That's awesome. Ricky Gervais is SO funny!!

Posted by: Canaduck | August 31, 2008 01:52 AM

silly hats? are you even slightly aware of the history, tradition and honour associated with these symbols of our great nation and the great men who have stood up to tyrany in the defense of liberties? These "silly hats" symbolise this, and until you can find any even slightly acceptable alternative for them then slander against the great history of greater men is surely beyond unacceptable.

Posted by: max | August 31, 2008 11:43 AM

So Max, why do the bears have to be slaughtered because of the grand history? I thought our society was above sacrifices. Celebrate history without harming anyone.

Posted by: Candis | August 31, 2008 01:51 PM

Peta should mind their own business. The hats are British history and culture. Has Peta or Ricky Gervais been involved with any of these killings to appear like an expert of how the bears are killed in the first place. I highly doubt it. All talk is all this is to continue to control peoples life's. Is he also offended by what the Chinese do who by the way are the worst offenders of really abusing animals, but he fails to mention just cutting of the Bear Paws and leaving the whole body there or how about just cutting the feet off bald eagles and leaving them to bleed to death. I wonder if he is mixing up his facts of how these animals are killed up in Canada. Canadians would never leave the cubs alone if they are part of the process and if they do, then yes, I agree its a problem. We at least have morals in this country, unlike the Chinese who don't give a god damn about any life, including their own kind as humans. It sounds to me, to be more about saving tax dollars and not to spend it on this fur for the hats. If the animals prove to not be killed in the manner he feels they have been and left to die a horrible death, then would it be okay? He is using the best words that he could find to stir up a story to pull on peoples heart strings and thats all. Unless he's been there to see for himself how exactly they are killed in a hunt, he has no right to make any comments that he has made. You shouldn't be address this with the Royal Famiy, but with the Canadian government or who ever is doing the killings and if they do it to your rules, which would be to not make them suffer as you strongly believe is happening, then try to fix this, but don't try to change what is centuries of history. How about address the natives in New Zealand who use feathers and maybe even the body of animals such as the native Indians for their headress. Are you also going to attack their history and culture for their costumes and war uniforms they have used? Gee, if you're going to do this to just one type of culture which always seems you are attacking only the white culture at the best of times, you better start attacking non white cultures too, to be fare.

Posted by: British History | August 31, 2008 01:52 PM

Max, calling them "silly hats" does not take away the history and honor. The hats are just a symbol of the victory and therefore should not represent cruelty towards animals.

Posted by: mlo | August 31, 2008 02:39 PM

Unfortunately, there are many traditions we still adhere to which are ethically and morally wrong. It is surely unacceptable that bears are killed for the sake of “tradition”. Reasons for this are shown perfectly in Ricky Gervais' letter and it is a great step towards discontinuing other immoral traditions.

Posted by: Louisa | August 31, 2008 03:26 PM

Ricky,

You continue to amaze me. Brilliant!

Save the bears, and get rid of the hats.... better that, get rid of the bl00dy guards..... there only protecting something that is pointless.... royalty! In this country, royalty is ridiculous, so get rid of the cause, and then that will help the bears.....

Think that will actually be more of a challenge to get rid of the queen.... imagine firing the queen.... what on earth would she do? How funny would it be to see the royal family homeless lol.... controversial i know lol

Well done Mr Gervais...... exceedingly thoughtful to help PETA...

Dan

Posted by: Daniel Wheeler | August 31, 2008 04:01 PM

Max,

How about we use your childrens hair for these hats?

But instead of just tranquilizing your children and giving them a hair cut, we shoot them just above the shoulder and wait a few hours for them to slowly die..... then we just cut the hair off and walk away.....

think before you speak you arrogant, uneducated fool! Slaughtering animals like the way we do is unexplainable.... and if you agree with it just because of something called "tradition and honor", then you should be ashamed of yourself.........

Fool!

Dan

Posted by: Daniel Wheeler | August 31, 2008 04:04 PM

Max,

How about we use your childrens hair for these hats?

But instead of just tranquilizing your children and giving them a hair cut, we shoot them just above the shoulder and wait a few hours for them to slowly die..... then we just cut the hair off and walk away.....

think before you speak you arrogant, uneducated fool! Slaughtering animals like the way we do is unexplainable.... and if you agree with it just because of something called "tradition and honor", then you should be ashamed of yourself.........

Fool!

Dan

Posted by: Daniel Wheeler | August 31, 2008 04:05 PM

Max... in my opinion, a fake fur alternative would represent this better. Slaughtering a bear just to make a hat is undeniably a form of tyranny in itself, especially since cubs are sometimes left behind to starve. In the olden times, there was no alternative. Those days are long gone. It's high time we ditched the skins!

Posted by: Rachel A | August 31, 2008 04:17 PM

Firstly the OED defines "anyone" as a pronoun describing any "person". In this situation, I truly cannot see any person being harmed. Secondly, the skins utilized in the process of making the caps worn by Her Majesty's Foot Guards are taken from bears killed during the cullings enacted by Canadians and not the British Army. These animals are going to be killed whether or not there is a demand for the skins, with the only difference being, there will be a practical purpose coming out of their deaths. Now Candis, if you can provide the MoD with a suitable alternative, then that is all very well and good, and I would have no problem with the alternative being adopted. However, no such alternative exists at this moment in time.
Just to finish on, no society is above sacrifices. while the venacular definition of "sacrifice" has evolved over the generation they still form an integral part of every person and institutions day to day life and will continue to do so until Sir Thomas More's vision is realized.

Posted by: Max | August 31, 2008 04:29 PM

Candis is right. Many traditions have been changed or adapted for the better, and this is another example that is crying out for modernisation.

Killing an innocent animal with no conciousness for unnecessary practical gain is barbaric, and should be stopped because its the right decision.

Ceremonial clothing, although it carries tradition, is not the reason we remember the brave men and women in Britain's history. That can be done without more unnecessary suffering.

