TOWN & GOWN: IN & AROUND TEMPLE

Reading these posts on environment, I'm glad to see so many of you have related our studies of environments to the built environments of Temple's campus and the surrounding communities. I think that any person is going to feel some sense of culture shock as they move from one environment to another, and it doesn't require a radical change in one's environment to feel that shock, so long as we're mindful of how space and place influence everything about our lives. And I think it's fine to feel uncomfortable in certain environments, so long as we're always asking ourselves why we are feeling what we're feeling, and what it says not only about our environment but about ourselves.

Something that many of the writers we read this semester emphasize is that all environments, including built environments like North Philadelphia, are in a state of constant change. Like the "built environments" of the essays you've written, neighborhoods can be thought of as organisms that grow and change and die and become other things in the process. For a writer like Elijah Anderson, this dynamic manifests as "pockets of resistance," where neighbors come together to rewrite, as it were, the vision of what a neighborhood can be. For a writer like Ray Oldenburg, we create "third spaces" between the private sphere and the public sphere in order to revitalize our sense of self in the social sphere. And then of course for others, like Timothy Treadwell, so-called civil spaces are anathema to what it means to be alive and human. And so he retreated into the Alaskan wilderness. But even deep in the wilderness, Treadwell created a space to feel at home: a "made" or "made-up" wilderness. And even the Times Square sinkhole of Tom Wolfe's "Rotten Gotham" is very different now, 40 years later.

So . . . some questions to ask yourself as you finish the course: "What does Temple's environment mean to me?" "What do the communities around Temple mean to me?" "How do I define myself as a student and a citizen living in North Philadelphia?" "How am I part of the many communities in and around Temple?" "How do these environments interact?" "How do they perceive each other?" "How do I perceive them?" "Years from now, how will I see my years at Temple--not only as a student, but more broadly as a human being?"

Like all these spaces and places, "natural" and "civil," your writings are also built environments. They are put together: composing, decomposing, and recomposing visions and revisions of what is possible. This idea of writing as a cultural artifact and a natural process informs much of the thinking about ecocomposition and the relationships among readers, writers, and environments.

For those of you who want to pursue some of the ideas that we've explored in class this semester, especially relationships between Temple and its local communities, check out the Faculty Herald article and interview with Eli Goldblatt on a new community-based learning project at Temple, the Community Learning Network.

Click here to read.

Environment

Option 1
Most of the texts we have read this semester have lead to the change in my thoughts on the environment. The most important one seems to be "O Rotten Gotham" by Tom Wolfe. It is amazing to think of the world, or even Temple's campus as a whole. The amount of interaction we have between people everyday is unbelievable. Just walking on campus, you see thousands of people, all crowded into a small area. Everyone's behavior in this situation is changed, as everyone has somewhere to go to or something to do. This behavioral sink Wolfe describes seems to be very possible if not likely. I had never spent much time thinking about overpopulation in the city before, but after reading this text, it does seem to be a serious problem.

Environment

Option 1. From the beginning of this school year at Temple, I have felt uncomfortable with my surroundings. While reading Tom Wolfe's article "O, Rotten Gotham" in A Forest of Voices, I found words that I could relate to. In his article, Wolfe determines that living in a "sink" is bad for human health. A "sink" is any environment where many individuals are living in close-quarters together; New York city is the first example of a "sink" that Wolfe uses. He goes on explaining other "sink" environments: eighty or so lab rats that are placed in a relatively small cage together; deer that are living to close to each other in their natural environment due to human development of their habitat. Wolfe says that in a "sink" situation, the adrenal glands swell up and stress takes over the human mind, leading to serious psychiatric issues. When I read all this, I saw my dorm, my classroom and my cafeteria at Temple. I had been wondering why my spirits had sunk so low after the second week of school, and now I know the answer. Being so close to everyone else really stressed me out, I felt like there was someone or something (security cameras) that could always see me. Even in my dorm, I did not feel safe or at home, instead I felt crowded. All I wanted to do was get away and be by myself. It was impossible to find complete solitude on campus, so I moved my stuff out of my dorm and started commuting from home. I am no different from the people in New York, the lab rats, and the deer, I need space and solitude in order to live out my life happily. I realized that through reading Tom Wolfe's article "O, Rotten Gotham."

Environment

(Option 2)

This semester I have learned a lot about the environment. I never gave nature and the environment any thought but during the course of this semester I have had time to process my own perception of the environment and nature. The first essay topic: Space and Place, really changed m perception of the environment. After reading Elijah Anderson's essay, "The Social Ecology of Youth Violence" I was fascinated with Philadelphia and the people who live here; simply because I'm not from this area. When Anderson talked about his interview with Old-head, Mr. Don Moses, I was stunned by the reality of the situation: living in Germantown. “Keep your eyes and ears open at all times. Walk two steps forward and look back. Watch your back. Prepare yourself verbally and physically. Even if you have a cane, carry something. The older people do carry something, guns in sheaths. They can’t physically fight no more so they carry a gun” (75, Anderson). Could it really be that bad in Germantown? In my home environment in Lorton,VA, I've always felt safe. There's no need to carry a gun or watch your back. In my environment everyone goes to college and will probably do something amazing with their lives. But in Germantown the kids barely attend school and a small percentage of them will go to college. So I learned, your environment does affect your behavior. I didn't notice till I read Anderson's essay and looked around me as I walked around Philadelphia. I've noticed how my behavior has changed from care-free in Lorton, VA to more attentive in Philadelphia, PA. It's natural to do so. Elijah Anderson would say, "It's just the code of the street." I've learned a lot this semester but this is the one thing that changed my view of the environment. Thanks Dr. F:)

On Environment

I am happy to say that my first semester at Temple University was mesmerizing, and I have give a lot of credit to my professors, because I learned so many new interesting thing that I would have never been subjected to if I would not had met them. Usually I hate English, but I enjoyed writing almost every single paper I produced. It was a challenge and the book and article that I read made it a joyous experience. Ray Oldenburg’s, “The Problem of Place in America,” opened my eye to the many issues that I am facing in America. He made me think that I am living in a world that is over stressful and if I think live was hard as a child then I might not be ready for the future. This is weird because I can remember childhood a lot different than the childhood that most children are living now. When I was a child my family use to get together all of the time, and we all lived like right around the corner from each other, but now that we don’t my family is not the same anymore. This makes me sad because this is what made me the person that I am, with strong values and family morals, but the children of our future (meaning in my family) won’t have that. The bad thing is I didn’t think or care about this until I read Ray Oldenburg’s article. Another article that I read was, Wallace Stegner’s, “Wilderness letter.” In the letter he talks not only about wilderness but the idea of wilderness. Before I read it I thought to myself, “How can wilderness be an idea, when it is something that already exists?” Then after reading it I realized wilderness can be an idea. I believe that we all think of this miracle place, that is somewhere in this wild, that we can escape to. The place where you are free to be you, nobody there to judge or label you, I guess I am trying to say it really made me think. The last thing that I want to talk about is the film “Grizzly man” directed by Werner Herzog. As I said, or may not have said, in an early post, Timothy Treadwell was a very brave individual. I am not saying this because he thought he lived with bears or because he tried to become one of them. I am saying this because he had the courage to do something that no one else did, he notice that this world was a prison and he tried to escape it, and I thank him for that. After reading this I guess you can say that my Introduction to Academic Discourse is a class I will never forget because it made me look deep into myself and search for a truth, thank you Dr. D.

Environment

Throughout the course of this fall semester we have read over various texts and documents pertaining to the environment, more specifically nature. After exploring all of the essays in class, my perception of the environment has definitely been altered. More specifically my view of animals, along with their relationship to humans. Having read "Why Look at Animals?" by John Berger and watched "Grizzly Man" produced by Werner Herzog, my prior opinion about the environment has transformed. Before going over these two resources, I really didn't think or care much about the environment, and I felt that there was no connection between humans and animals. Now however, I developed an understanding that animals have been granted some of the same characteristics as humans, and are therefore related. Also, one can take advantage and learn from animals. By properly observing animals in their natural habitat, it is much easier to fully appreciate their existence. This is seen for example in the movie "Grizzly Man", as the life of Timothy Treadwell is portrayed. It is clear that Treadwell expressed love for grizzly bears, and developed a connection with these animals. This connection is what allowed him to survive a miraculous thirteen summers unarmed. I don't believe it's possible for everyone to develop such a personal relationship with animals, but I do think people can learn a lot by observing and studying animals, both wild and domesticated alike. Ultimately, it is vital that people strive to protect animals, and preserve the environments in which they live.

