The Power and Promise of Humane Education
Above All, Be Kind: Raising a Humane Child in Challenging Times
Claude and Medea: The Hellburn Dogs
So, You Love Animals: An Action-Packed, Fun-Filled Book to Help Kids Help AnimalsThe L.A. Times had an article (http://www.latimes.com/services/site/premium/access-registered.intercept) about the conflict between animal protection advocates and those supporting ritual slaughter of bulls in South Africa. It boils down to this (from the beginning of the article):
“Thousands of animals are killed every month in South Africa in tribal cleansing ceremonies, and rituals marking births, deaths and weddings. To many people, these rituals lie at the heart of their identity, a tradition that brings peace and harmony in life. But animal welfare advocates say the rituals are often cruel, and that bulls are speared in the chest or neck to make them bellow before they die.”
This is just one of many examples of conflicts between changing ethical norms and cultural differences. Whether the debate is over female genital mutilation, child labor, women’s suffrage, whaling, or land conservation, we will undoubtedly continue to face conflicts between what growing numbers of individuals and socities believe is immoral and what specific cultures consider traditional and acceptable.
What’s the MOGO way? When the debate turns ugly, when those critiquing practices that they consider cruel or destructive are called imperialists and racists and those defending their cultural traditions are called backward and immoral, where can we find the tools and the path toward a solution?
We need to listen to each other respectfully with MOGO as our goal. Cultural traditions and religious practices run deep. But when those who support and perpetuate ritual practices or cultural traditions that may have negative effects are asked to share the value of such practices, much is revealed about the underlying purposes and needs that the acts fulfill. And when those who oppose such practices as being cruel, destructive, or unsustainable are given the opportunity to voice their concerns, much is revealed that casts doubt on the value and ethics of certain traditions without criticizing the underlying needs and purposes. If we can listen to each other with respect and openness, the possibility arises that these underlying purposes and needs might be met in other, less destructive and cruel ways. If we focus on solutions that work for everyone, inviting all the stakeholders to voice their positions, we create the possibility to grow, change, and make new and better choices we can all embrace.
I’m curious what solutions and ideas you have for this, and other such conflicts. I hope you’ll post your ideas.
Zoe
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: | animal rights, bull spearing, ethics, human rights, South Africa ritual slaughter
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Provocative story, I wish that I had an enlightened solution. It takes open and willing minds to consider simultaneously the life and wellbeing of innocent animals along side the beauty and power of ancient rituals and religious practices. My instinct would guide me to take a step back. I believe that as humans, we have the ability to watch out for all species. The concern of racism seems an important place to begin. I like to think that when everyone feels heard and respected, more compassionate decisions are made.?!
It makes sense that this issue would spark memories of the apartheid system and it is complicated. There does need to be a high level of sensitivity towards the South Africans when broaching this issue because of all that they have been through. So first and foremost, I think it would be important for the South Africans to be assured of the respectful intentions of the SPCA. If I were there to work on this issue, it might make sense to become aligned with as many people as possible who are involved in these rituals yet who understand the animal protector’s stance. These might ultimately become the best educators. Then understand the law fully and use these tools in reaching out to others with educational materials fostering compassion for the bull and alternatives.
Or a group of students might be formed in the US (hopefully with some former South Africans) or even in Africa who understand the rituals. The students here can research the ritual and understand all they can about bulls (much like we learned about from When Elephants Weep). Then letters can be sent to these people and the government from students who express respect for the ritual along with educational material that fosters compassion and understanding about the bull and an alternative. Maybe the students could create their own When Bulls Weep sort of video along with them speaking out in hopes that a compromise can be reached.
I’m sure there are/were people who believed that bullfighting is the right of the people and outsiders should butt out. While bullfighting is not a ritual or rooted in religious beliefs, it has been a long standing tradition with deep roots. While it has not ended, I was curious about its popularity and found this statistic:
“Despite such arguments, the popularity of bullfighting is clearly declining among Spaniards, 72 per cent of whom have no interest in the spectacle, up from 43 per cent in 1971, according to a recent poll.
Among young people, the figure rose to 82 per cent and among women, to 78.5 per cent. The typical bullfighting public now consists of elderly men.”
http://news.monstersandcritics.com/europe/features/article_1239964.php/Spains_bullfighting_tradition_goes_into_decline
So there is hope!
I really don’t get how people say its racist when welfare is being concerned because culture should not be dehumanizing, but rather humanizing(to both people and animals). That’s the only way to go and really just the simplest solution. It’s people’s excuses, exploitation, hard headed-ness and apathy that’s being the wall.