Posted by: Jordan | August 31, 2008 04:49 PM

It is, to me, unbelievable that there has not been a synthetic replacement adopted years ago for these hats. There is no reason at all to slaughter animals for a ceremonial uniform in a civilized society. What century are we living in?? Well done Ricky for adding your support.

Posted by: Denise O'Dwyer | August 31, 2008 04:58 PM

Yes, it is true that the innocent slaughter of Black Bears in this day and age is completely unacceptable. However, I agree wholeheartedly with Max. As a Canadian guard for the Ottawa Changing of the Guard ceremony, I understand that the bearskins we wear symbolize all the honour, tradition, and history we carry with us on the daily hill mounts; the Guard is NOTHING without the bearskin, in fact we are only recognizable to the general public with the red tunic and bearskin hat. The headdress must be able to withstand all the elements including blazing sun, rain, etc. Until a synthetic material is created that is able to live up to all the aforementioned elements and tradition, I personally feel that we should continue to wear them. Maybe not continue to kill for new hats, but preserve the hats we already own.

Posted by: Connbone | August 31, 2008 05:03 PM

Well said Gervais.

Posted by: Phil | August 31, 2008 05:50 PM

It is re-assuring to see this issue getting more play, and with the support of Mr. Gervais, it may be resolved in a satisfactory manner.

Posted by: Mourne | August 31, 2008 06:03 PM

I would like to say that comments by Max most definitely do not represent the opinion of the British people! We have moved on, as Ricky has so eloquently stated, and the vast majority of Brits will not tolerate this type of cruelty in this day and age!

Posted by: Maureen | August 31, 2008 06:52 PM

It is a fact that the bears are not hunted to make the hats, in fact they are hunted for other reasons and then the fur is a waste product. Is it not better to use the whole animal rather than throw bits away? Obviously, it is ideal to not hunt, but that is a separate argument.

Posted by: Colin | August 31, 2008 07:39 PM

Good on ya Ricky, your're a legend.

Posted by: Angus | August 31, 2008 10:16 PM

MAX- I KNOW YOU MEAN WELL BUT WE HAVE ADVANCED ( I HOPE) AS HUMANS AND WITH KNOWLEDGE. THE HATS CAN BE MADE OF SOMETHING ELSE OTHER THAN BEAR. AND LOOK GOOD. THAT'S ALL THAT PETA IS SAYING. NO INSULT TO YOUR COUNTRY OR TO YOU.NOTHING PERSONAL . WE ARE ALWAYS TALKING ABOUT HELPING AND SAVING ANIMALS LIVES. AND JUST THINK HOW GREAT OF A STATEMENT IT WILL BE WHEN THOSE HAT ARE FINALLY MADE OF SOMETHING ELSE. THE WHOLE WORLD WILL BE SO PROUD OF GREAT BRITON AND THEIR QUEEN !

Posted by: SASHA | September 1, 2008 12:25 AM

Max, sensing lack of empathy in your words let me put it this way. You surely wouldnt be a big fan of your grand history if it ment sticking a fork in your hand every once in a while, would you?

Posted by: JK | September 1, 2008 04:58 AM

Who cares if its for tradition i think Ricky Gervais once pointed out before that there are so many traditions we don't follow now mostly because they are immoral or just unnacceptable. Most animals who are killed for their skin are beaten to death so they don't ruin the fur. I think well done to Ricky and if you agree with the bearskin hats then you need to see the real world.

Posted by: Dan | September 1, 2008 05:39 AM

Well done Ricky!! I have written to the Military whose response was that they regretted the use of bear skin, but synthetic material was not the same so they would have to stick with bear skin!!! As far as I am concerned, I employ the Military, they should not have a say in this, as it is only cosmetic. How stupid they are, some traditions need to go.

Posted by: Betty | September 1, 2008 07:38 AM

"until you can find any even slightly acceptable alternative for them"

You'll need to sit down for this max, it might come as quite a shock:

Basically, Max, I do believe, that in this, the 21st century, the brave new technology now exists to create what some would call... "fake fur".

You may now stand up again.

Posted by: bB | September 1, 2008 08:00 AM

We now know that many of the most notorious child abusers and killers have a history of animal torture and abuse. Those that condone any sort of animal cruelty should be viewed with suspicion. So much animal cruelty is perpetuated in the name of 'tradition' - what it amounts to is the cowardly torture of a defenceless sentient creature.
Patricia Hall

Posted by: Patricia Hall | September 1, 2008 08:44 AM

Good on Ricky for highlighting this issue. Would be good if more high profile people raised these questions. This is the age of celebrity , why not use it to do something useful?

Posted by: John Collins | September 1, 2008 12:52 PM

Max, why is someone like you, who is obviously more concerned with STUPID (that's right, I said stupid) history than animal rights on this site, and not on some boring Canadian history blog.
I am proud to be Canadian, but I think we can honor a history and the people who stood up for us in SOOOOO many ways, I really don't think an innocent dead animal's fur is needed to prove a point, except maybe how stupid people like you are. But that can probably be done without the deaths of innocents, I'm sure you find new ways to do that everyday.

Posted by: Samantha | September 1, 2008 12:54 PM

Not surprised that Ricky Gervais has sent this letter. Unfortunately, I don't think it will do a bit of good. Our PM, Gordon Brown is too busy trying to save his political career to bother with this issue + the Royal family and the MoD are a law unto themselves. Makes me bloody ashamed to be British.

Posted by: Lyn | September 1, 2008 06:25 PM

Max: Your comment about honoring history is one of the most ignorant statements I have ever read. Honoring the men and women who have sacrificed for your nation is not in your hats it's in your hearts.

Posted by: Siobhan M. | September 1, 2008 08:13 PM

Max: Are YOU aware of the way that skin is removed from animals? Are you aware of the fact that bears are living, breathing, sentient beings that have as much of a right to life as any human? And are you aware of the fact that everyone that I know of really do think those hats are SILLY! Laughably so. Ridiculous looking and represent a nation that KILLS ANIMALS FOR HATS!!! Max, get over yourself. Great Britain is a has been, I am sure it's karmic debt being paid over and over again due to the fact your nation kills one bear for each silly hat worn.