On Grizzly Man

At first I thought that Grizzly Man was going to be a story of a wacked out man that just loves bears and while Timothy Treadwell was different, the story of his life and watching his footage has a much deeper meaning than expected. I have never seen anyone so emotional about nature in my life. Whenever something happened to an animal or to the enviornment, he took it to heart seriously and acted as if the animals were people. It also looked as though he really loved what he did. For instance, in alot of shots he would the same take over and over again until it was what he deemed as perfect. Also the most astonishing thing to me was the fact that he was eventually eaten by the animals that he worshipped. I thought that was the saddest thing of all and can't understand why people say that that was so sacred and "what he wanted" because I think being eaten is one of the saddest ways to die.

On Environment

John Berger's essay "Why Look at Animals" had influenced me most throughout the semester. He gives his perception on Zoos, and how they are marginalizing animals all over the world. His essay really made me wonder why zoos were started in the first place. I don't think animals should be rendered to such a small environment. Berger's example of this struck me the most. He describes how most animals in the zoo tend to crouch to the outside of their cage. This shows that most zoo animals want no part in this environment that they live in. I believe that every animal should be left in their natural habitats. Is there anything positive coming from zoos? They are used as a source of entertainment, but people should open their eyes and look at what these zoos are doing. After reading Berger's essay, I changed my whole perspective on zoos, and now I see them as nothing but jail cells.

On Environment

The most recent project in the class, Grizzly Man, had a major affect on me. Timothy Treadwell is an astonishing person. If you would have told me that a person lived and interacted among bears to study them I would have told you that that person was out of his mind. To me, bears are large creatures that may look “cuddly” but are actually ferocious. However, Treadwell changed my view on nature in that I understand nature’s perspective now. Bears, foxes, and other animals live in ways that are comparable to humans, such as fighting over a female and showing affection. Treadwell showed me that nature should be viewed the same as civilization. Treadwell showed me how negative civilization can be. Throughout the entire class, Timothy Treadwell, from the Werner Herzog documentary Grizzly Man had the largest affect on my view of nature.

On Grizzly Man

Werner Herzog's Grizzly Man was a very emotional documentary. Timothy Treadwell, an extremely passionate animal activist, traveled to Alaska to become closer to nature's creatures. He felt as though he was one with the bears and foxes. Timothy devoted his life to the animals and talked to them just as though they were humans. At points throughout the movie, he would look in the bear's eyes and say that he saw human compassion. However, near the end of the documentary, it is clear to me that there is just a blank and hungry look in the bear's eyes. I feel as though Timothy saw something in these creatures that no one else could see. At a certain point when he was swearing at the camera about the government and how they were trying to track him down, you could sense the emotion and compassion he holds in his heart for the animals. I feel like Timothy took it too far when he was petting the bears. It was an extremely dangerous action, and his actions caused his death. A bear killed him and his girlfriend eventually. Timothy did say he would die for and with the animals, so his wish came true.

on Grizzly Man

I found Werner Herzog's film “Grizzly Man” very interesting. Initially I found Timothy Treadwell to be irritating, however after I had seen enough footage I had gained a better understanding of where he was coming from. I do have to agree with Herzog that Treadwell took some magnificent footage of the wildlife of Alaska. Treadwell does capture the beauty of all the life around him. There are somethings he did that I found odd, in particular when he arranged the stream to make a clearer path for the salmon making it easier for the bears to catch the fish. I was always taught that we shouldn't mess with the balance of the ecosystem for other animals. I know he said that his quick transitions from being up and down where a part of who he was, but I found it distracting on some levels. Although it is interesting to see the contrast between natures calmness and his explosion of emotions.

On Grizzly Man

Grizzly Man was a very interesting document. To me Timothy Treadwell began his life as sort of a troubled man. The things he exceeded at such as diving and acting went sour for him. He began drinking and ended up having a life threatening overdose. I believe he then had a epiphany. Animals and bears became an inspiration for him. He feed off their energy. Treadwell believed he had a connection with the animals he met. He believed they were his friends. They made no judgments about him. Although Tim may have crossed a line in animal territory I think he took some glorious footage and helped us learn alot about the true life and struggle of bears. Herzog has a slightly different view than treadwell. I believe Herzog enjoyed the footage Treadwell was able to give him but i dont believe all his views were all the same. He saw the line that Timothy crossed and realized that maybe he shouldnt have gone that far, or gotten that close to the animals to say that he loved them. Animals are predators, some die, and some survive. Timothy seemed to ignore that fact. All in all I enjoyed the film and learned alot about the life a bear lives. I also learned that they can be observed, but you should not try to change or affect their natural setting. You must only watch and observe from a distance.

On Grizzly Man

"Grizzly Man" with Timothy Treadwell and Werner Herzog happen to be a very interesting documentary that showed one mans obsession with the Alaskan grizzly bear that he put his life on the line to live with. Even though the film showed a suicidal Timothy Treadwell acting a complete fool at times. The documentary proved to be successful getting out information about the once almost extinct grizzly bear. Herzog saw the wild of Alaska as the murder filled place that it is. We learned earlier in class that to be wild is to be free and Timothy Treadwell was not letting these bears be what mother nature intended them to be by presenting them with human emotions. I feel like he scripted this documentary along with his death. He wanted to be an actor at one point in his life and this was his one ticket to everlasting fame. He filmed everything even his own attack down to his very last breath. He gave his life to the very thing that he said he loved the most. So, I believe his soul should be at peace the way he went.

On Grizzly Man

Overall, I enjoyed the documentary very much. However I cannot say that I am a very big fan of Timothy Treadwell. To me he seemed very "fake" and was using the wilderness as an escape from human society. I felt more strongly about this as the film went on. Growing up, Timothy didn’t seem to be very interested in animals. He was a swimmer in High School and then continued to swim in college on a scholarship. When he hurt his back, he dropped out and then started using drugs. After this Treadwell was an unsuccessful actor and an alcoholic. At this point he changed his name, started talking with an accent, and made up a fake childhood story. All of a sudden he was obsessed with animals and wanted to save them. I’m not saying that Treadwell doesn’t love animals I just think it is very random. Throughout this documentary it shows Treadwell having a warped sense of nature. He makes it out to be this perfect lifestyle when in reality it is not. He treats wild beasts such as bears and fox as domesticated house pets. I give him props for doing what he did, but as the saying goes: “you mess with the bull, you get the horns.” It was only a matter of time until Treadwell crossed the line with one of the bears. In his commentary, Herzog calls out Treadwell’s naïve perspectives on nature and states some of his own opinions.

On Grizzly Man

My initial impression of Grizzly Man, was that he was insane, and not coherent with what is safe or natural. However, when closely analyzing the documentary I began to see the beauty in is insanity and the authenticity of his love for the animals. Treadwell is an interesting character no doubt, and it’s easy to see how he is criticized by many people, but it’s also easy to see that whether or not you agreed with what he was doing, it was certainly monumental in the aspect of nature. Because he was there for so long, we can’t overlook what he achieved and how he achieved it, not only his courage, although some may say it was shear carelessness. His perception in my point of view, was warped when it came to wilderness and nature. I feel this way because not only was convinced that the animals had a human like relationship with him, but also he didn’t seem to get the concept of the circle of life. The food chain and it’s natural ways of organizing and preserving a natural balance by simply applying the ways of natural selection didn’t coexist with what he seemed to have though the wild was. I feel that Herzog approaches nature in a more realistic manor, respecting and loving animals, but realizing that they are in fact dangerous. He recognizes they are in the wild and can do unpredictable things despite the relationship you may feel you have with them.

