PAMELA ANDERSON ON INDIAN LEATHER INDUSTRY

[Guest guest]

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2115491.cms

Pam's cause has its effect[image: Add to Clippings]

Anjali Singh Jaiswal

*[ 7 Oct, 2006 2045hrs ISTTIMES NEWS NETWORK ] *

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She talks of nudity, marriage, kids and social causes the endorsing of

which, takes up most of her time now.

 

Pamela Anderson's tryst with stardom began as the first centennial baby to

be born in Vancouver Island of British Columbia (in 1967). Since then the

sexy blonde bombshell, who shot to fame as a lifeguard on the hit TV series

Baywatch, has been making waves both in her personal and professional life.

In an exclusive to Lucknow Times, she talks of nudity, marriage, kids and

social causes the endorsing of which, takes up most of her time now.

 

You are known to be very comfortable exposing a lot of skin – on screen and

in public as well?

 

I have done whatever it takes to get the word out to garner support for

social causes. In keeping with that belief I had even traded my red Baywatch

swimsuit for a lettuce leaf bikini, which I wore to voice my concern against

cruelty to animals. My effort has been to narrate exposes of the leather

trade in India and the meat industry in the US and even spearhead a petition

drive against the annual seal hunt in Canada where baby seals are beaten

bloody on ice for their fur. I have used my celeb status to fire off

letters, pose for posters and motivated designers to create animal friendly

fashions and even urged advertisers to stop using unwilling animal actors to

sell products. And I will continue to work for the cause, whatever it takes.

 

 

But why did you also pose nude in a boutique window?

 

Yes, if something is important to me I will do whatever it takes to make a

difference. Actions like posing nude in my friend Stella McCartney's store

window was done for an anti-fur ad campaign and turned out to be a very

powerful way of getting people's attention to look, think and take action.

If people can look at me and see how easy it is to take simple steps to

reduce suffering, then I will do my bit to inspire them.

 

Were you always this interested in social issues? You began your career as a

spokesperson for an American brewery and moved on to become Playboy's best

loved model. What was the cause behind that?

 

I have been a animal lover all my life and it's an issue close to my heart.

My crusade started when I was 10-year-old and walked into the shed behind

our house on Vancouver Island right after my dad had returned from a hunting

trip. I opened the door and looked up to see a once beautiful deer hanging

upside down – her fur drenched in blood. I remember screaming and running

out from the shed and making a vow never to eat meat. In fact, I owe my sexy

looks to a vegetarian diet.

 

Do your children understand your philosophy?

 

They know I am always willing to stick my neck out if anyone needs me. My

boys understand this as I have taught them kindness and respect for all and

raised them to make compassionate choices. It is very essential to raise

kids with empathy and as a mom, I have tried to do that.

 

Your marriage to Kid Rock, the rap metal icon, has made a lot of news. Does

your husband also believe in all that you stand for now?

 

I guess you will have to ask him that. But I for sure would not marry

someone who wasn't compassionate. Everybody is empathetic to varying degrees

but of course Kid Rock is sympathetic to what I feel strongly about.

 

You have been very vocal about celebrities not being proper role models.

Comment.

 

Yes. I think stars like JLO and Beyonce (Knowles) need to understand that

they are being watched by millions, which is why the choices they make even

in simple things like fashion accessories and garments have to be sensible

ones. My worry is that million of young fans will see them wearing fur and

think it's ok, when it's not. Due to the popularity of Baywatch, I used my

fame to draw attention to issues that mattered as a responsible star. If I

can so can they.

 

You have been very critical of the Indian leather industry. Why do you feel

so strongly about it?

 

People must know of the horrible suffering being caused by India's leather

trade. Investigations by animal rights' organisation working in India have

revealed 15-20 cows crammed into trucks meant to hold only 5 or 6. Animals

who are too sick to walk are dragged and beaten to death. At municipal

slaughter houses, animals are slaughtered in full view of each other. Cows

are forced to watch as their companions slowly bleed to death, which is

illegal. Such inhuman acts have to stop and people must boycott such cruelly

produced products.

 

Any plans to visit India to campaign for social causes, like other Hollywood

celebs have been doing these days?

 

Not currently. But you never know!

 

anjali.singh