Explore the cruelty behind the silk weaving industry

Image credits - CGTN

Introduction


Did you know at least 10,000 silkworms get killed for every silk sari you get weaved? These silkworms get boiled in water so that the cells let out the cocoon that is weaved into silk. So, let us deep dwell into what happens in the silk-weaving industry!


Knowhow behind the process


How is silk as a raw material obtained? If you look at it, this is a material from the cocoons of larvae. Henceforth, most of the insects that are raised in the silk industry, do not make it, post their pupal stages. It is staggering figure to know that at least 3000 silkworms are killed just to make a pound of silk. So, you can figure out how much cruelty is meted out to these living beings just in the name of fashion! Hence, you must understand there are victims involved while your silk saris or silk sherwanis are being designed and sold to you via posh retail outlets. Not to forget the fact that at least billions of silkworms are killed every year for the production of silk alone.


Do silkworms have a central nervous system just the way humans do?


Before I get to answer this question of yours, let me ask you all a question! Is silk a necessary ingredient for your survival instincts? No, silk wear is not a necessity but only a luxury for most of you. If at all, you get yourself silk saris or silk sherwanis, you hardly wear them for a wedding or too. Max to the max, you may want to wear silk saris to pose for selfies for your Facebook or Instagram account. Therefore the product is more of a decorative one than an intrinsic one. You do not need silk for your day-to-day survival, as a matter of fact. 


We cannot exactly determine how earthworms or silkworms react when they are boiled in burning water. These earthlings may not scream loud the way we do. But, living beings do have a central system that can experience pain, trauma, and fear, as a matter of fact. You must thus realize that these insects feel pain while they are being dapped into boiling water. Silkworms may not look the same as we humans do. They may not age as we do. But silkworms definitely have a central nervous system or brains the same way as we do. Most importantly, these silkworms too have a life and they deserve to lead a life the same way as we human beings do. Again, can you imagine yourself being covered in absolute darkness and your hands and legs shooting out in pain from being burned alive? A fire attack victim can sensationalize the pain more than human beings who have not been exposed to severe fire burns or fire accidents. 


Are you now wanting to explore new threads of silk saris that are launched into the market? Or, would you want to make use of silkworms who can otherwise spread their wings? These earthlings too want to avoid pain and avoid being tormented all their lives.


Is the silk industry equal to animal agriculture?


Silkworms are bred at commercial farms. They are fed excessive quantities of food. This is in terms of force-feeding the insects with mulberry leaves or other variants of dried-up earthworms. This way, their bodies can fatten up. And, while the worms are being boiled in water, they can produce thicker strands of silk cocoon or silk larvae. Yes, the silk industry definitely equates itself to an animal-abusive industry that gains commercial profits at the cost of the welfare or well-being of insects or animals. By hunting silkworms for their silk over thousands of years, human beings have destroyed these counterparts toward peaceful coexistence with their wilder counterparts. Today, silkworms have lost their ability to fly and lost their ability to camouflage color change. 


Do we have alternatives to silk?


As a human, you definitely need not compromise on fashion. You have plenty of alternatives to using silk. These are rayon, nylon, silk-cotton (Obtained from a tree), ceiba tree filaments, cotton wear, polyester, and so on. Saris, sherwanis and plant-based silk can be derived using the aforesaid ingredients. You also have bamboo and lotus-plant-derived-silk that gives a velvety touch to the linen you plan to weave for your clothes.


Conclusion

So, as vegans, we would ditch silkwear from our closet. The silk saris you already own can be worn or donated. But pledge not to buy brand-new silk saris to add to the cruelty. That is the least we can do. What else are you waiting for?

Source Credit- https:www.peta.org/

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