Posted by: Jill | September 1, 2008 08:25 PM

The black bear hunt doesn't really endanger the population. And yeah, the black bear fur on the helmets is worn in honour of the defeat of the French Old Guard during the Napoleonic Wars. It's a tradition and a symbol. It far outweighs the deaths of a few animals.

Posted by: Rob | September 2, 2008 03:28 AM

good on YOU Ricky, its about time you did some real work, instead of all that silly stuff you do most days .. which can be VERY funny!!

Posted by: kt | September 2, 2008 05:44 AM

Max, yes they are silly hats.. I repeat .. they ARE silly hats.. not worth killing of handsome beautiful bears and leaving possible orphans bears to starve to death.. all killing of animals for THEIR furs is wrong,.. wrong.. murderous WRONG!!

Posted by: bet | September 2, 2008 12:46 PM

And this is precisely the problem with petition groups such as this. Making personal attacks on myself, suggesting assaulting my children calling me stupid and uneducated amongst the myriad of other comments in these posts against myself are never going to help your cause. That having now being said, some of my responses: (There is a comment to everyone who has mentioned my previous comments and possibly a few others.)

To Siobhan M. If that truly is the most ignorant thing you have ever read I suggest you begin reading more. There are plenty of articles contained within easy reach which would top me. I freely admit that there are some topics on which I am ignorant, but having a background not only in the military but also the IASP, in this field, I can asure you. I know what I am talking about.

To Jill: Are you aware that the bears are dead when they are skinned. are you aware of the propaganda spread of the ways in which these animals are killed? have you ever seen it happen? I would like to impress upon you that the notions that are espoused in these articles as to the process are laughable as to their inaccurices and false statements. (I must ask, why do you ask me to get over myself? That is confusing, purely because I don't remember in this article ever professing as to my greatness in any way. just a thought) finally to you jill, the reason that every one you know thinks that these helmets are silly is probably because they are all as misinformed as you are. (If you are curt with me, I will be similarly so to you. If you are after free debate about the issue i am for that as well.)

To Samantha: The reason that I am on this site is to make sure that this is not some purely farsical exercise of ranting and raving about the "evilness" of others. I am on this site, because I take an active intrest in the subject and wanted to have a balanced discussion on the topic. (I see now that this may not be the place to do that, given the type of responses produced.)

To bB: I am fully aware of the fact that fake fur exists. however if you had actually read either my responses or the official responses from the MoD, you may finally come to the realisation that that is not the issue. If you would care to know the issue I would refer you to either one of those sources. but sit down....the realisation of the fact that you have been wrong on that point, making your whole comment, may knock the wind out of you.

To Jk: that is just moronic.

To Betty: You don't employ the Military. They are what economists would describe as a "Public Good" provided for us by the government as, while they are nesscary they would not be provided by the free market. Therefore they are employed by the civil service and the Crown.

To SASHA: THANK YOU!!! Finally some one has managed to twig on to the crux of the problem and what it is that I have been saying. Now we just need to make the leap to finding that "suitable" material. The standards are high. I am not experienced in manufacturing these materials and so cannot help there, but I do intimately understand the conditions in which these materials serve and need to resist. And I feel I have been very level headed in my points, and haven't attacted anyone for their positions, least of all PETA. If people were to look at what I have been saying they will soon come to realize that on a number of points we agree. It is the manner of transition at which I want the debate.

To Colin: Thank you as well. your point is very valid and true. and something I would like to put to everyone else here. how would you like the remains of the carcasses to be disposed of?

To Maureen: You are, ironically, wrong on this point. Looking at statistical polling of the UK the majority of people are in favour of keeping the helmets in the fashion they are now. the second largest group want to keep the helmets, with improved ways for making them, such as making the killing process as humane as possible. Secondly i refer you to my previous comments, and you may soon come to realize that you, like so many others, have in fact missed my point.

To Connebone: You raise a vaild suggestion, of not continuing to harvest the hats, but rather just maintaing the current stock. This is a brilliant idea, and given the processes in making them, their shelf lives should be pretty long. The question is what to do when they do eventually wear out. Hopefully by then we will have developed that seeming ly (if this discussion is anything to go by) elusive/impossible to reach material needed.

To Rachel A.: once again you have missed my point. I am not saying that fake fur helmets would be a bad thing. you need to have the right fake fur though!!

To Daniel Wheeler: You are sick. you need to seek help. This has no bearing on what was a healthy and lively (if one sided) conversation and debate of free ideas. Grow up. And To say I am uneducated and arrogant? please provide me with some, any evidence of that.
Secondly (and admitedly slightly off the main topic, but on one you raised so I hope you will allow me) Do you understand the role of government within this country?? They fulfil a great and meaningful humanitarian, chariatable and advisory role to name a few. I suggest you research your comments before spewing them all over everyone.

To surmise: PLEASE read my comments fully and think about what it is I am saying before blithely replying it doesn't help me, and it certainly doesn't help you. it just wastes time.
Secondly: Why the personal attacks. there is no need for them in this "civilised society" to quote so many of you. Especially the one mentioning children. only a truly unhappy person would bring that into a debate.
Thirdly and Finally, If this issue is so near and dear to all of your hearts, why are you sitting around talking about it. Why dont you do what it takes to make it happen. GO find these alternative materials, create them, test them, improve them, then suggest them. I assure you, you will get a lot further that way rather then just spouting hot air, getting yourselfs worked up into a frenzy. Healthy action is the only way to progress this issue.

