WIN ANIMAL RIGHTS FUR FREE FRIDAY 2009 - NEW YORK CITY, PT.2 (USA)

Demo #1: MaxMara – Madison Avenue

Activists started their Fur Free Saturday at MaxMara where police barricades laid submissively at the protestors feet. Some even used the barricades to stand on, so that their posters could be held high and read more easily from a better vantage point. Demonstrators were both amused and angered at MaxMara’s windows which sported impractical apparel, with fur trim in stupid and inappropriate places.

Much to the chagrin of MaxMara employees, the spirited demonstration drew much attention and caused some to reconsider going into MaxMara to shop. One shocked woman said that her daughter loved MaxMara and was a regular customer, but swore that her daughter would never shop there again after hearing that they sold fur.

Demo #2: Dennis Basso Fur Salon – Madison Avenue

A short walk south of MaxMara, activists found themselves once again in front of Dennis Basso Fur Salon. As always, Basso’s windows were full of gaudy and vulgar “fashions” (if one could even call such tacky creations fashion).

As usual, Basso employees went whining and crying to the police even though they know by now that the demonstrations are totally legal and peaceful. So, now they lie to the police to get them to respond. On this day, they falsely accused activists of blocking pedestrians and assaulting their customers. Police responded and defended the protestors rights to be there and the demonstration proceeded.

Demo #3: J. Mendel – Madison Avenue

Traveling south on Madison Avenue, protesters were astounded to find yet another fur scum designer just a short way from Dennis Basso. J. Mendel has long made a “killing” on all manner of fur products. J. Mendel is the home of infamous and disgusting Blackglama Furs. Sure enough their display window s were full of the skins of dead animals, most notably mink this year.

Once again the posters were held high for all to see and much to the consternation of the Manager of J. Mendel, a loud and empassioned protest was held. Pedestrians and shoppers continued to be supportive. Many stopped to chat or to take a closer look at the signage. Many expressed shock and disgust at the gruesome and bloody fur trade. Many vehicles stopped to honk their horns and to give demonstrators a supportive thumbs up.

Demo #4: Escada – Fifth Avenue

Activists next crossed over to Fifth Avenue and ended up back in front of global target, Escada. Once again Escada employees thought that activists were limited to Madison Avenue and that they could conduct their business in peace. Fur bearing animals have no peace as long as greedy companies like Escada insist on selling fur products, so neither does Escada.

This was by far the best protest of the weekend. Even though demonstrators were tired from the long two day weekend of anti-fur action, you would never know it. The chanting was louder than ever and everyone put all of their energy into this last anti-fur action of Fur Free Friday weekend. The “Boycott Escada” banner was held in front of the store’s large showcase window and many stopped to look and offer words of support. Many took pictures and some held signs and posed with activists. A perfect ending to a bold and empowering anti-fur weekend.

Despite hours of standing and throats raw from chanting, the day was hardly over for this energetic and bold group. See Fur Free Saturday – Part Two and Part 3.