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Received Rocky Racoon a few days ago and have been practicing, having fun actually

It was only when the Mrs said, "oh, is that real fur?" - I started to think, would this put people off?

Some people are really against that sort of thing, and to be honest, I'm a little surprised its real fur

What are peoples thoughts on this?

Just lie - it's easier in the long-run, I've found

There *is* a synthetic version (I think it's Roxy), but I wouldn't swap my real fur for anything less

Like Rob said just lie mate

(Personally, I'm just waiting for the day when they make a Rocky out of real seal-pelts )

Rocky Racoon always goes down well with the Children. They have never asked if the Fur is real as they actually believe Rocky really is real which is the main point. As has been said, if ever the subject crops up, possibly by an adult, say it isn't. Best of luck with Rocky.

Personally I would not use it for that reason.

Tony is right. If you have any personal issues or opinions on the use of real fur, perhaps don't use it. I am a vegetarian but that is because I don't particularly like the taste of meat. I don't preach about it or try to get others to stop eating meat. But I wouldn't buy my wife a fur coat as I don't agree with it, and yet I regularly use a puppet with real fur! I know that makes me a Hypocrite and I have to live with that but Rocky is Rocky and when he comes out, as far as the children are aware, he is real and very much alive.

I'm very torn to be honest, I have never had an issue with fur and could use the puppet with no qualms.

It was other people I was worried about, getting lectures from Mothers and stuff about fur issues

A friend of mine knows a Vegan who won't sit on leather sofas, won't wear leathers shoes, the thought of owning a leather handbag freaks her out - people like this are few and far between, granted, but I know my luck....lol

There is no real way of proving the fur is real though, if anyone asks its just "very well made"

Alfred Borden wrote:There is no real way of proving the fur is real though, if anyone asks its just "very well made"

That's the way to do it, bud; you're a magician, so lying your sweet little botty off should be second-nature

Quite frankly I see no ethical dilemma with fur itself for anybody who wears or uses leather.
Sure there are some scumbags who can't be bothered killing before skinning but that's a people issue, not a fur issue.

I'd weigh up the tone of voice when asked. Same as I see country folk weigh up mine when I ask of they "work" the spaniel or other hunting/gun dog sniffing around while we chat. Most seem to pick up that I'm not a rabid anti- and are happy enough to talk about it.

Personally I'd see it as a chance to inject a bit of sense into the squeamishness about fur (which is NO more than unshaved leather) rather than running from the issue and pretending I share their disapproval (on entirely arbitrary grounds) of fur...

...but then, I'm not trying to make a living from my reputation and so can afford to upset people of a delicate disposition who are suffering from furry-animal syndrome.


P.S. I've never seen fake fur that I thought was real. When I lived in the French alps I used to see fur coats on well to do women all the time and honestly think anyone who'd seen real fur would see right through a claim that real was fake. Most probably aren't so observant but be aware that someone asking if it's real may already know for sure and just be looking for an excuse to get upset at you.

Alfred Borden wrote:A friend of mine knows a Vegan who won't sit on leather sofas, won't wear leathers shoes, the thought of owning a leather handbag freaks her out

Must be a nightmare if you're a vegan with a leather fetish.

...or a big, hairy biker with a vegan fetish

I think you should stay in character. If anybody asks you if it's made of real fur, look upset that they're implying that he's not a real raccoon:

'What do you mean, is it real fur? Do I go around asking if you're children are made of real skin? How dare you! Don't listen to the nasty woman, Rocky! Look! You've upset him now, you cruel, cruel person.'

With any luck they won't bother asking you a second time.

A J Irving wrote:I think you should stay in character. If anybody asks you if it's made of real fur, look upset that they're implying that he's not a real raccoon:

'What do you mean, is it real fur? Do I go around asking if you're children are made of real skin? How dare you! Don't listen to the nasty woman, Rocky! Look! You've upset him now, you cruel, cruel person.'

With any luck they won't bother asking you a second time.

Ladies and gentlemen we have a winner

TYVM

Awesome, AJ.
I suppose a lot of magicians stay in character after a show "how did you do that?" "magic" - well then why NOT carry on like it's a real raccoon if asked?