Would you make/sell and item if you didn't agree with it?

[babygoinplaces]

I was wondering if you would make or sell an item if it went against your beliefs.  Would you do it if you could make a good profit?  Would you stand behind your beliefs?

For example, if you are a vegetarian and someone asked you to make a leather tote bag, or you are a Christian and someone asked you to make a robe for a witchcraft ceremony, would you do it?

Neither example is what I've been asked a couple times to make, but they are fair analogies, I think.

Anyone care to comment?  I've turned down both requests for this particular item.

[Laural]

If it doesn't feel right to you then you most certainly did the right thing.

Standing by our beliefs is what helps make us who we are.

[MartiniMonsters]

If I really needed the money I'd do it, but not just for extra profit.

[EmilyFlew]

I've thought about it...someone asked me once if I could make an iPod case with a pot leaf on it, and while it isn't something to which I'm vehemently opposed (as my college friends can certainly tell you  ) it's an aethetic statement I think is dumb and not something I want my name attached to. I think you should say no--your brand is your identity and your most valuable asset, and everything you make is seen by someone who is forming an opinion of your brand.  So unless the opinion that they would form upon seeing this item is what you want, you shouldn't do it.

[babygoinplaces]

What was odd to me this morning was a conversation with my mother.  I told her I had a second request to make X item and turned down the customer.  She then said, "Well I could probably make a couple of them for you to sell if you don't have time."  I explained that it wasn't a time issue, it was a belief issue.  She said, "I don't believe in that, either." 

Ok, Mom, so why would we want to SELL this item?  She got it eventually.

She often stumps me, though.

[sweethelena]

I get this sometimes too, although some people find my work vulgar to begin with. For instance, I was once asked to make a vagina ashtray, which I declined to do. I'm not exactly into making vaginas into waste receptacles for people's smoking habits.

It's a fine line, though... some people would probably question why I do find it acceptable to make incense burners, but for me, incense is cleansing and spiritual, and not dirty like a cigarette. I've been asked for other random items that I didn't find suitable, but most people who ask for them haven't given any thought to the connotations associated with their requests. Of you're polite and explain why you can't make the item, they usually understand.

[CraftyChef]

"But I need the money!" is usually the crux of these matters. It's amazing how survival/desires intrude upon our understanding of dedication.

[sarawearsskirts]

kudos to you for upholding your morals and ideals, fairgreenlady!
i think what you did truly shows your strength of character.