On Grizzly Man

The Documentary Grizzly Man with Timothy Treadwell and Werner Herzog as the narrarator and director is quite an interesting film. The film capitalizes on a relationship between humanity and nature. Timothy Treadwell, who some people deamed as insane in my opinion makes a connection with nature thats very rare in our society. Treadwell seems to have a perception that he must be a part of nature. Perhaps to find himself or to prove a point? Treadwell doesn't seem to believe that animals are wild necessarily but that animals are just as humans in a relationship bread for survival. He doesn't blame animals for their doings, but looks down upon them for doing certain things like killing other animals. Treadwell idolizes the bears and does everything he possibly can within the environment to make sure the bears are happy and can continue to survive. Not that they wouldnt survive on their own but that he feels like hes there to make sure they do. While Herzog on the other hand seems to be more realistic in his view of what Treadwell is doing. He speaks throughout the documentary explaining the environment and what it is that Treadwell is sharing compassion for. This can be slightly confusing because the documentary poses two different views on the exerts that are flashing before your eyes. On one side you have the compassion of Treadwell and on another side the realism that Herzog puts forth in his narrarations. These two opinions seem to bond together in this documentary showing what humanity really is to nature. It shows that we have two sides, both a compassion and yet also a fear or a desire for everything to be linked and explained. Treadwell seeks to break that link and show that he to can be a part of nature. This is by all means one of the most intrigueing documentaries I've ever watched. Thirteen years in a forest full of bears is an accomplishment in itself. Treadwell found something that made him feel like he belonged, many people search their lives for that and never really find it. Unfortunately what he felt so strongly for lead to his death as well as his girlfriends but the recording showed that she died for her love in him. She could have ran as the bear was attacking Treadwell but she didn't. This Documentary is not just full of compassion and nature but its a story of someone who couldn't find a meaning to life, someone who finally found that meaning and died doing what he loved.

Grizzly Man

Grizzly Man documents the life and death of a man named Timothy Treadwell. Treadwell spends summers in Alaska, in a tent on Grizzly bear territory. He camps out by himself and films the entire expedition. Not all of his footage was used in the documentary though, a director named Werner Herzog edited the footage, interviewed people who knew Treadwell as well as bear experts, and narrated the film. At times in his narration, Herzog seems disgusted by Treadwell's words and actions. I understand Herzog's dislike of Treadwell and his beliefs because Treadwell is a rollercoaster of emotions. On the other hand, Treadwell explains that he has been excluded from society his whole life. He feels unaccepted by other humans, so he turned to bears. Even though Treadwell seems like a complete lunatic, and partially he is, he is also accepted by the bears that he loves. He talks to them and uses his body language to show them that he is their friend, and not their dinner. The part of Grizzly Man that I find the most enjoyable is Treadwell's friendship with the foxes. The saddest part of the film is not Treadwell's death, (which seems appropriate, and what Treadwell wished for) but the ironic turn in fate when the rescue search team looking for Treadwell and his girlfriend shoot and gut the bear that ate them. Treadwell would not have wanted his presence in "bear country" to have harmed his animal friends in any way. This film made me think a lot about human-animal relationships, life and death in the natural world, and the phrase "he got what was coming to him."

On Grizzly Man

Grizzly Man is one of the most interesting and surprising documentaries I have ever seen. Timothy Treadwell was quite an amazing man, one can call him unique at the very least. His ability to connect with grizzly bears at such close proximity and at an almost unbelievable personal level is astonishing. The fact that he was able to survive unarmed for an incredible thirteen summers in the wilderness was a feat of fascination. Although Treadwell was attacked and killed by one of the grizzly bears he was studying, it wasn't unusual to see him die. It was a very tragic and catastrophic occurrence, however, I feel Treadwell was naive in thinking that it was safe to live with wild bears. I believe he misunderstood the danger involved in video taping, and sometimes even touching the animals. Also, I saw that Timothy Treadwell thought he was an animal, and often acted like one. He was a person who really appreciated nature and only wanted it protected and preserved. Overall, the hundreds of hours of uncut and unedited video footage is remarkable. I recommend watching Grizzly Man to anyone interested in nature and animals, especially bears, and even people who just wish to explore the life of a wonderful man, Timothy Treadwell.

On Grizzly Man

I thought that the documentry wasinteresting. It showed how passionate Timothy felt about nature and animals. Timothy Treadwell seemed like he was a caring person. He had alcoholic and drug problems and it is amazing how the animals of the wilderness made him stop his ways. He loved nature and did not think that people respected it enough. I think that he felt that wild animals were like people and only needed to feel comfortable then they could become a friend. In contrast i think Herzog felt that not all animals can become friendly especially if they are hungry. But he also respected and cared for nature. He just felt that some things should be left alone such as certain animals and wilderness.

On Grizzly Man

The documentary Grizzly Man by Werner Herzog was very interesting, it is very different from other documentaries I have seen. Timothy Treadwell lived a lifestyle that was very different from others. Treadwell devoted his life to the preservation and protection of grizzly bears. He also educated many people, espcially children about the bears. He lived among the bears for about thirteen summers. While he was there he filmed the bears, and how he sort of interacted with them. In his film he also shows how he not only made friends with the bears but also with other animals like the foxes. I loved how the film used the unedited footage that Treadwell had shot. I feel that it adds to his personality and you get a feeling of how he passionate he was about the bears. I to was amazed how he had lasted long among the bears. His passion lead to his bittersweet end because he ended up getting eaten by a bear. Though many people believe he go what he deserved, I don’t think he did because Treadwell knew what he was getting into and that he might get killed, which ended up happening but that is how he would have wanted to die if anything. I also enjoyed how Herzog had a very different opinion to Treadwell, and I think this one of the things that made this documentary very interesting.

Grizzly Man

The way Timothy Treadwell just goes out there and puts himself with the animals is very appealing. To leave from your regular day life and to go live in another is no walk in the park. I was interested while I was watching it because I was thinking what if he gets hurts since he is this up close to the animals. I was wondering what would happen if something was to go wrong. The heart that Treadwell had towards protecting the animals was perfect. He was very determined towards protecting the bears and their environment. He was scared at times but his heart was what kept going and that’s why his story makes even more sense and it means more after. I think Herzog liked Treadwell’s views and his ethics but I think he kind of had an issue with the way he went about it. Herzog wanted to just leave them alone and let the bears assimilate into the environment but when Treadwell did all of this it really showed his true character and that was what made the film good.

On Grizzly Man

The documentary Grizzly Man was thought provoking to say the least. Watching Timothy Treadwell's relationship with non-human animals was interesting, as well as frustrating to watch. He loved bears so much that he decided to camp in their home and communicate with them. I like that he had such a passion for the bears, but I think he took his appreciation too far. He seemed to have this warped impression that he was their savior trying to restore their world back to harmonic times.Unfortunately in the animal world life is about survival. Survival includes fighting,killing, and eating of other animals and which did not fit into Treadwell ideal environment. Treadwell was definitely too much of an extreme, but he had the right idea when he took the time to truly care and try to understand animals. Treadwell did a good job arousing the public's interest in wild life.

On Grizzly Man

I have never seen a documentary quite as fascinating as Grizzly Man. The footage captured of these animals in the wild is truly extraordinary, Timothy Treadwell was also and interesting man. I'm still surprised he made it for thirteen summers with the bears. I like that Treadwell's footage was not edited for the documentary, because it really opens the door into his personality. Treadwell loved nature, but most of all he loved the bears. I think he loved them a little bit too much, he often times came arms length up to the bears when he was filming. He always had a way with bears that I believe no one else can acquire. It is very sad that he and his girlfriend were attacked and killed by a bear, but i wasn't completely surprised, because what i think Timothy Treadwell defied the laws of nature. Still, I respect that he was passionate about the animals. Grizzly Man is truly a superb documentary about the life and death of Timothy Treadwell.

On Grizzly Man

I feel that through this documentary Timothy Treadwell was portrayed in many different lights; it truly brought to the surface many different individuals feelings towards Treadwell and the work that he did with the grizzly bear. Some people viewed him as crazy, others just thought that he had a death wish. I believe that he understood a lot more about this majestic animal than any human being ever has. I believe he fully understood the risks he was putting himself in. He truly did love every and all animals, and was an amazing advocate for the grizzly bear. he did his work for nature, he loved nature and fully comprehended the meaning of 'nature'. He viewed nature and the grizzly bear as sacred, as an animal that every other human being in the world knew little or nothing about. he felt most at home in the harsh environment with the bears, it is sad to think that something he loved so much was to be his downfall. i feel that although Herzog did Timothy Treadwell justice through this documentary, he did not have the same comprehension of nature as Treadwell. I feel that the type of spirit shown in Timothy Treadwells documentaries only comes from true love and compassion for what he was doing. Only when you completely submerse yourself in it and say that you love it more than humanity can you truly understand it. I feel that there is a lot more to be learned about this amazing animal and the vast unknown wilderness that surrounds them. I wish people would have taken Treadwells words to heart when he was alive, because we can't ask him questions now, we can't learn from him now.

