Have you noticed whats on t.v. Lately? 'Swamp people', 'American Hoggers' and others. Shows that promote the violent killing of animals. I understand that some of these animals are not the most endeared to our hearts. Alligators and wild pigs? Who really likes them all that much? But, that's not the point. Alligators shot at close range with a camera up close to catch all the gory action. The American Hoggers show gives us a look at a backwoods family sporting western style holsters and revolvers. Like something out of the old west. They shoot wild and kill wild hogs they consider dangerous. If these people weren't, in the animal's territory, seeking them out, they wouldn't seem so dangerous!
What's the obsession with these shows? Have we, as a society, become so callus, so desensitized watching we no longer care? Its disturbing. this has become 'entertainment'. Even as an adult and I find it disturbing to watch. I either turn away or change the channel.
What concerns me most are the children. They watch these shows? What effect is it having on them? Children with a healthy nurturing family may understand this is not the normal behavior for treating animals. What about the children that have no guidance? No supervision? How do they interpret these programs? Watching them, sometimes over and over, has got to have a negative affect. Over time it may seem normal to mimic this behavior. This should be a big concern to all of us. These kids grow up to be adults. It's a known fact that, in some instances, children that harm animals can eventually progress to harming people.
People that produce these shows of this kind do it for one thing, money. They're not concerned who the audience is. I think it's morally irresponsible of them to produce this kind of tv but, that's a battle I know I'd never win. We've gone too far. No turning back now. The only thing we can do as parents is teach our children, supervise them and hope maybe these tv show producers come up with a new direction...something that doesn't require killing any animals. That's probably not going to happen...that would require serious thought!
Jake T
