, it can be shaped and folded for any occasion. As leather can also be used as a term for things made from it, the term leather is also used in the same sense as tanning in the term “physical punishment” (such as a severe beating) applied with a leather strap. Certain rock groups (i.e. like Scorpions and Judas Priest) are well known for wearing leather clothing. In our world today, many cars and trucks have the option of ‘leather’ seats. This ranges from cheap vinyl material, found in inexpensive vehicles, to luxurious Napa leather, found in expensive cars.
Concern for animals and the alternative
Animal rights groups like PETA have published fact sheets calling for boycotts and encouraging the use of alternative materials, such as synthetic leather. Some animal rights activists have boycotted the use of all leather goods, believing that the practice of wearing fur is unnecessary in today’s society. Many pseudo-leather materials have been developed. This allows those who wish to wear leather-like garments to do so without having to wear leather. Examples of these would be vinyl, synthetic leather, Durabuck, NuSuede, Hydrolite, and other alternatives. They all provide some characteristics similar to leather.
Synthetic leathers are generally made with oil and the ethical stance of using oil-based products seems to be ignored by most, although it is well known that the ecological damage and business practices associated with the oil industry are questioned on a daily basis. .
Leather is an inexpensive product that, when well cared for, will last a long time and has a multitude of uses. Society will eventually turn away from synthetics (oil-based) when it becomes apparent that it is no longer a viable and inexpensive source.