On Grizzly Man

This was a very interesting documentary because it was different from many others. I liked that all of the footage was actual footage that hadn’t been cut or edited yet. Timothy Treadwell had an interesting lifestyle and the way he viewed the bears, and nature as a whole made the documentary much easier to watch. Although Timothy Treadwell had a passion for nature, I believe that passion cost him his life. By trying to actually form a human relationship with the bears, he crossed a line. I think that Treadwell had major issues within himself and with being accepted within the society so he turned to animals instead. While I think that it is great how much Treadwell valued nature, he should not have disturbed the wild animals and territories they live in.

On Grizzly Man

Timothy Treadwell is an astonishing man. He devoted his life to the preservation and protection of grizzly bears. Throughout this class, we have discussed human animal interactions. Treadwell took this to a new level. He made the bears and foxes his family, gave them names, and treated them with the utmost respect. His willingness to ultimately give his life for his cause is amazing. To him, the animals mean everything. They essentially helped him quit drinking and drugs. They may have saved his life. Some people may believe that Treadwell got what he deserved when he died, but I do not believe this. I believe that civilization is what killed Treadwell, not the bear. After all, Treadwell would have been heading home had it not been for that altercation with the airport worker. Nonetheless, Treadwell is a role model for people everywhere.

On Grizzly Man

I thought that the documentary provided an interesting outlook on a normally boring topic. Timothy Treadwell added a lot of humor and abstract thoughts to this documentary by simply being himself. I also believe that after awhile his isolation from humans began to affect him causing some of his odd behavior. He died happy because this was the way he always wanted to die. Treadwell realized that wild animals were indeed dangerous, but believed that he had discovered a way to connect with the animals, thus securing his safety. Herzog on the other hand saw a permanent line drawn between humans and animals and no one, no matter who they are, could cross it. The connection Treadwell made with the foxes was my favorite part of the documentary, I found them very cute. To watch the bear fight was also very fascinating, so I could only imagine what it must have been like to actually watch it up close as Treadwell did.

On Grizzly Man

Timothy Treadwell is in one word an individual. To go out into the wild, to separate yourself from the civilized population and immerse yourself in the world of the animals is, to me, simply amazing. I watched the documentary with a mixture of fear, wonderment and skepticism. I mean, here was a man who got as close to the bears (even more so) then any human would dare to.He was so passionate to this ideal that he was the only defender of the bears and he couldn''t leave them. One ecologist said from reading his letters 'he connected so deeply, he seemed no longer human'. He even voiced how 'he wanted to become a bear'.

Treadwell, had a purpose and though he pursued it in a unique way, he had his heart in the right place. Hertzog, who produced the documentary certainly helped the viewers to understand Timothy better. What with the various interviews of Treadwell's family and close acquaintances a picture of who this man was really came into focus. He had within him a wild streak, a deep and yet childish nature towards the grizzlies. He named them, he petted them, he showed his affection with his continuous 'i love you's and conversed with them as if they were children. Perhaps as one interviewee said, "he'd lost sight of what was really going on". There isn't anything wrong with wanting to connect with animals, to defend them; but there is a limit to it. As the biologist Van Daele puts it "we can never get into their world because they're different from us"

I'm especially appreciative of Hertzog taking the time to look at the different perspectives of Treadwell's work. Dr. Haakanson, curator of Autiqq Museum voices his displeasure at Treadwell's attempt to 'connect' with the grizzlies. In his culture, it was a form of disrespect "when i was growing up, we kept to ourselves and the bears kept to themselves". He felt it was wrong "you can't habituate bears to humans, then they'll think all humans are safe". His point is valid, though if you put it in reverse, there is the argument that having animals penned up in zoos or as pets to 'habituate' humans to them is equally wrong; we would all think snakes are harmless creatures so long as their fed, right?

I don't necessarily agree nor disagree with Treadwell's aim to protect: it kept him from having a life thrown away by drink and helped him to explore who he was, but maybe he did get a little carried away. Maybe he did trust the grizzlies, the most dangerous species on earth to the point that it led to his death. But then maybe, just maybe he was getting at something that we can't yet see or at least choose to ignore.

On Grizzly Man

Werner Herzog did a great job making this documentary about Timothy Treadwell, the Grizzly man. Treadwell was a very interesting character who acted on his idealism towards preservation and animal rights. Treadwell's heart was fully focused on protecting the bears and their environment, but his actions seem very illogical and irrational. He never seemed to understand the difference between the psyche of a human and that of an animal. He attributed human thoughts and characteristics to the bears, ultimately leading to his death. Treadwell did seem scared at times, but his ego gave him a sense of safety and compassion with the bears, and he incorrectly thought this feeling was mutual. He incorrectly thought that bears could comprehend his love, compassion, and protection and that they would allow him to live peacefully with the bears in the wild. His death was tragic, and it almost defeated his point in going out into the wild. He wanted to show people that animals can understand companionship and love, and his grisly death only proved the savagery of these wild animals.

On Grizzly Man

The film Grizzly Man was very interesting, but the thought of having to watch it scared me a lot. I am not really a horror movie type of person, so I was happy to see that besides the chopped up bear, that Grizzly bear was very educational. I didn't really know too much about Grizzly Bears except that they are wild animals and we human try to avoid them as much as possible. Well I should say all but one man name Timothy Treadwell. He tried the animals as if they were his friends, with love and respect, that is until he crossed the line. I respect Mr Treadwell for trying to protect that wild animals because it seem as if we as a hole cares so little about what is happening to them and their homes, but I think he took the wrong approach, which the director Werner Herzog might vaguely agree. I believe that Timothy went in to the wildness with all of the right intentions but he at times he did not protect the bears as much as he could have from a distant.

On Grizzly Man

The Grizzly Man was an interesting perspective on nature and wild life. When I first heard about the documentary I was shocked that a man would and could live with animals, grizzly bears to be exact. When I started watching the film I liked the splitting of information given; from the director Werner Herzog’s point of view and Timothy Treadwell’s recorded footage perspective. I believe that Herzog viewed nature in a way that Treadwell viewed nature but there were also aspects that Herzog didn’t agree with.

Treadwell went out into the wild and tried to become a bear. The footage shot by Treadwell showed him doing numerous things in the wild with bears and foxes. While watching I felt that Treadwell thought that in some way he could domesticate these animals. He grew an awkward attachment to these animals and in some cases he was accepted and in others he wasn’t. Treadwell gave majority of the animal’s names. When Treadwell talked about the foxes he would simply walk up to them and pet them and in one particular scene a fox takes a hat and Treadwell talks to it almost as if I would understand what it is that he is calling it to do. It made me uneasy to watch a man do this. Another scene Treadwell goes to take a bath with a bear and as the bear goes to leave the water Treadwell tries to touch the bear and it turns to snap at him. Treadwell obviously backs off. This shows the lack of appreciation these bears and foxes have for Treadwell. But I do not believe that these animals should be treated in this manner. I admire him for sticking with it for so long and trying to live with the bears but it had a negative effect on him.

Treadwell had spent a lot of time around grizzly bears to understand their movements and ultimately guess at their next move. This was displayed when Treadwell was approached by a female bear and he lunged at the bear and told it not to do it, and the bear walked away. I was amazed by this and knowing that these aren’t domesticated animals it was even more astounding. The negative effect of living with bears was observed in one person’s interview. He mentioned that when Treadwell was approached by people he growled at them like a bear would. This was Treadwell’s choice of communication but it is not a communication that all humans can understand.