Posted by: Max | September 2, 2008 02:26 PM

I am appalled at Rob's statement about how the needless massacre of a ‘few' (actually it's thousands.. get your facts right) animals is acceptable. I am British and am ashamed of my nation endorsing this uniform. Whether the hats worn by the Queen's Guard has genuine bear fur on or synthetic material does not affect our tradition and successes in the past. I am shocked that some feel the aesthetic appreciation that they derive from the look of these hats is worth such unnecessary pain and suffering. I am immensely proud of Ricky Gervais for his letter and shedding more focus and press on this barbaric practice.

Posted by: Kat | September 2, 2008 09:59 PM

"The black bear hunt doesn't really endanger the population. And yeah, the black bear fur on the helmets is worn in honour of the defeat of the French Old Guard during the Napoleonic Wars. It's a tradition and a symbol. It far outweighs the deaths of a few animals."

Hey, guess what? The holocaust didn't endanger the human population! The genocides in Darfur aren't endangering humans as a species! The human population is still going strong, so what's a few innocent human lives?
Don't agree? Neither do I.
But of course, you are perfectly fine with the murder of bears because of a silly tradition. Human sacrifice was a Mayan tradition. Should we bring that one back too?
Whoopdee doo! You wear funny black hats because you won a war! Well there's been a lot of wars fought for much more noble causes than the Napoleonic wars. Carrier pigeons helped with the outcome of WWI, but do we find it necessary to wear birds? No. We have things called "statues" and "memorials" to honour those who died. I don't know if you've heard about them, but they're quite popular.

Posted by: Natalie | September 3, 2008 12:22 AM

OMG I've never been so humiliated after reading what some of my fellow Canadians have written! You fools, orphaned cubs are a common occurance, then they are caught and used to entertain in West Edmonton Mall until they're too large. Or I've seen several pictures of "Brave Hunters" holding up cub corpses! You know slavery used to be a proud tradition. Hell the more slaves a land owner had the more prosperous they were. Don't tell me you're willing to stand up for that grand ol' tradition that caused just as much suffering and loss of life. Geeez I feel like hiding my head under the sheets in shame!

Posted by: Ashamed in Canada | September 3, 2008 02:38 AM

To Rob:
regardless of your ignorance, nothing outweighs the death of "a few animals." They have a right to live exactly as we do. I think JK said it well, if this tradition actually involved any sacrifice from any of you, as opposed to easily sacrificing someone else, maybe you all would have a different opinion.

Posted by: Samantha | September 3, 2008 08:28 AM

Ahhh, I am an American and come from Polish and Irish descent. To anyone who has posted about "silly hats", I simply say pffft. Tradition is always going to be tradition, in any culture, and this is a tradition that stands for something good - freedom. Because of that EVERY CULTURE in this world needs to take a step back and rethink some things they hold as sacred. Synthetic materials would not only save taxpayers money in the case of the Royal Guards' hats, but it would show the world that one nation is willing to lead by example. I took an interest in this and looked up the history of the hats on wiki. I don't know if the info there is correct, but wiki states that the hats are actually made from brown bear hides, as they are thicker than black bear hides, and are dyed black to match the uniform. It also states that properly cared for, these hats can last for decades and reportedly some hats still being used are over 100 years old. If this info is incorrect, please let me know! I can get kinda militant with my views sometimes, but in this case I do not believe the hats being used now should be thrown away at all. That would be a disgrace to all the bears who have died for them, and also a disgrace to those who have made sure the hats last as long as they do. Future hats could be made from synthetics quite easily with, I'm guessing, some of the older hats being replaced being put into the British Museum and given to other museums around the world. Everyone would benefit, especially the bears. Just my two cents.

Posted by: Blu | September 3, 2008 09:42 AM

I think it is in the Royal Family interest to change to a synthetic fiber and be hip to the times that we are all living in a world that is slowly dieing because of us humans. We aren’t going to have anything left if we continue to kill, slaughter and murder our animals for “Tradition”. What other traditions are we going to have left for our future Children?? Put what ever hats that are on the guards in a museum and what ever proceeds that come in should be used to clothe the guards. Or to be used to by Fake Fur Hats and Coats.

Posted by: Caridad Espanol | September 3, 2008 12:35 PM

Having worked in the re-upholstering industry for 16 years, I can reassure you there are synthetic fibers now on the market "today" that looks and feels like the real "bears' skin" so many people still feel the need "they" should wear! It even repels water just like a scotch gaurded (treated against stains) piece would do! It's called 100% Modacrylic and I would be honored to send "The Queen" a sample!! Thanks Peta for keeping this discussion alive!!

Posted by: Carla | September 3, 2008 12:41 PM

Please think before responding...GB's Great Tradition had ridden on the back of other Countries since the awareness of written History. There would not still be a Great Britain were it not for the Countries who have protected and fought for them to remain protected. GB is stratigically important, thus the need to keep you safe. Keep the Monarchy,spend your tax dollars however you want, no one cares. Don't kill our Countries Wildlife for pretty hats for ceremonial Guards.

Posted by: Canadian Girl | September 3, 2008 12:44 PM

I understand the point about history & culture, However what about evolving? Imagine the days when women & people of color weren't able to vote etc... thats part of history that has changed for the better. This should too. It as so archaic. You can keep your hats but no need to wear carcass parts on your head these days. Come on people.

Posted by: Lana | September 3, 2008 12:45 PM

Max - You seem to be a passionate guy. Why not put that passion to use and go solve world hunger and stop antagonizing these people. If you have a "valid" counter-point, share it with Mr. Gordon.

Posted by: SingingCats | September 3, 2008 02:19 PM

To Ashamed in Canada: Don't be ashamed! Most Canadians (me included!) do not believe it's okay to slaughter bears for hats or any other fur products.

To everyone speaking up for these bears, way to go! Keep up the pressure - and it doesn't matter if this comes from the British, Canadians, or otherwise. As long as the public keeps speaking up about the exploitation of these bears, something will eventually have to be done, and there will be a victory.

I completely agree with the comments above regarding tradition - this simply cannot be a justification for harming animals!

Posted by: Michele | September 3, 2008 02:25 PM

Personally,I think that it is reasonable to stop suffering whenever possible.

