I often think about different ways to portray my thoughts. Sometimes it is in well chosen words, whilst other times what I have to say is possibly a little intense. Today I would like to very simply challenge you to think a little about life in general and our role in the survival of the planet upon which we live. Humankind is one of the most intelligent creatures on this planet, but we are not so smart really. Over time we seem to have forgotten what our early ancestors believed, where they hunted for, or collected food as and when they needed it and they rarely took more than they could use without waste. Now, it seems that the lifestyles we lead have meant we have forgotten that important rule, and that some within in our society have determined that they need more and will take that at all costs. The indiscriminate killing of any life form, because it gives us pleasure, is not an acceptable scenario. As a matter of fact, it is at the least something we would frown upon if we were the prey.
To that end, I have likes onto several pages on FB that are ocean and animal related. Time and again I see calls for support to help with looking after the worlds wildlife. There are many different causes with different points of view, but the one constant thing that disturbs me most of all are the posts that focus on killing animals for no more than the purpose of killing. There is the infamous female cheerleader come hunting advocate Kendal Jones (No relation) that kills big game because she said it controls the population.
http://www.takepart.com/article/2014/07/01/texas-cheerleader-hunting-her-way-through-africa
and now I am aware of a contest in the great old US of A that pits bow hunters with Cow Nose Rays that lets burly men prove they are superior to all others because they can destroy more than the man next to them. Again, the supporting write up is that the population of rays is out of control and these people by just killing, not eating, these rays ensures healthy fisheries. Boo I say, plus a lot more that I dare not repeat.
These are just two of many examples, and whilst the reason given seems plausible, and that they say they are protecting the species by controlling the growth of a population the fact is that nature will take care of animal populations naturally, just as it has for millions of years, so we do not need to become involved without even at least having a purpose (Like it being a source of food). Many native cultures would worship a kill out of respect that it has given its life so they may have food. They did not dance all over the carcass taking selfies with huge smiles upon their faces, they genuinely showed some grief in respect, but they did it for a legitimate reason. My fear is that what happens now is clearly not for the reason of culling for species protection, but that the actual reason is two fold. One, it satisfies the few people that have a serial killer instinct that have an inbuilt desire to kill for the thrill of it, and secondly it is to protect what humans feel is theirs and theirs alone to own. If something gets in the way, then get rid of it and eventually there will be no obstacles and you can take freely without disruption.
So here I am just one person amongst so many others. One voice, one thought. Do you agree with taking of a life for the sake of it, or do you agree it is truly senseless slaughter. Are you prepared to voice your opinion, or will you remain silent. When a post for help is seen, do you brush past it because it doesn’t have someone doing something stupid to hurt themselves, or goats bouncing on a piece of tin, or even worse because you truly believe it does not affect you. Have no doubt, that every creature we push into extinction, every acre of forest we clear, is a step closer to the destruction of mankind. Not tomorrow, or the next day, maybe not your lifetime, but most certainly within the life time of your children. Yes your children’s life time.
Comments