My mixed feelings on Treadwell’s actions are as follows; he was brave in trying to set an example that grizzly bears can be sensitive and harmless animals and one interviewer said that his people lived and still live among the bears and they do not bother anyone if no one bothers them. This is why Treadwell lost his life. He was playing with nature in a way that he shouldn’t have been. He was not giving the respect nature deserved. He lowered bears to his own level and invaded on their territory. When Treadwell talked down to the animals, with a tone and voice quality that matched the voice people use when they talk to babies. Animals and babies a like should be spoken to in an young adult manor.

Herzog’s documentary is one that captures a man’s attempt to communicate on level of communication through body movement. This is a complimentary act and one that can be respected in order to rebuild the bridge in human animal relationships.

BABY TURKEY

On Grizzly Man

Werner Herzog's documentary about the life and death of bear enthusiast Timothy Treadwell was simply amazing. I like the way Herzog incorporated Treadwell's footage of the bears to show how Treadwell interacted with them. I also liked how Herzog video taped people's opinions of Treadwell. I wanted to cry when the medical examiner explained Treadwell's death in great detail. Werner Herzog captured every essence of Timothy Treadwell in the "Grizzly Man", showing Treadwell at his best and worst moments.

When I found out that Timothy Treadwell lived among the bears for 13 summer's with no protective gear or weapons, I honestly thought Timothy was crazy. Who would really want to live among dangerous animals without protection? Timothy Treadwell did. In the documentary, Treadwell expressed his love for the bears. They were his friends. He sounded crazy but I respected the way he expressed his love for the bears. He vowed not to hurt them. He wanted to protect them from the hunters and help them get food when there was a decline in rain fall. He truly cared for these animals but they didn't care about him. He seemed to lose touch of reality when he dealt with the bears. He was living in la-la land with these bears forgetting that in any moment they could attack him. He said, "I love these bears, I would die for these bears." He loved the bears and died for the bears. It was sad how he died but I honestly believe he didn't fight back. He didn't want to harm the bear even if he was being harmed and I respect him for that.

Timothy Treadwell's perception of nature and wild animals was inspiring. I smiled every time he called the bears and fox his friend. He said, "I'm a spirit of the forest," and he truly was. Werner Herzog's perception of nature and wild animals seemed to be some-what similar to Treadwell's. I think Herzog agreed with Treadwell's opinions but not his tactics. In my opinion Herzog thought the bears and nature should be left alone. I think Treadwell was a eccentric and passionate man, whose mission in life was to protect the bears and I respect him for that.

LOOKING AT ANIMALS: THOREAU AT THE MENAGERIE

Some passages from Thoreau's journal entry for June 26, 1851:

Visited a menagerie this afternoon. I am always surprised to see the same spots and stripes on wild beasts from Africa and Asia, and also from South America, on the Brazilian tiger and the African leopard, and their general similarity.

All these wild animals, lions, tigers, chetas, leopards, etc., have one hue, tawny commonly, and spotted or striped, what you may call pard color, a color and marking which I had not associated with America.

These are wild animals (beasts). What constitutes the difference between a wild beast and a tame one? How much more human the one than the other!

Growling, scratching, roaring, with whatever beauty and gracefulness, still untamable, this royal Bengal tiger or the leopard. They have the character and the importance of another order of men. The majestic lion, the king of beasts, he must retain his title.

I was struck by the gem-like, changeable, greenish reflections from the eyes of the grizzly bear, so glassy that you never saw the surface of the eye. They are quite demonic. Its claws, though extremely large and long, look weak and made for digging or pawing the earth and leaves. It is unavoidable, the idea of transmigration not merely a fancy of the poets, but an instinct of the race.

*

At the menagerie, that prototype of zoo, no mention of these "wild animals" as tame, or that the wild animal in a menagerie is a constructed wildness.

Strange that Thoreau describes the grizzly bear's claws as "weak" versus supple or subtle, though perhaps they were weak from clawing at the cage floor.

These sorts of observations on "general similarity" among animals go back to prehistorical times, of course, but it's remarkable to read these comments just eight years before the publication of On the Origin of Species, where Darwin would draw on similar observations to profound conclusions. Thoreau was familiar with Darwin's "The Voyage of the Beagle," which he cites in his journals from the same year. Also historically significant: the menagerie's transcontinental vision of animals, so to bring into focus similarities among species that transcend whatever immediate environment (Thoreau's animal context of "America," or more properly "New England").

I wonder what makes the grizzly's eyes "demonic." Their "changeable" quality? Their "glassy" transparency? No surface? No face?

Daemon: "dematerialized," but also "distributed," "scattered." A scattering face of light?

Transmigration (in/as writing). . . exact, careful descriptions of animal pelts and paws; an anthropomorphic veil thrown over "animal."

Thoreau seems to slide into anthropomorphism not only at the point of considering differences between "wild" and "tame," but also where his attention turns from animal bodies to animal voices. Writing animals, speaking animals.

Animal: object and subject, transparent and opaque.

VEGAN THANKSGIVING AT TEMPLE

As faculty advisor for PAW (Promoters of Animal Welfare), Temple's student organization devoted to promoting animal welfare, I'd like to invite everyone in 0701 to PAW's 2009 Vegan Thanksgiving. Details below.

Click here for a copy of the November PAW newsletter.

Hope to see some of you there.

*

Join us on November 18th at 5:15 p.m., Student Center, Room 207, to celebrate PAW’s second annual celebration of Vegan Thanksgiving!

Every November, turkeys are slaughtered in increased quantities to feed America’s tradition of having the bird on the Thanksgiving feast table. Last year, PAW took a stand against the slaughter of holiday turkeys by hosting a Potluck Vegan Thanksgiving Celebration and adopting a turkey from Farm Sanctuary. This year, we will continue the tradition and invite everyone—you don’t have to be vegan or vegetarian to come! Last year, we had cornbread, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, homemade stuffing, mashed potatoes, and yes—tofurkey with gravy!

The celebration is a potluck and is only successful if everyone pitches it! We request that PAW members bring a vegan dish, a drink, plates, cups, etc. Those who are not members of PAW are not required to bring anything, but are always welcome!

On Animals

Fatal Dog Maulings Associated With Infant Swings..
Authors:Chu, Albert Y.1
Ripple, Mary G.1
Allan, Carol H.1
Thogmartin, Jon R.2
Fowler, David R.1.
Source:Journal of Forensic Sciences (Blackwell Publishing Limited); Mar2006, Vol. 51 Issue 2, p403-406, 4p, 2 bw



Abstract:
We present three cases of fatal dog maulings of infants placed in mobile infant swings, a phenomenon not previously described in the literature. In each case, the victim was left in a mobile swing, unsupervised by an adult, and the attacking dog was a family pet. Case 1 involved an 18-day-old male infant attacked by a pit bull; Case 2 involved a 3-month-old male infant attacked by a Chow Chow and/or a Dachshund, and Case 3 involved an 18-day-old female infant attacked by a Labrador–pit bull mix. These cases not only underscore the importance of not leaving young children unattended in the presence of pet dogs, but also raise the possibility that mobile swings may trigger a predatory response in dogs and thus may represent an additional risk factor for dog attack.

On Animals

Abstract:
A common Western assumption is that animals cannot be persons. Even in animal ethics, the concept of personhood is often avoided. At the same time, many in cognitive ethology argue that animals do have minds, and that animal ethics presents convincing arguments supporting the individual value of animals. Although "animal personhood" may seem to be an absurd notion, more attention needs to placed on the reasons why animals can or cannot be included in the category of persons. Of three different approaches to personhood-the perfectionist approach, the humanistic approach, and the interactive approach-the third approach is the strongest. Personhood defined via interaction opens new doors for animal ethics.

CENTER FOR THE INTERACTION OF ANIMALS AND SOCIETY

The Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society at Penn's School of Veterinary Medicine has an impressive list of scholarly resources on their website.

Click on the link to the right under "Other Links" or click on the "Publications" tab at their homepage.

On Animals

HEISE, URSULA K.
“The Android and the Animal.”
PMLA: Publications of the Modern Language Association of America

Abstract:
The article discusses the relationships between androids and animals. Connections between robots and animals in science fiction are noted. The author notes how post humanism has focused on both animal-human relations and machine consciousness. She comments that androids do not address biological forms of otherness as depictions of aliens have. The juxtaposition of animals and robots in science fiction books such as "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick is noted.