If some people require the skin of an animal to remember brave men, then I feel for them. It is the action, not the appareal.

The History can still be intact without continuing to inflict suffering.There are many traditions from the past that have been remembered but not continued due to the inhumane treatment of animals or humans.

I think that no animal should be kill simply because a human can't remember the past without it.

Good job Ricky for speaking up against cruelty.

Posted by: Allie | September 3, 2008 02:29 PM

I understand the importance of history and tradition. Uniforms command respect, mainly through the image they give off.

I don't see how British tradition or history will be compromised if the hats are no longer made with bear fur. I don't think the Queen's guards will look any less impressive with a faux fur hat.

After all, the importance of uniforms is in their LOOK. Not in what material they are made out of, especially when faux furs look and feel so close to the real thing.

If I paid taxes in Britain, I would definitely becomes frustrated with the kinds of things the monarchy spends taxpayer money on.

Posted by: Callan | September 3, 2008 02:57 PM

As much as pointless animal cruelty is just ridiculous, I can't help but think that people can go overboard. I agree, that killing bears to provide fur for a hat is hardly moral, but then you hear about animal rights activists harming humans for the rights of animals? Honestly, it'd probably be a good idea to get your priorities right and taste the irony. Testing on animals for medical reasons, I'm afraid I'm fully behind. But I can see that for fashion, or for hats on a guard that no one can get near anyway, isn't needed. And, although I'm sure Ricky is genuine, I can't help but feel that so many celebs are just jumping aboard the nearest bandwagon on the moral highground for the sake of it.
Just saying.

Posted by: Herts | September 3, 2008 03:42 PM

Herts...(hurts)
Testing on animals for medical reasons!?? Please read "vivisector of the month"! Yes you don't have to go far, it's right here on the Peta Blogs once a month. And you tell me after reading that BS that it's for so called "medical reasons" to "bennefit" "us" humans!??? I beg to differ!!

Posted by: Carla | September 3, 2008 05:41 PM

Good for you Ricky Gervais!
It is about time we stamped out fur wearing once and for all, it is not like we need to wear it, as maybe we once did (long, long ago).
I understand what some say about it being a waste not to use fur when the animals are killed anyway, but all this is doing is promoting the killing of animals to wear their fur & for it to be perfectly acceptable.

Posted by: Sarah | September 3, 2008 06:01 PM

If this is such an important aspect of British history, why are they shooting Canadian black bears?

Posted by: Oedipa | September 3, 2008 06:10 PM

No one is suggesting that the hats need to go or that a tradition be steamrolled by the millenium, just don't make them out of fur! What's the big deal?

Posted by: Chris | September 3, 2008 07:18 PM

Max, get a life! Why are you here whimpering about nothing at all? You're ridiculous. Most people here know what's what. And what's not cool is fur of any kind. Replacing bear skin with something synthetic will not be something noticed or missed by 99.9% of the people...Oh, except by you perhaps.

Dear Lord! Let's save those precious bears and indeed all animals.

Posted by: Mars | September 3, 2008 07:44 PM

Lana: awesome. Absolutely right. No one here is trying to take away from the importance of this tradition, but evolution will be needed for as long as human beings exist. Animals and nature evolve to survive in nature, but we must evolve to survive ourselves. This topic is one small aspect of of behavior that we as human beings need to evolve out of. We need to stop using history as an excuse for our actions, and realize that our world today is a growing, changing metropolis, that understands that all of our practices are far from perfect, and as a species, we have so much room to grow.

To Herts:
Call me crazy, I know a lot of people would, but as an animal rights activist, if I came in contact directly with someone who worked in the Chinese fur industry, as a hunter/poacher or anyone else who makes the living by means of animal suffering, there would definitely be some ass-kicking, and I would feel 110% justified. I have no compassion for someone so without compassion themselves. And yes, I've heard of "an eye for an eye makes the world blind," but maybe there are some people who deserve to see anything. And I don't see any irony behind this, the people whose ass would get kicked DID something to deserve it, while the animals who suffer needlessly everyday have done nothing wrong, other than trying to exist in the midst of our destructive activities. How dare they, right?
And I know you were just putting an idea out there, but I don't think the compassionate men and women who stand up for those who can't speak for themselves are doing it for the purposes of hopping on the bandwagon, or appearing more likable. I think they just give a sh!t. I commend people who use their status to draw attention to much needed topics, such as this one. I would love to be in the public eye for the sole purpose of bringing attention to important topics.

Posted by: Samantha | September 3, 2008 10:13 PM

Well done Ricky! I absolutely agree. Leave those bears alone!!

Posted by: Pieter | September 4, 2008 05:51 AM

My sister and i recently did a protest about the way in which these beautiful animals are killed, all in the name of the ridiculous Royal Family. What on Earth is so royal about them...?

I wish that the Government would get rid of the guards, (who just stand there aimlessly and occassionaly walk up and down like idiots) stop this cruelty and rid the world of the so-called Royal Family, theyre the same as eveyone else... just take off the ridiculous jewels and other inanimate objects the Queen prances around in

Posted by: Elise | September 4, 2008 06:58 AM

I just wanted to add that I am from the UK, and I am utterly ashamed to be at the moment. I find it appalling that some people think that this is OK.

I am utterly horrified that my tax money is being used in such a foul and disgusting way. This needs to be stopped. In the old days, it was different, we change as a society, we adapt. It is a travesty that this is allowed to happen and I am very very let down by my fellow Britain's who think this is OK. We are supposed to live in a civilised society.

I can't get over this, the Prime Minister will be receiving a letter from little old me too.

