Leather and our modern society

Leather, due to its excellent ability to resist abrasion, found use in different social occupations. Thoughts and images of cowboys in leather chaps eventually gave way to men wearing leather jackets on motorcycles, to protect themselves from road gusts and wind, and aviators wearing leather helmets. Some motorcyclists also wear leather chaps or pants to protect the lower body. Many sports today still use leather to help play or protect players (i.e. baseball, football, soccer, etc.). Due to the flexible nature of leather, it can be shaped and flexed 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 severe spanking) applied with a leather strap. Certain rock groups (ie like Scorpions and Judas Priest) are well known for wearing leather clothing. In our current world, many cars and trucks have the option of ‘leather’ seats. This ranges from cheap vinyl material, found in low-cost vehicles, to luxurious Napa leather, found in expensive cars.

Concern for animals and the alternative

Animal rights groups such as PETA have published fact sheets calling for boycotts and encouraging the use of alternative materials, such as synthetic leathers. 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 wearing leather. Examples of these would be vinyl materials, faux leather, Durabuck, NuSuede, Hydrolite, and other alternatives. All of them provide similar characteristics to leather.

Synthetic leathers are generally made from 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 being questioned on a daily basis. .

Leather is an inexpensive product that, when cared for properly, will last a long time and has a multitude of uses. Society will eventually move away from synthetics (oil-based) when it becomes clear that they are no longer an inexpensive and viable source.