Yes, the circus. That icon of American culture. Clowns, high wire acts, lions, tigers, popcorn, cotton candy. And, as I have just learned, yet another parenting controversy.
According to the Washington Post, Parents Weigh Animal Rights Ethics Against Kids’ Enjoyment of the Circus. Really? It’s not keeping me up at night.
Animal rights activists have taken issue with bears riding bikes. “To see a bear ride a bicycle, it is ridicule. You’re really just laughing at that bear”, “I don’t think it’s a long distance from ridiculing animals to laughing at other people”.
I’m all for treating animals well. But there is a difference between Michael Vick’s dogfighting troubles, and the circus which has been entertaining kids for 138 years. Lighten up people.
Now, honestly, that’s nuts. Has anyone ever ASKED the bear? I LOVE riding my bicycle. What kind egomaniacal journalist presumes that the bear does not? Ridiculous.
Well, we went to the Shriner’s circus this past weekend and enjoyed the heck out of it. I don’t believe in animal cruelty. I can see where people could be concerned, but I see a huge difference in circus animals and dog fighting.
Maybe if they give the bears a chance to join a labor union and wear helmets, they would stop complaining.
I can’t wait to see what they have to say about the Soul Circus!
p.s. loved this part–Really? It?s not keeping me up at night. LOL ;)
http://www.circuses.com/
It’s not just about making bears ride bicycles. To make the bear ride the bicycle, he goes through enormous amounts of cruel treatment. To entertain you.
Treatment behind the scenes tends to be poor. It’s not just what you see in the ring that’s the concern — it’s what harm is done to the animals before they get there.
If you can live with that, okay. But don’t be blind.
By the way, there are lots of circuses that don’t use animals at all. (Cirque du Soleil is one, albeit an expensive one.)
Well, if what Sean and the web site he referenced is true, then that kind of treatment certainly falls under the realm of animal cruelty.
I’m don’t know anything of the credibility of Ringling Bros, nore the credibility of this web site, so I’m bowing out!!
You people making comments on here that don’t take this seriously as animal cruetly are idiots!!! Are you aware of the cruel practices that are used to make circus animals do the tricks they do. Honestly use your common sence. Pain and fear is used you morans! And the conditions they live in are horendous! All for your entertainment. I hope you are proud of yourselves you ignorant people who patronize this business. Nice thing you are teaching your children.