Friday, June 10, 2005

Zoos in the News

Today I read two somewhat disturbing stories about inappropriate new zoo exhibits. An American zoo will feature a Creationism exhibit, which will no doubt do wonders for the general public's education. But for once the Americans have been outdone. A German zoo is putting Africans on display next to the rhinos and elephants. (I can just imagine the children pointing -- "Ooh, Mama, what's that animal called?")

3 comments:

  1. Well, in all honesty, I wouldn't be the slightest bit offended if they put my distant ancestors (whoever they may be;-)) on display next to whatever animals were common in their location and era. Why should I be? And why should Africans?

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  2. I guess... but putting people in a zoo just seems awfully inappropriate somehow. You know, dehumanizing. Then there's the whole "gawking at the exotic savages" aspect to it all.

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  3. speaking of dehumanizing.

    "Ooh, Mama, what's that animal called?"
    "It is a human like me dear, you on the other hand...."

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