Unless you've had your head buried in a pile of sand for the last week, you've no doubt heard about the tragic death of Steve Irwin, The Crocodile Hunter by a stingray while shooting a documentary.
Well here's what I have to say about it all. Get ready because I'm pissed.
There have been a lot of parodies that have appeared over the last week on the Internet, which I can sum up to either immaturity, or plain jackassery of the highest degree. When someone dies, no matter who it is or how they died, it's a very tragic event. When I see people making fun of the situation it disgusts me; few things make me embarrased to be human, but complete lack of an ability to be sincere in a situation that most warrants it does.
This has recently been posted in the news:
Since Steve 'Crocodile Hunter' Irwin was killed in a freak accident with a Stingray last week, 10 mutilated Stingrays have been found dead on beaches in Queensland, Australia. Two stingrays were found at a beach north of Brisbane with their tails cut off, while eight were found on another beach on Monday. (from here)
It's quite clear that these people have never seen an episode of Steve Irwin's show; even despite his death from a stingray I am quite sure he would be saddened by this. These animals have a defense mechanism that rarely goes used against humans, and Steve Irwin's death was a tragic but quite uncommon, and very unlikely accident. In fact, I can only assume had the tail of the stingray not hit him directly in the heart, considering his endurance and health, he likely would have lived.
The organization PETA, for whom some efforts I support (no, not financially) offered these words regarding the death of The Crocodile Hunter:
PETA spokesman Dan Mathews said: "He made his career out of antagonising frightened wild animals, and that's a very dangerous message to send to young children." Mathews also branded the wildlife expert - who was buried in a private ceremony on Saturday (09.09.06) - a "cheap reality TV star". (from here)
I am a vegetarian. I believe animals are entitled to fair and ethical treatment. I am not an animal activist and I do not believe that animals and humans are equal. I do believe however that PETA has made a sad mistake in making these claims and in so doing are being hypocritical.
PETA pushes the ideal of animals and humans being of equal status. Steve Irwin (and people like Jeff Corwin) held closer to that belief than any person. He loved animals, he helped look after them, and he headed initiatives to aid in their protection and prosperity. Most of all, he helped show millions of people the beauty of animals that we otherwise fear. He showed us how to respect wildlife and to love even the most dangerous animals.
PETA is being unreasonable, unfair, and should be ashamed of their words. Yes Steve Irwin was an entertainer, but he also respected animals as much as any PETA member. He's also done more for animals than any PETA member.
Steve, thanks for your work, your entertainment, and the ideals you have left behind. You will be sorely missed. I'm sure you're at the Rainbow Bridge wrestling alligators to safety and bottle-feeding baby tigers even now as I write this.