Kahn, Peter H., Severson, Rachel L. , and Ruckert, Jolina H.
“The Human Relation with Nature and Technological Nature.”
Current Directions in Psychological Science

Abstract:
Two world trends are powerfully reshaping human existence: the degradation, if not destruction, of large parts of the natural world, and unprecedented technological development. At the nexus of these two trends lies technological nature—technologies that in various ways mediate, augment, or simulate the natural world. Current examples of technological nature include videos and live webcams of nature, robot animals, and immersive virtual environments. Does it matter for the physical and psychological well-being of the human species that actual nature is being replaced with technological nature? As the basis for our provisional answer (it is “yes”), we draw on evolutionary and cross-cultural developmental accounts of the human relation with nature and some recent psychological research on the effects of technological nature. Finally, we discuss the issue—and area for future research—of “environmental generational amnesia.” The concern is that, by adapting gradually to the loss of actual nature and to the increase of technological nature, humans will lower the baseline across generations for what counts as a full measure of the human experience and of human flourishing.

Varga, Donna
“Babes in the Woods: Wilderness Aesthetics in Children's Stories and Toys”
Society & Animals
Abstract:
Representations of nonhuman wild animals in children's stories and toys underwent dramatic transformation over the years 1830-1915. During the earlier part of that period, wild animals were presented to children as being savage and dangerous, and that it was necessary for them to be killed or brutally constrained. In the 1890s, an animal centric discourse emerged in Nature writing, along with an animal-human symbiosis in scientific child study that highlighted childhood innocence, resulting in a valuing of wild animals based upon their similarity to humans. This article will describe the aesthetic devices of children's stories and play materials in relation to the dominant, emerging, and residual ideas about the wild communicated by adults to children through these means.

On Animals

Animal–visitor interactions in the modern zoo: Conflicts and interventions.

Eduardo Fernadez, Sarah Pickens, and William Timberlake
Applied Animal Behaviour Science; Aug2009, Vol. 120 Issue 1/2, p1-8, 8p

Abstract: Animal welfare, education, conservation, research, and entertainment are major goals of modern zoos, but they can be in conflict. For example, visitors enjoy learning about and observing natural behavior in captive animals, but visitors often want to observe and interact with the animals in close proximity. Unfortunately, proximity to and social interactions with humans induce stress for many species, particularly primates. We review two general classes of research examining animal–visitor interactions in zoos: (1) effects of exhibit design and the behavior of the animals on zoo visitors, and (2) effects of zoo visitors on the behavior of exhibited animals. We suggest that interventions based on careful attention to exhibit design, species characteristics, and visitor education can increase positive animal–visitor interactions and facilitate the multiple goals of modern zoos.

On Animals

INCREASING OUR COMPASSION FOOTPRINT: THE ANIMALS' MANIFESTO
Bekoff, Marc
Zygon: Journal of Religion & Science; Dec2008, Vol. 43 Issue 4, p771-781, 11p



Abstract:
Our relationships with animals are wide-ranging. When people tell me that they love animals and then harm or kill them I tell them I'm glad they don't love me. Many individuals, including scientists, ignore their responsibility when they interact with animals and fail to recognize that doing something in the name of science, which usually means in the name of humans, is not an adequate reason for intentionally causing suffering, pain, or death. “Good welfare” usually is not “good enough”. Existing regulations allow animals to be treated in regrettable ways that demean us as a species. Compassion is the key for bettering both animal and human lives. A good way to make the world a more compassionate place for animals is to increase our compassion footprint. We could begin by deciding that we will not intrude on animals' lives unless our actions are in the best interests of the animals irrespective of our desires. It is simple to make more compassionate choices about what we eat and wear and how we educate students, conduct research, and entertain ourselves at the expense of animals. The time to make these changes is long overdue.

On Animals

Hollander, Michelle and Darryl T. Gwynne
"Female fitness consequences of male harassment and copulation in seed beetles, Callosobruchus maculatus"
Animal Behaviour; Nov2009, Vol. 78 Issue 5, p1061-1070, 10p

Abstarct:
Despite widespread evidence for the benefits of polyandry, there are costs associated with each mating for females, and for many species, it is unknown whether the costs of extra matings outweigh the benefits. In the seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae), costs might come from male harassment during mating attempts or from injuries that females sustain during copulation. Benefits of mating might come from nutrients or water transferred in the ejaculate. If mating is costly overall, male presence (sexual harassment) and multiple mating in C. maculatus is expected to reduce female fitness. Females were housed with differing numbers of males (1–4) and differing opportunities for copulation. When females were both harassed by and could remate with more than one male, they had lower lifetime reproductive rates and reduced life span relative to monandrous females. These results indicate that when females are continually exposed to multiple males, the direct benefits of multiple mating do not compensate for the costs.

On Animals

Marlin D.,Meldrum K.,White J.,Westen H.,Parkin T.,Wood J.,Broom D.,Kennedy M.,
Johnson B.,Coombs S. and Caroline Heard,
"Welfare of horses transported long distances in Europe"
Veterinary Record: Journal of the British Veterinary Association

Abstract:
The article reports on a study which examined the trade in long-distance transport of horses for slaughter for human consumption in Europe. It mentions that the study has identified evidence of poor welfare, associated with disease and injury, in horses being transported long distances to slaughter and a high level of non-compliance with European Union (EU) Council Regulation 1/2005 on the Protection of Animals during Transport. The study covered the countries of Italy and Romania.

On Aminals

Burns, John F.
New York Times; 12/24/2008, p11, 0p
Abstract:
Four animal rights activists got convicted for mounting a seven-year campaign of blackmail and intimidation against suppliers of an animal testing research center near Cambridge. Three others had previously pleaded guilty. The group's tactics included threatening phone calls, bomb hoaxes, and threats of attacks with H.I.V.-infected needles and sending letters to neighbors falsely accusing the supply company managers of being pedophiles. The campaign against suppliers of Huntingdon Life Sciences, a research laboratory that is regarded as one of Europe's most advanced centers for animal testing for biomedical research, had threatened to close the company and curb animal testing in Britain. Sentences will be handed down next month.

On Animals

Marinelli, Lieta, Serena1 Adamelli, Simona1 Normando,Gabriele1 Bono
"Quality of life of the pet dog: Influence of owner and dog's characteristics."
Applied Animal Behaviour Science



Abstract:
The present study investigates how characteristics of both the dog, Canis familiaris, and their owner influence the quality of life (QoL) of the pet dog. The investigation was carried out using a multiple approach: (1) three questionnaires which investigated characteristics of the dog and their owner and care given to the dog, (2) simple physical examination of the dog, (3) the Strange Situation Test to investigate the dog''s attachment to their owner and (4) the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS) test. A sample of 104 dog–owner dyads participated in the study. The level of care was found to be positively influenced by marital status (single) and negatively by the age of the dog, length of the dog–owner relationship and neutering. The best physical condition was found for pure breed dogs belonging to men and to people who prefer dogs among pets while physical condition decreases for aging dogs or those with a long relationship with their owner. Attachment to the owner was stronger for dogs with a long relationship and those belonging to people who had had previous experience with pets and those with many emotional bonds. Conversely, the attachment level was lower for pure breed dogs and those whose owners shared the property with other people. LAPS was influenced only by owner features: people more attached to their dogs are those who do not live with children and who do have many emotional bonds. Finally, the majority of dogs had a high level of QoL which was influenced positively by the number of emotional bonds of the owner and negatively by the dog''s age and length of the dog–owner relationship. [Copyright 2007 Elsevier]

Animals

Animal Mind: Science, Philosophy and Ethics.
Authors: Rollin, Bernard

Abstract: Although 20th-century empiricists were agnostic about animal mind and consciousness, this was not the case for their historical ancestors – John Locke, David Hume, Jeremy Bentham, John Stuart Mill, and, of course, Charles Darwin and George John Romanes. Given the dominance of the Darwinian paradigm of evolutionary continuity, one would not expect belief in animal mind to disappear. That it did demonstrates that standard accounts of how scientific hypotheses are overturned – i.e., by empirical disconfirmation or by exposure of logical flaws – is inadequate. In fact, it can be demonstrated that belief in animal mind disappeared as a result of a change of values, a mechanism also apparent in the Scientific Revolution. The “valuational revolution” responsible for denying animal mind is examined in terms of the rise of Behaviorism and its flawed account of the historical inevitability of denying animal mentation. The effects of the denial of animal consciousness included profound moral implications for the major uses of animals in agriculture and scientific research. The latter is particularly notable for the denial of felt pain in animals. The rise of societal moral concern for animals, however, has driven the “reappropriation of common sense” about animal thought and feeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal Language

Animal mind-human mind: The continuity of mental experience with or without language.
Authors:
Spada, Emanuela Cenami


Abstract:
Discusses a critique of Animal Language Research (ALR) and posits that the methodological and interpretative problems of ALR derive from some key theoretical paradoxes implicit in the premises of the research. Rudiments of animal language; Language comprehension and cueing problems; Comparison between language and information processing and memory.


