Whose Kingdom is it, Anyway?

What truly belongs to us? The correlation between wild animals and humans, and why we might have it all wrong.

When I was a kid, and in boarding school, I stopped my classmates from sacrificing a bird “experimentally" with a mechanical gear machine. There were about 13 or 15 of them, all around in a circle, eager to watch its murder. Of course, the commotion got the attention of teachers and aides, who came running to see what was happening. The bird escaped with its life and only a few ruffled feathers, and me? I got a memorable beating for ruining their “fun spectacle". But, as we all know, cruelty among children is nothing new, and it hasn't changed for millennia, and I doubt it'll change anytime soon, unfortunately.

It's a different mechanism that goes on in their undeveloped brains, and most of them hardly recognise their actions or even themselves later on in life. So, what gives?

Societal pressure, the need to fit, showing off visceral masculinity, and other psychological factors are all good reasons for their abhorrent behaviour, imo. Oh, yes, and imitating the worst flaws from the adults they admire, usually dads or uncles.

When we finally grow up, some of us reminisce on our past conduct and either feel shame or pride, rarely both. The children who display sociopathic behaviour early on usually end up the same way: Dead or jailed, or sometimes in an asylum, leaving behind a trail of monstrosities that authorities have trouble comprehending. Never mind the scientists studying them and the public at large. Unfortunately, the innocents who couldn't defend themselves are usually their preferred victims. The animals are usually their chosen targets. We hear it all the time.

But what about the ones who aren't brain-diseased? What possessed them to participate in mass-induced hysteria and sacrifice a bird or any other kind of critter? The so-called “thrill", maybe boredom? Or is it both?

But boys will be boys, and at one point or another, every single one of us had a slingshot at an early age, some slowly graduating into the awful “sport" of hunting. Because once we start killing, we seldom stop. Especially with society promoting it. But don't get me wrong, girls and women are not exempt, mostly when it comes to fishing and hunting. The slingshot chapters aren't that common among them. They seem to noticeably have more of a keenness with our avian friends, much more than rough boys do.

But many folk who hunt also do it for survival, do they not? They do, indeed. But at the same time, they will never call it a “sport". You would be hard-pressed to find an Native American who doesn't show respect for their kills. Because they mostly do. It's part of their culture and traditional ways. Above all, respecting Mother Earth and its daughter, Mother Nature. One must observe rationally that such a mode is a step higher than that of their white folk counterpart. And for good reason. A well-balanced moral compass.

Trapping is a different beast and makes me ashamed to be part of a race that calls themselves human when engaging in such a horrifying enterprise. We have brought countless animals close to absolute extinction with our callous actions in the name of temporary profits and the greediest commerce.

Captivity in the name of science and trade is another crime against the beasts who have done nothing to deserve such despicable treatment. One only has to look into the eyes of a chimpanzee or an old elephant, or witness the flight of a freed falcon to realise the magnificence of their newfound freedom and how deeply it is felt. Some after years in captivity. Some for the very first time ever. A sight you'll never forget, as tears most likely are rolling down your face. And most likely theirs.

We can't survive without animals in nature. They are part of an ecosystem essential for our very survival, just as the jungles and savannas they inhabit. We are indeed One with it All. There is no separation, hence we must cease to pretend they're here for us. They are not. They are here with us. To show us, to teach us, to guide us. To learn to finally live together, without the need to force our will upon them, but to grow and evolve together, without senseless killing and without oppression.

Until we meet again,

Love and light, ❤️🗽

René

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