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I am an amateur writer, just getting my feet wet. Blogging for me will be a launching point to get some solid writing done leading up to the eventual completion of the book that hides inside of me.

Monday, October 25, 2010

The Villainization of the Human Race

Something has been going on for a while and I'm wondering if I'm the only one who has noticed it. I have seen on no less than two separate TV shows a reference to the atrocities of man with someone shaking their head in wonder of how bad the race as a whole is.


I call it the “Villainization of the Human Race.” What it basically boils down to is the way some talk about humans as if they are the worst thing that could have happened to our planet. Yes, that's people saying that the world would be better if "we" weren't in it. Better for whom?


The argument has been made over and over again that people, human beings, mankind, whatever label you want to put on "us" are the cause of wars, famine, climate change, air pollution and so on and so forth. Some of this is true in theory but let me try to put it in a bit of perspective.


“Man causes air pollution which in turn causes climate change.” This is not a blog to bash those that believe in climate change. That's up for you to decide and live by accordingly. What I want to hopefully show is that "nature" causes climate change all on her own. Yes, mankind may have contributed to it but so did...the domestic animal population. Did you know that this population has grown 0.5 to 2.0 percent PER YEAR during the last century alone? This statistic covers animals such as sheep, goats, camels, cattle, and buffalo. These animal types give off methane emissions when their food is broken down in one of the 4 chambers of their stomach and is combined with bacteria, a natural process.


Methane gas emissions have also been found significantly in the wetlands of Canada, Russia and the Arctic as well as rice paddies in Asia. Again, this happens naturally from bacteria that are found in these areas. So, while we as humans do contribute to this trend there is nothing to stop it from occurring in nature.


“Humans are responsible for the extinction of animals and plant life.” A less popular message is that since 1973 and the passage of the Endangered Species Act thousands of animal species have been saved due to conservation efforts. Many more plants species have also been saved due to education and replanting all over the world. This replanting has been done by people.


“Man is a violent creature.” There is no doubt that mankind has been fighting almost since day one. Humans have been known to fight over territory, dominance over others, in the name of justice and even in the name of love.


Social hierarchy is documented in many animal species to establish dominance and to establish mating rights among the dominate males. The Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep are well known for their long curled horns and epic, sometimes bloody battles. Elephants are also known for fighting for their chosen mate but usually inflict less injury. Lions of course fight for both territory and food. Males will challenge intruders often fighting to the death with the victor taking over dominance of the territory and the pride while females will fight off other females. Even animals that you would not think of as violent, such as rabbits, have been reported as fighting to the death over territory. So while war and fighting is not a pretty, happy thought, it is a part of nature.

Lastly, what about the good that mankind has done? We have discovered ways to plant food where it couldn’t be planted, aiding starving nations; found ways of re-routing water to provide it for drought laden areas. Penicillin, and medicines for treating cancer has been discovered by people. Inventions such as the light bulb, electricity, cars and yes even the internet have come out of the brain of man. Not to mention movies and music! So while we have our moments of stupidity, lack of control, jealousy and greed, man as a whole is a wonder to behold. To be able to think, to work at and solve a complex problem of any kind, to love and be loved. I can’t see any reason that the world would be better off without us. Can you?

4 comments:

  1. Brilliantly written! You raise many valid points and I adore the quote at the end!!

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  2. Thanks Mel:) How very cool to see you here! I saw that quote and knew it was the perfect finish.

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  3. Very good. I think the only thing mankind would be better off without are the ones complaining we are here. If you are one of those please raise your hand and move to the front, so we can stop this ride and you can get the heck off.

    Good job E

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