Cruelty isn't funny
letter published in SATYA, issue June, 2000
There is an alarming recent trend of showing animal
cruelty for a laugh in movies and on tv; most recently, the movie WONDER
BOYS depicts a blind dog being shot to death. It is a comedy.
Minorities, homosexuals, women, etc., protest against
constant negative media depictions of themselves because this practice sends
a very dangerous message. The result of this is that among the few remaining
'safe' targets for the media to bash are animals, though the 'dangerous
message' applies to them too. Indeed, incidents of animal abuse are on the
increase nationwide.
I sincerely hope that people who share my concern will
not be shy about complaining to tv stations and boycotting these movies.
Watching animals being injured or killed is not
entertainment. In the end, compassionate depictions of all sentient beings
can only elevate and ennoble us as people.
Kiley Blackman
Yonkers, NY
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