Humans and animals'? On saying what we mean.
Authors:
Dess, Nancy K.Chapman, Clinton D.

Abstract:
Opinion. Discusses the human-animal convention as it relates to psychology. Significance of the phrase `humans and animals'; Observations by philosophers of commonality among species; Questions whether the use of human-animal language in psychology reflects belief that humans are not animals; Analysis of the widespread acceptance of evolution.

On Animals

Laurie Ragatz, William Fremouw, Tracy Thomas, and Katrina McCoy,
"Vicious Dogs: The Antisocial Behaviors and Psychological Characteristics of Owners."
Journal of Forensic Sciences

Abstract:
Each year, 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs. Of those bitten each year, 386,000 are seriously injured and some killed. Consequently, many insurance companies refuse to issue homeowners insurance to owners of specific breeds of dogs considered “vicious” or high risk of causing injury. This study examined whether vicious dog owners were different on antisocial behaviors and personality dimensions. A total of 869 college students completed an anonymous online questionnaire assessing type of dog owned, criminal behaviors, attitudes towards animal abuse, psychopathy, and personality. The sample was divided into four groups: vicious dog owners, large dog owners, small dog owners, and controls. Findings revealed vicious dog owners reported significantly more criminal behaviors than other dog owners. Vicious dog owners were higher in sensation seeking and primary psychopathy. Study results suggest that vicious dog ownership may be a simple marker of broader social deviance.

On Animals

Dawkins, Marian Stamp

"Through Animal Eyes: What Behavior Tells Us"

Applied Animal Behavior Science

Abstract:

Why do some people and not others become involved in social movements? We examined the relationships between a moral emotion—disgust—and animal activism, attitudes toward animal welfare, and consumption of meat. Participants were recruited through two social networking websites and included animal activists, promoters of animal use, and participants not involved in animal-related causes. They took an online survey which included measures of sensitivity to visceral disgust, attitudes toward animal welfare, and frequency of meat eating. Animal activists were more sensitive to visceral disgust than were promoters of animal use or nonaligned participants. Disgust sensitivity was positively correlated with attitudes toward animal welfare but not with meat consumption. The relationship between animal activism and vegetarianism was complex; nearly half of animal activists ate meat, and half of the vegetarians did not consider themselves to be animal activists. We argue that conflicts over the moral status of animals reflect fundamental differences in moral intuitions.

On Animals

Henry, Bill C., and Sanders, Cheryl E.,
"Bullying and Animal Abuse: Is There a Connection?"
Society & Animals

Abstract:
In recent years, school violence has become an issue of great concern among psychologists, educators, and law-enforcement officials. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between bullying, victimization, and abuse of nonhuman animals. The study assessed bullying and victimization experiences, animal abuse, and attitudes toward animals within a sample of 185 college males. Results of the study highlighted the important distinction between males involved in single episodes of animal abuse and those involved in multiple episodes of animal abuse. Further, results highlighted the significance of the bully/victim phenomenon with regard to participation in multiple acts of animal abuse. Those who were above the median with regard to both victimization and perpetration of physical bullying exhibited the highest rates of involvement in multiple acts of animal abuse and also exhibited the lowest levels of sensitivity with regard to cruelty-related attitudes pertaining to animals. The study discusses theoretical mechanisms linking bullying and animal abuse as well as directions for future research.

On Animals

Turner, Lisa

The Real Beef

Better Nutrition

Abstract:

The article provides information on health benefits of grass-fed meat. Grass-fed beef is said to be lower in fat and has lower calories than grain-fed beef. Grass-fed beef is nutritionally superior and higher in omega-3 fatty acids and contains linoleic acid. Furthermore, grass-fed meat is free of antibiotics which prevent the widespread of diseases in confined cattle and has growth hormones. It is also environmental-friendly for growing corn to feed livestock requires amounts of fossil fuel.

On Animals

L. Case

"Perspectives on domestication: The history of our relationship with man's bestfriend."

Journal of Animal Science

Abstract:

We are a nation of dog lovers. Never before in our history have we spent more time, money, and emotional energy on a group of animals that are kept solely for companionship. Pet food sales are a multi-billion dollar industry, and pet owners are spending more than 11 billion dollars each year on veterinary care. This devotion is further illustrated by the exponential growth of the pet supply industry, including increasing numbers of pet superstores, play-parks, training centers, and doggie day care centers. During the 1980s, recognition of the human-animal bond led to serious study of the roles that dogs play in our lives. These studies have shown that pets provide significant benefits to our emotional, physical, and social well being. It is ironic then, that at a time when we recognize and appreciate our bonds with animal companions, dark elements of this relationship are equally pervasive. Animal shelters in the United States kill between 3 and 4 million dogs and cats annually. Dog fighting, although outlawed, has reached epidemic proportions in some areas of the country. Episodes of animal cruelty and neglect are reported with alarming frequency in the media; so frequently that discussions of the connection between animal cruelty and human violence have become daily parlance. How then did we come to have such paradoxical perceptions and treatment of our canine companions? This question is explored through an examination of the ancestry of the dog and the prevailing myths and facts about domestication. Historical and present-day perceptions of the wolf and the impact that these attitudes may have upon perceptions ofdogs are examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On Animals

Onyskiw, Judee E.
"The Link Between Family Violence and Cruelty to Pets"
Journal of Emotional Abuse


Abstract:
Family violence remains a prevalent social problem crossing racial, geographic, social, and economic boundaries (World Health Organization, 2002). Different forms of family violence often exist in the same households. In the 1980s, researchers observed a connection between acts of animal cruelty and family violence. Since then other researchers have corroborated their findings. Despite these articles appearing in the scholarly literature, there has been relatively little attention given to this issue in mainstream literature on family violence and little evidence that this information has been used to inform prevention or intervention efforts. This article summarizes the empirical evidence on the link between family violence and cruelty to family pets and discusses the implications of these connections for professionals who work with women, children, families, or animals.

On Animals+

On Animals

DeGue, Sarah and DiLillo, David
"Is Animal Cruelty a 'Red Flag' for Family Violence?: Investigating Co-Occurring Violence Toward Children, Partners, and Pets."
Journal of Interpersonal Violence



Abstract:
Cross-reporting legislation, which permits child and animal welfare investigators to refer families with substantiated child maltreatment or animal cruelty for investigation by parallel agencies, has recently been adopted in several U.S. jurisdictions. The current study sheds light on the underlying assumption of these policies--that animal cruelty and family violence commonly co-occur. Exposure to family violence and animal cruelty is retrospectively assessed using a sample of 860 college students. Results suggest that animal abuse may be a red flag indicative of family violence in the home. Specifically, about 60% of participants who have witnessed or perpetrated animal cruelty as a child also report experiences with child maltreatment or domestic violence. Differential patterns of association were revealed between childhood victimization experiences and the type of animal cruelty exposure reported. This study extends current knowledge of the links between animal- and human-directed violence and provides initial support for the premise of cross-reporting legislation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On Animals

Ihama, Yoko
Characteristic Features of Injuries due to Shark Attacks: A Review of 12 Cases
Legal Medicine


Abstract:
Shark attacks on humans might not occur as often as is believed and the characteristic features of shark injuries on corpses have not been extensively reviewed. We describe the characteristic features of shark injuries on 12 corpses. The analysis of these injuries might reveal the motivation behind the attacks and/or the shark species involved in the attack. Gouge marks on the bones are evidence of a shark attack, even if the corpse is decomposed. Severance of the body part at the joints without a fracture was found to be a characteristic feature of shark injuries.

