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| ...meticulous advice for the refined activist |
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Dear Gwendolyn Good-Deed: Kind Activist : Prior to addressing possible solutions to your quandary, though, Ms. Good-Deed feels that there are a few issues for you to consider. First, think about what we value in the West. We are, by and large, a culture with a very short attention span, and one that enjoys easy, accessible entertainment. Because the human beast often has solipsistic tendencies, we tend to value that which a) makes us feel better about ourselves, or b) we can derive some immediate benefit from. Dogs, with their unbridled enthusiasm and inability to conceal emotions, give us pleasure because our mere presence is met with their obvious approval. They wag their tails, lick our faces and gaze lovingly into our eyes: a dog is the ultimate pillar for a sagging ego. Cats are a bit more subtle but no less committed in expressing love; they rub against our legs, purr while lying on our laps, nuzzle us in the morning when we dare to sleep too late. Birds sing and preen, and, on occasion, say things that amuse us. But turtles, they're just... turtle-y. Now, Kind Activist, don't get upset. Ms. Good-Deed is certain that you could expound at length on your turtle companions' attributes: the way that they play together, the way that they luxuriate under the warm glow of their lamp, the way that they tenaciously climb, fall, right themselves and climb again while conquering their rocks. Perhaps people have derision for turtles because we live in such a fast-paced world, we have little respect for that which is methodical, patient and subtle. More to the point, the other animals mentioned earlier express themselves in an overt manner, much like the human animal communicates. What is a more obvious sign of approval than a big dog tongue licking your face? Many of your guests probably don't want to take the time to understand the enigmatic nuances of turtle communication, and they don't want to spend time appreciating Tito and Miguelito in all their turtleness. Another aspect of this equation that you might want to explore is that maybe your turtle friends are fine just basking in your love and adoration. Perhaps cooing and tickling and boisterous approval from strangers is not what they seek. It's possible that they're discriminating enough beings that the devotion of one who appreciates their unique contribution to the world is enough for them. It could be that Ms. Good-Deed is anthropomorphizing, but aren't we also guilty of this if we assume that Tito and Miguelito feel hurt when they are ignored? Kind Activist, most of your friends and family haven't caught up to you yet. You can appreciate and love an animal, and simply let it be. Although I'm sure that the turtles express their fondness for you in their special way and that this is gratifying to you, it is not a justification for their existence. They exist simply to follow their own path, no different than dogs, cats, birds, alligators, salmon or humans. There is no way that you can force someone to see your turtle companions the way that you do, though; it has to be innate. This doesn't mean, however, that you shouldn't try to gently awaken some awareness from your guests. If they ignore your darling turtles, simply walk to the tank and ask, "Have I introduced you to Tito and Miguelito yet?" If your guests confuse their identities, you might say, "At first it was difficult for me to tell them apart, too. In just a short time, though, I noticed how entirely unique they are. The one with the green stripes around his head is Tito; the smaller one with more yellow on him is Miguelito." If your attempts to endear your turtles to your visitors still don't achieve the recognition that you desire, you must be able to say, "So be it." Ultimately, be content with the knowledge that your turtle friends seek the unswerving devotion that comes from unconditional love, not the fickle attention or insincere affection of a stranger. Kind activist, you offer all that is needed. XOXOX - P.S. - Please tell Tito and Miguelito that Aunt Gwendolyn says hello! |
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