by Arinna Hoffine

“Let’s go to Chick-Fil-A,” my friend said one evening while a few of us were sitting on my living room floor.

“I don’t know,” I replied hesitantly. “I’ll go with you, but I’m not getting anything.”

While I don’t mind those that choose to go to Chick-Fil-A, it is one of many organizations which I don’t want to endorse. In this case, it’s because Chick-Fil-A’s stance on social issues, particularly marriage equality, is different than mine.

Fifteen minutes later, I watched her put sauce on her buttery, crispy chicken sandwich while I sat across the booth, stomach growling. I felt confident about my choice, though. I stood by my convictions instead of succumbing to convenience. Sure, that chicken sandwich was delicious, but because it represents an opinion that I don’t agree with, I can’t comfortably give the company my money.

Of course, standing by my integrity is not only an issue when eating out. My family and I go to Orlando, Fla., every couple of years. There are amusement parks around every corner, but I urge my family not to go to Sea World. After watching the documentary Black Fish and others like it, I understand the immorality of locking up orcas for our own entertainment. I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the show knowing I was endorsing animal cruelty.

While I rarely must refuse attending Sea World, standing against animal cruelty can apply to more quotidian activities. The week after winter break, I saw my best friend in a new pair of black Uggs she was gifted for Christmas. “Those look nice” I told her (usually she sports her snow-stained tan pair from middle school).

I genuinely like them and I know how comfortable Uggs are, but I won’t wear them anymore. Five years ago, I decided that I won’t buy any clothing made from animals. No leather, no fur, no fleece. With technology capable of making suitable synthetic replacements, I can’t justify it, and I see this small-scale boycott of animal-made products as another way to stay true to my beliefs.

I don’t judge people for eating at Chick-Fil-A or wearing Uggs or going to water parks – I just can’t do it myself. It’s important to stay educated on social issues and to be aware of what you are supporting. The issues you care about and how much you care is up to you and it varies for everyone. What shouldn’t vary is your integrity, no matter how inconvenient it may be.