Compassion>Imperialism

Circle Of Life - Lebo M.

When I was little, I used to love watching animal shows on TV—Kratt’s Creature’s, anyone? One of the most valuable, most emphasized points I learned was that in a hypothetical situation of being trapped with a great beast (or even a ferocious little dog), the best thing to do it look the animal straight in the eye with confidence and an air of peace. This shows the creature that you are not afraid of it and thus are not on the defensive and so, mean it no harm. Obviously, you have to be careful and get away while you can: the animal just might be darn hungry and want to gobble you up anyways. But the best approach to take is respect.

In George Orwell’s essay, “Shooting an Elephant,” the narrator knew that the elephant’s
“attack of ‘must’ was already passing off” (220X). He says, “As soon as I saw the elephant I knew with perfect certainty that I ought not to shoot him” (220X). But what made him do otherwise? It was the natives’ desire to watch and benefit from the show of the elephant being shot—they were “all happy and excited over this bit of fun” (220X). He could not let down this schadenfreude-esque hunger in the natives. Although the elephant violently ravaged the town, they did not necessarily even care enough about the fact that the elephant killed the Indian coolie, other than the fact that the sight was horrifying. They just wanted to dominate the large animal, to prove that he could come down.

This obviously pulls an ironic parallel with imperialism, in particular, the British domination of India. Just like the natives wanted to prove and found glee in the fact that they could dominate a large beast, the British eagerly took on the challenge of conquering India. Although there were obvious economic reasons for the exploitation, what was the real reason for the domination over not even a different species, but merely a group of people with a different skin color?

In this materialistic world, a characteristic which was heavily emphasized in the period of colonialism, we humans tend to get really caught up in the hustle and bustle of it all. We want more, we want prettier, we want bigger, we want better. We may recognize the adorableness of, say, a puppy; however, all that comes to mind is how much we want it for ourselves. (This is not accusatory in anyway – I just feel like we are all guilty of doing so at one point or another. All I could think about yesterday was how I so desperately wanted to cuddle with the puppy. ) This all contributes to the building of our ego-centric selves. We simply want to be the best.

Out of wanting to be the best come the insecurities of NOT being the best. I many times get wishfully jealous, wanting to have the abilities or attribute or possessions of another. (hah! Dana, I’m seriously not that nice). Thus, when “the weakness of the victims” (X180) is exposed, we rejoice a little inside because it is a comfort to know that others also have some weaknesses and flaws. It is also a comfort knowing that we haven’t fallen yet. Out of the fears of failing and our vulnerability, we feel more secure seeing others fail/conquering others/killing something.

I think this is a very unhappy way of life, and many, many others have realized it as well. Most of the “civilized” countries have mostly given up conquering indigenous peoples, for the sole sake of having dominion over them. But this idea of not conquering should also be extended to animals. Before beasts “were, simply, crucial to survival” (170B). Living in the wild, it was out of defense, protection and need to satisfy hunger—it was the circle of life. In my eyes however, hunting is completely inexcusable. There is no good that comes out of showing superiority over an animal. If it is a sense of brotherhood that is desired—go play a real sport instead.

We should be like Robinson Jeffers: in awe of nature’s beauty. When he realizes he is being inspected as a vulture’s next meal he says, “But how beautiful he looked, veering/ away in the sea-light over the precipice. I tell you solemnly/That I was sorry to have disappointed him. To be eaten by that beak/and become part of him…” (X216) Jefferson has the utmost respect for the bird who is about to eat him. He revels in its beauty, and that is what makes him so peaceful and happy in the end. Being compassionate, seeing and admiring the beauty of the world around us would leave us happier beings. It would be a happier circle of life.