On Animals

Bekoff, Marc

"INCREASING OUR COMPASSION FOOTPRINT: THE ANIMALS' MANIFESTO."
Zygon: Journal of Religion & Science

Abstract:

Our relationships with animals are wide-ranging. When people tell me that they love animals and then harm or kill them I tell them I'm glad they don't love me. Many individuals, including scientists, ignore their responsibility when they interact with animals and fail to recognize that doing something in the name of science, which usually means in the name of humans, is not an adequate reason for intentionally causing suffering, pain, or death. “Good welfare” usually is not “good enough”. Existing regulations allow animals to be treated in regrettable ways that demean us as a species. Compassion is the key for bettering both animal and human lives. A good way to make the world a more compassionate place for animals is to increase our compassion footprint. We could begin by deciding that we will not intrude on animals' lives unless our actions are in the best interests of the animals irrespective of our desires. It is simple to make more compassionate choices about what we eat and wear and how we educate students, conduct research, and entertain ourselves at the expense of animals. The time to make these changes is long overdue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"On Animals" (animals and disabilities)

Title:"HE MAKES ME SAFER"

Authors:Clark, Champ

Source:People; 4/6/2009, Vol. 71 Issue 13, p98-98, 1p, 1 color


Abstract:The article reports that a dog was trained to detect peanuts so that its owner, Riley Mers, could safely attend school. Riley Mers is in second grade, and is extremely allergic to peanuts. Her dog, Rock'O, was trained to find peanuts, and is able to protect her from traces of peanuts wherever she goes. Riley's parents, Brett and Sherry, decided to get the dog after hearing about dogs that are able to find explosives and drugs.

On Animals

Nancy Yousef
"Interpretation: A Journal of Political Philosophy"
An artical on Animal Behovior and Evolution

Abstract:
Focuses on the concept of natural man in relation to knowledge of animal behavior in `Discourse of the Origins of Inequality Among Men,' by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Evolution of orangutans; Concept of natural man; Knowledge of animal behavior; Argument of Rousseau on breeding and nurturing behavior of animals; Human development and evolutionary model.

On Animals

Petter, Mark
Musolino, Evanya
Roberts, William A.
Cole, Mark
"Can Dogs (Canis familiaris) Detect Human Deception?"
Behavioral Processes

Abstract: In a series of experiments, dogs were allowed to choose between two containers, one of which contained a food reward. In Experiments 1 and 2, a cooperative human tester pointed to the baited container on half the trials, and a deceptive human tester pointed to the empty container on the other half of the trials. Dogs learned to approach the cooperator more often than the deceiver. Inanimate cues (black and white boxes) were used as the “cooperator” and “deceiver” in Experiment 3. As was the case in Experiments 1 and 2, the dogs learned to approach the “cooperator” box more often than the “deceiver” box. Thus, the experiments indicate that dogs are sensitive to the correlation between cues and their outcomes but offer no support for the idea that dogs understand human intentionality.

On Animals

Molnar, Csaba
"Dogs discriminate between barks: The effect of context and identity of the caller"
Journal of Behavioural processes

Abstract

In the present study we explored whether dogs (Canis familiaris) are able to discriminate between conspecific barks emitted in different contexts recorded either from the same or different individuals. Playback experiments were conducted with dogs using barks as stimuli in a habituation–dishabituation paradigm. Barks were recorded in two contexts (stranger at the fence and when the dog was left alone) from different individuals. We found that dogs distinguished between barks emitted in these two contexts and were also able to discriminate between different individuals which were barking in the same context. These findings suggest that dog bark may carry context- and individual-specific information for the conspecifics.

On Animals

Ascione, Frank R.
Shapiro, Kenneth
"People and Animals, Kindness and Cruelty: Research Directions and Policy Implications"
Journal of Social Issues

This article addresses the challenges of defining and assessing animal abuse, the relation between animal abuse and childhood mental health, the extensive research on animal abuse and intimate partner violence, and the implication of these empirical findings for programs to enhance human and animal welfare. Highlighted are recent developments and advances in research and policy issues on animal abuse. The reader is directed to existing reviews of research and areas of focus on the expanding horizon of empirical analyses and programmatic innovations addressing animal abuse. Following a discussion of forensic and veterinary issues related to animal abuse, we discuss policy issues including how the status of animals as human companions at times may place animals at risk. We also review developments in the field of human–animal relations and apply the primary–secondary–tertiary prevention public health model to prevention and treatment of animal abuse. We close with a description of community networks addressing animal abuse, interagency collaborations, and new developments in animal-related law.

On Animals

Smith, Fraser W. and Schyns, Philippe G.
"Smile Through Your Fear and Sadness"
Psychological Science

Abstract:
It is well established that animal communication signals have adapted to the evolutionary pressures of their environment. For example, the low-frequency vocalizations of the elephant are tailored to long-range communications, whereas the high-frequency trills of birds are adapted to their more localized acoustic niche. Like the voice, the human face transmits social signals about the internal emotional state of the transmitter. Here, we address two main issues: First, we characterized the spectral composition of the facial features signaling each of the six universal expressions of emotion (happiness, sadness, fear, disgust, anger, and surprise). From these analyses, we then predicted and tested the effectiveness of the transmission of emotion signals over different viewing distances. We reveal a gradient of recognition over viewing distances constraining the relative adaptive usefulness of facial expressions of emotion (distal expressions are good signals over a wide range of viewing distances; proximal expressions are suited to closer-range communication).

On Animals

Kordower, Jeffrey H.
" Animal Rights Terrorists: What Every Neuroscientist Should Know."
Journal of Neuroscience

Abstract:

In this article the author discusses the tactics used by animal activists to forward their agenda in the U.S. He is critical on the violent attacks done by some animal-rights activists on members of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) in California, Utah, and Oregon. Moreover, he advices members of the SfN to sign in on a website created by University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), and download the documents that would be presented before any attacks would occur.

CHRISTIAN THE LION

During our discussion of Alice Walker's "Am I Blue?" Nat mentioned another interspecies connection in the story of Christian the lion. Here's a link to one of many YouTube videos on the lion:

On Animals

Ascione, Frank R., and Shapiro Kenneth
"People and Animals, Kindness and Cruelty: Research Directions and Policy Implications"
Journal of Social Issues

Abstract:
This article addresses the challenges of defining and assessing animal abuse, the relation between animal abuse and childhood mental health, the extensive research on animal abuse and intimate partner violence, and the implication of these empirical findings for programs to enhance human and animal welfare. Highlighted are recent developments and advances in research and policy issues on animal abuse. The reader is directed to existing reviews of research and areas of focus on the expanding horizon of empirical analyses and programmatic innovations addressing animal abuse. Following a discussion of forensic and veterinary issues related to animal abuse, we discuss policy issues including how the status of animals as human companions at times may place animals at risk. We also review developments in the field of human–animal relations and apply the primary–secondary–tertiary prevention public health model to prevention and treatment of animal abuse. We close with a description of community networks addressing animal abuse, interagency collaborations, and new developments in animal-related law.

ON ANIMALS

Herzog, Harold A., and Lauren Golden,
“Moral Emotions and Social Activism: The Case of Animal Rights"
Journal of Social Issues

Abstract:
Why do some people and not others become involved in social movements? We examined the relationships between a moral emotion—disgust—and animal activism, attitudes toward animal welfare, and consumption of meat. Participants were recruited through two social networking websites and included animal activists, promoters of animal use, and participants not involved in animal-related causes. They took an online survey which included measures of sensitivity to visceral disgust, attitudes toward animal welfare, and frequency of meat eating. Animal activists were more sensitive to visceral disgust than were promoters of animal use or nonaligned participants. Disgust sensitivity was positively correlated with attitudes toward animal welfare but not with meat consumption. The relationship between animal activism and vegetarianism was complex; nearly half of animal activists ate meat, and half of the vegetarians did not consider themselves to be animal activists. We argue that conflicts over the moral status of animals reflect fundamental differences in moral intuitions.

SCHOLARLY VS. POPULAR TEXTS

Click here for a handout that lists some distinctions between scholarly and popular texts.