At age 18, Amber Coon is already an accomplished animal rights activist. When she’s not shutting down fur stores, holding vigils, or promoting veganism, she imagines life as a lemon and listens to Shai Hulud. Read on for more riveting details of Amber Coon’s life as a PETA2 Street Team activist.
Name: Amber Coon
Age: 18
School: Paul V. Moore High School, Central Square, New York
Why did you get involved in the animal rights movement?
I got involved in animal rights because I believe in fighting all forms of oppression and injustice no matter where or to whom it occurs. Animal abuse is just so institutionalized and ingrained, while the victims are so innocent—it just disgusts me, so I have always spent extra time on animal rights.
How long have you been into animal rights?
I have been involved in animal rights since I was a freshman in high school. It all started with a research project we could choose any topic for. I was 14 at the time. Now, at 18, I see it as the most important turning point in my life.
What is your favorite PETA campaign?
I’d have to say the current KFC Campaign. Not only are more chickens abused and killed than any other animal, they suffer so many more abuses. Since they aren’t even considered really animals under the law, they are therefore excluded from the measly protections the animal welfare laws provide. They go through more than any of us can imagine.
Who is your favorite vegetarian celebrity?
Any celebrity is my favorite if they are truly into animal liberation. … John Feldmann’s … unwavering support of animal liberation is commendable. And of course, [his] song “Free Me.” It has such a potential to change things. I highly respect him.
What is your favorite vegan goodie?
I make double batches of the PETA Peanut “Better” Bars all the time and leave them in the fridge. Then, even all of the nonvegans in the house are munching on vegan snacks.
Who is your favorite PETA2 band?
I’ve been into Shai Hulud lately. I’ve been favoring the energy of those shows.
What is your favorite PETA leaflet?
I like the “Question Authority” booklets. They are so cynical, and although a few people (like my principal) don’t like the language, I think they have … potential.
What is your favorite way to use it?
I like having them on tables. The cover really grabs attention.
What is the last animal rights activity that you participated in?
Well, recently my group held a peaceful candlelight vigil outside the home of our one local fur retailer to reflect on the innumerable lives taken each year [his store] is open. So far, that was my favorite personal action. But I can’t overestimate enough the need for any action, whether it’s organizing a protest or leafleting on the sidewalk. Every action, every tactic is needed.
What question do you get asked most when you talk to people about animal rights, and what is your response?
“What do you eat!?!” … It’s always useful to have a small menu made up in your mind to provide people. They need to understand that a vegan diet doesn’t leave a big empty space on the plate in between the salad and the soggy overcooked side of veggies. Eating vegan opens so many doors for new and interesting foods.
Also, “How do you know this?” It is so important not only to know your facts, but [also] where most of them came from. Knowledge is key to acceptance and change.
What is your favorite animal rights story?
Well, I think the one major victory was getting the fur store kicked out of the local mall. When we heard he was going to take up permanent residence instead of just a temporary spot for the holidays, we leapt into action. We held weekly demos outside the mall. We started a petition and invited the media when we would present them to mall management. We had a total of 1,181 signatures in less than two months. It was clear that the people of Syracuse did not want Georgios Furs in the mall. They were seen packing up the last of the coats by the end of the month. ... Now we are back campaigning against his downtown location. Hopefully it won’t take long before our city is totally fur-free.
Do you have any animal companions?
I care for … two large white parrots called cockatoos; one of them is a rescue from incompetent caretakers. I also took in a small bird called a kakariki. After his mate died, he was going to be sold back into a life as “breeder stock,” but I wasn’t going to allow that to happen.
What is your personal message to the 25,000 Street Team members of PETA2?
Never give up. Never. Don’t let anybody get you down with their jokes and disregard for any life but their own. The animals are suffering so horribly right this second. We cannot give up on them. We are all they have, we’re their only hope. And never feel alone. You have an awesome team of friends at PETA2 who will do everything in their power to help you.
Finally, if you had to be a type of vegetable or fruit, which one would you be and why?
If I had to be … a lemon. A metaphor for my life. Life gives you lemons, make lemonade. But you need sugar to make it work. The sugar, for me, is my fellow activist friends and colleagues.
Check back next month when we profile another of PETA2’s top Street Team activists.