Posted by: Reen | September 4, 2008 07:09 AM

WAY TO GO RICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: mill | September 4, 2008 07:26 AM

Well GB has a very honourable history doesnt it?? There arent enough beds in hospitals to deal with the sick, law and order has broken down and is now reduced to a new craze called "knife culture" and the most powerful (expensive) symol of all forces the taxpayers to pay for BEARSKIN hats!! People wake up. What sort of a democracy is this? Why isnt this money being spent more wisely? The fact that the royal family have no interest in what happens to innocent animals doesnt surprise me,the queen has killed pheasants with her bare hands for Christ sake but the English taxpayers need to take a stand against any more of this ridiculous and expensive cruelty. Applaus to Ricky Gervais, Pamela Anderson and all other celebs who put their voices to good use.

Posted by: yvonne | September 4, 2008 07:29 AM

silly hats? maybe if the blogger Canaduck sacrificed his hair or fur they would be great hats?

Posted by: kirsty | September 4, 2008 11:02 AM

Mars: I refer your pointless comments to my previous remark. pay attention to them would you?

Posted by: Max | September 4, 2008 03:03 PM

Max is such a plonker.

Save the bears.!

Posted by: Pete | September 5, 2008 06:42 AM

dude is totally awesome. just saw him in Night at the Museum. i'd pretty much start laughing even before he said anything.

glad he's on board! :)

Posted by: Peter | September 6, 2008 06:19 AM

i think it's ridiculous how everyone is getting so heated about Max's comments. While i personally don't agree with him, and i'm all for animal rights (GO RICKY G!), everyone is allowed to their own personal views. what's the point in cruicifying one single person for their opinion? i personally give Max props for defending what he feels is right. rather than seeing the true issue at hand, you're all just making personal attacks so you can feel good about yourself, and NOTHING comes out of it. why not put all that anger and whatever you have going on into something useful?

Posted by: JS | September 7, 2008 11:29 AM

Hi -- Canadian Gervais fan here, also a meat eating, right-wing knuckle-dragging conservative.

Writing to say I agree with Rick. Genuine bear skin is unnecessarily destructive for this purpose. Don't kill the bear, use a synthetic.

Actually, I am under the impression that the equivalent Canadian guards in Ottawa wear synthetic fur hats. Hope that I'm right, I'll look into it.

Thanks Rick, love all your shows, keep the podcasts coming,

Steve

Posted by: Steve | September 8, 2008 03:47 PM

Thanks for speaking out for the bears,Ricky.

Posted by: lynda downie | September 8, 2008 10:22 PM

I whole-heartedly agree with the Ricky Gervais letter, and i'm a huge fan of his - however, I do feel the need to say that it seems a bit hypocritical that he would stand up for bears, when in fact he is a flesh-eater. And i'm willing to bet that he wears and uses leather products as well.

Bears do need to be protected, and it's nice of Gervais to speak up on the matter - i just think he should consider changing his own lifestyle. If we all did that, we wouldn't need to write letters demanding bear's rights.

Posted by: caleb | September 10, 2008 11:33 AM

This is ridiculous. Silly or historic, it makes no difference. Make them with fake fir. Simple. Same hats, fake fir, no dead bears. I don't understand why this is even a dilemma.

Posted by: Debra | September 11, 2008 12:25 PM

make the hats out of fake fur, and we won't have a problem. I don't care if they have some history. They ARE silly hats if they require an animal's life to make them.

Posted by: Sean | September 11, 2008 01:40 PM

@Max:

After reading all of the posts here, I want to say that your initial statement seemed very overdone, you were clearly upset or angered, and your post contained typos or misspellings, etc.

But after reading your reply to the various people that had commented 'at' you, I see that, even you have hit upon the crux of the issue (in terms of 'what to do'), and that is, we need to find an alternative.

To the others, many of whom, like myself, are not using, or requiring, animal byproducts in our lives, all I can say is: It is easy to come down hard on an individual, because we all know what goes on out there, and it is, in almost all cases, unwarranted and unnecessary cruelty, terror and torture that animals, globally, are forced to endure until death finally frees them. It is truly horrifying.

But insulting those that don't share our compassion and beliefs, is going to accomplish nothing. You have to understand that education (as in, the individual 'finding out' what is happening) is the best way for other individuals to develop changing outlooks and behaviours.

Who's to say that max might not have found himself urging the government to try a little harder to find a substitute, if he hadn't been attacked? We'll never know the answer to that one, will we?

And if there was even a chance of 'Max', or anyone who wasn't already on our, the animals, side, then attacking him (or others) might actually perpetuate that which we rightly want to see changed, in the World.

Perhaps personal attacks make the emotionally-charged individuals 'feel better', but one thing is certain, alienating those who don't share our views on animal welfare, is killing more animals, not fewer, in the long run. Nice going.

Posted by: Brian Stegner | September 11, 2008 05:59 PM

These are the Queen's Guards and Mr. Gervais's letter should also be sent to the Queen, who can be quite progressive.

Also, re. Australian sheep (animal) abuses. Elizabeth II is the Queen of Australia.

A directive from the Top can have considerable effect.

Posted by: hilary | September 11, 2008 06:05 PM

Without a large interest in the topic but a big interest in how people interact, this site has provided a wide range of examples.

There is a point of view being presented. Some people here are responding emotionally with little of no factual information. Some people have a whole range of information at their disposal but only seem to be looking from one side (not saying which side I agree with).

When lacking either intellect or understanding of the topic on hand there are some here who resort to flaming or emotionally charges outbursts without apparently taking effort to counter or understand other's points of view. Presenting counter arguments without acknowledging that the original argument might have some merit might be seen as one sided and put others offside to before they even start to read your reply...

Keep posting - this is a wonderful source of information on human communication via ICT and how 'anonymity' seems to change our 'common' decencies.

Posted by: Interested | September 11, 2008 07:43 PM

To Kill or cuase pain and suffering to any other living thing is completely wrong, especially for a fassion accessory, being one of the worst reasons.

In Australia, our Anzacs are remebered by 1 minutes silence by the nation and a parade march.

If it is your tradition to wear animal skins, it something you should now be embarresed about, and wanting to change as soon as poissible. It was tradition that women got paid less, shall we bring that back too.

Stupid glory seeking trends !!!!

Posted by: Peter Johnson | September 11, 2008 09:16 PM

Silly hats or not. Tradition or not. Killing the beautiful Black Bear for them is totally unacceptable. A synthetic version is what is needed and it is long overdue.

Posted by: Deborah Kemp | September 12, 2008 05:32 AM

If there is any alternative to killing a wild animal for no important reason (A hat? I dont think so....) other than self defense, then any country who considers itself "civilized" should gladly implement it. Synthetic fur, is just as good as the real thing and the horror of what happens to these bears can be spared. When will humans finally stop being so selfish and stupid and cruel? When will we realize that we are not the only beings on the planet who have a right to live, love and be free.

Posted by: Jenny Jozwiak | September 12, 2008 09:44 AM

Thank you for what you do for bears, and even more thanks for allowing me to help those magnificent creatures!
Silvia Italia

Posted by: SILVIA | September 13, 2008 11:31 AM

I am so tired of hearing people using tradition and culture as a reason to continue on with outdated and barbaric animal right abuses. Get with the program and use faux fur for their stupid hats!

Posted by: Cathy Munroe | September 13, 2008 03:53 PM

Oh for heaven sakes, get REAL!!! Killing bears for "silly" hats is absolutely ridiculous! Not to mention so disgustingly self-indulgent, it's embarrassing to the human race. We are to be STEWARDS of the Earth, not creepy stalkers & hunters of innocent animals!!! WAKE-UP PEOPLE!!! As an American, I've always viewed Britain as a forward thinking country that embraced the humane treatment of animals. (I won't go into the brutal tradition of Fox Hunting or other terrible practices my own country participates in that hurts animals...Sometimes, I just don't get it...why...why...would anyone want to hurt another living being???) Let's just all work together to clean up our karma and protect animals. Let's put an end to the senseless killing of bears for hats!!??!? Why would the Queen want to support such retched behavior...can't that environmentally-friendly Prince Charles convince his Mom to stop this mean-spirited unsportsmen-like carnage? I hope so.

Posted by: Marisa Bentley | September 14, 2008 10:47 AM

The hats can be made of some other material and be beautiful.
Killing bears for this reason it is uncivilized!

Posted by: giovanna | September 14, 2008 11:03 AM

I love Ricky Gervais even more now!
I'm British, and I think it's sick that something that we're supposed to say "Look, that's ours, and we're proud of it!" to is so sick!

Posted by: Sophie Drewery | September 14, 2008 11:21 AM

But who has determined that the animals must be for our use and pleasure?
Some things can not be heard!!!!!

Posted by: tiziana | September 15, 2008 11:02 AM

I have asked many times to where it can
get cruelty, selfishness; unfortunately I have not yet been answered.
This nonsense of hats is yet another case of animal abuse unjustified!!!!!

Posted by: vincenzo | September 15, 2008 11:19 AM

british history,

god that rant of yours was so long! n it was all a load of rubbish

they are silly hats. why else would all the tourists take a picture of the guards? because they're interested in the history behind the guards? no. its because of their hats

there are plenty of synthetic material you cn use. theres 1 reli obvious 1.... bt i cnt remember... let me think... oh yh its called faux fur!

sorry bout all th txt spk bt i am a teenager who reli cnt b bothered typin it all out XD

Posted by: anita | September 15, 2008 12:41 PM

This is really pathetic. They're hats!!! Like seriously, a life for a hat?? REALLY doesn't compare.

And the historical value? As if history is anything to go by, we used to bloody well torture people cause we tought they were witches! Shouldn't we be trying to ADVANCE?!
Don't live in the past.

Hah. Everyones hating on Max. Good Job. And good job Ricky, my most favourite comedian EVER!!

Posted by: Sarah | September 20, 2008 12:49 AM

Sigh, pomp and ceremony again!!! There are plenty of people with their head stuck up their own backside here. Forget what USED to be done -you are not living in the past. Bears should NOT be killed for such a trivial purpose end of story. I also have seen the bear hunt filmed undercover so I have a pretty good idea of what goes on as i have also seen the atrocities of the Canadian seal hunt where seal pups are skinned alive on the ice. Dont try and offset another countries barbarism (ie) China being used as an example - China is critised daily for its appalling treatment of animals and humans and rightly so but dont try and say, oh China are much more awful than we are with regard to animal cruelty - that doesnt make what Canada is doing acceptable and i have plenty of campaigns on the go opposing my own countrys treatment of animals as well trust me!!! No one is being singled out for being more cruel than another country. I agree with the other post made, preserve what hats you already have and dont kill anymore bears for such a ridiculous reason. If you are nothing without a bearskin then that proves that you really are not a man at all so get a grip and understand that you cant live in the past and we have to move forwards and acknowledge that just because a life does not come in the human form that it is not just there to be used for the vanity of mankind. Anyway as a British taxpayer I am opposed to this and so are most MP's and an astonishing amount of the British public so whoever is daft enough to think bearskin maketh the man, you must have a very very small manhood hahaha. Well done Gervais for having the guts to say something and well done PETA for launching a campaign that has gained much media coverage.

Posted by: Emma Bowden | September 24, 2008 02:12 PM

Im British, my opinion is that it makes no difference to use synthetic material... nobody would really care if they are not bearskin... apart from completly stuck up twats, who would probably enjoy masturbating to fox hunting and blood sport.

Posted by: dr0n3 | October 8, 2008 10:03 AM

Well done Ricky for using your "Fame" for a good cause.

Max - your a twat - but I think your the kind of twat that enjoys arguing with strangers on the internet for attention so "fill your boots".

Posted by: Liz in New Zealand | October 14, 2008 11:31 PM

liz: grow up. if you can't engage in debates or express your opinions without resorting to swearing then chances are you aren't mentally advanced enough to engage in them or hold them. oh, by the by, your is a possessive pronoun. I believe you meant "you're". as i have said before that is not why i am here, but as the majority of the people on this page don't actually seem to want to take into account the facts of the case and create acceptable soloutions then I guess there is no point in me being here.

Posted by: Max | November 1, 2008 06:42 PM

Max: 'You're' the most patronising arsehole I have ever come across on the internet.
You obviously just like arguing and trying to appear smarter than everyone else - I wonder why.

Posted by: Fred | November 12, 2008 03:38 PM

Hi Max,
I admire your dedication to your cause, but take it easy! dont have a heart attack! I think that if you truly beleive in the history of those hats it grand time that you realise that all those who wore those hats made of bear skin wont be rolling in their graves over the idea of respecting God's creatures. AND DONT BLAME CANADIANS EITHER BECAUSE I AM ONE OF THEM AND LET ME TELL YOU: IF THERE WAS NO " DEMAND " FOR THE FURS, THERE WONT BE ANY KILLING!!!!!
yOU HAVEN'T FIGURED THAT OUT YET????? WOW I THINK YOU SHOULD PUT ALL YOUR ENERGY WHERE IT BELONGS!

Posted by: Joanne Marie Sevigny | December 19, 2008 01:34 PM

For a moment, let's take a step back, and look at the main argument in opposition of finding a suitable, cruelty free alternative for these hats, which I will not deny represent the history of our country for many people. I think we all know why people want to keep the guards hats. Tradition.
Let's define tradition for a brief moment, generally speaking it is referred to as the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, and customs, from generation to generation by word of mouth or by practice, or a long-established or inherited way of thinking or acting.
Ok, this is when I will start to get slightly hot headed, so if you get upset by people making very loud and opinionated points with the bullshit snipped off I suggest you take a tic tac right now.

Was not the slave trade a tradition? Sending children up chimneys, that's a tradition too?? Dubious?? Okay, think of witch-hunting in the Shakespearean era, that was a tradition, no?

So, tell me, what's more important, Tradition or moral value? If you are truly that het up about keeping the customs around that have surrounded our British soldiers for hundreds of years, I suggest you look a little further than what they wear on their heads, because I can tell you now, HAT'S REALLY AREN'T THAT IMPORTANT. Especially if having one means the cost of a beautiful animal's life.

Thank you,

Rosa

Posted by: Rosa | March 15, 2009 07:31 AM

Ricky is one of my favorite people. I am so glad to know he is backing such a wonderful cause.

Posted by: Nathan | March 19, 2009 08:08 PM

I am utterly disgusted by this practice, and as it is easier to stop than continue it why has it not stopped? Is there a petition anywhere for people to sign?

Posted by: claire | March 25, 2009 11:36 AM

Just because something is 'traditional', does not make it right. Slavery was traditional for many years, as was the persecution of women. Many people still think women should be confined to the home, because it is 'tradition'.

Tradition stands for nothing.

Posted by: Natasha | March 25, 2009 01:32 PM

To hold onto radition in the 21st century is ridiculas. Times change, peoples attitudes change. We humans have become so self-consuming. We need to start putting animals needs beyond our own, recognise that animal slaughter for the sake of fashion, tradition etc is unacceptable, inexcusable and darn right disgusting! We have enough intelligence, after years of research to know animals feel pain, they move in social groups, they love and show affection to there young, they morn. We have enough technology to go without animal fur/skin for luxary purposes, fashion what ever you want to call it. We do things for the sake of doing it-because we can! This does not make it right! If thats the case we can NOT use animals for our own selfish satisfaction. Go Ricky Gervais, he is someone we can all look up to and admire.

Posted by: Samantha | March 26, 2009 07:59 AM

Thousands of bears murdered BY HUMANS for vanitty in the 21st century... did anyone mention CIVILIZATION?

Posted by: marilia | March 30, 2009 07:34 AM

WELL AS MANY OF YOU MAY NOT THINK ABOUT SOMETIMES NOT ONLY ARE CUBS AND THEIR MOTHERS KILLED BUT OTHER ANIMALS ARE BEEN KILLED I DONT EVER IMAGEN HOW THIS WORLD WOULD BE IN 10 MORE YEARS I MEAN TERRORISM, GANGS,CHEATING, KILLING, LYING I AM ONLY 15 YEARS OLD AND I'M JUST GETTING STARTED TO THE REAL WORLD. PEOPLE DONT THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX OBVIOUSLY NO ONE WOULD WANT THEIR BABIES DEAD OR A KID LOOSING THEIR MOTHER BUT THAT'S WHAT CUBS ARE GOING THROUGH WITH THIS KILLINGS JUST FOR TRADITION I AM NOT BRITISH AND I DONT LIKE TO JUDGE BUT I THINK KILLING ANIMALS IS EVIL NOT THINKING OF THE ANIMALS. IF YOU WOULDNT LIKE YOUR DOG OR CAT OR BIRD THEN DONT DO IT AND LET PEOPLE HELP BECAUSE I DONT THINK THAT YOUR GRAND KIDS WOULD LIKE TO BE DESAPPOINTED IN YOU BECAUSE YOU DIDNT HELP TO STOP THE KILLING OF CUBS OR BEARS OR THAT YOU WERE AGAINST IT SO DONT ONLY THINK ABOUT YOUR CULTURE THINK ABOUT ANIMALS THEY HAVE HEARTS, THEY FEEL,THEY SEE, THEY LOVE, THEY CARE, IVE SEEN BEARS WITH THEIR BABIES AND THEY TAKE AS MUCH CARE OF THEIR BABIES AS YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR NEW BORNS (THINK ABOUT IT)

Posted by: BRENDA | June 30, 2009 10:49 PM

To Max and those concerned.

The fact you can defend such an arbitrary tradition demonstrates that your an irrational inhumane individual and I doubt I'd be able to remain so constrained if I ever met you. So concerned with the 'great history', the material of a hat signifies your willing to disregard animal rights so callously, if only the textiles of a uniform can serve to seal its place in our memories then then I think your underestimating people.

you sir are a nob.

Posted by: Peta_fan | August 31, 2009 07:00 PM