My intent is not to debate with you as my response was mostly to contribute to the direction of the thread as a whole, and as I actually agree with the main things you are conveying- That A)Wild rats do cause a lot of damage and spread disease. and B) (Though this part is an unsaid subtext) That people might stand to not anthropomorphize their animals to the point that they ignore or deny the less savory aspects of an animal's reality. I will hope and respect that there is not a third unsaid subtext of stirring the mix a bit with silly little extremist rat lovers. Anyway, here's my thoughts on your comments to me.
Bingo, although I would suggest that instead of "...to man's environment.", "...to ANY environment."
Absolutely. I read a quote by Jeannette Desor, “You can drop humans anywhere and they'll thrive-only the rat does as well.”
True, but the rats of the time were rife with plague, and they are still one of the primary carriers.
Not arguing that, but with this point I'm referring less with reality that diseases exist, and more the collective western psyche of it. Mention rats to the average person, and they'll bring up the fact that rats cause the bubonic plague.
To be fair, these are the same species as 'domestic' rats, unless we are referring to ASFs, Gambian pouched rats, cane rats, etc.
I know there's more rat species, but I am focusing on those two because they are the ones most likely to be found in the average home.
You're welcome.
I would argue that....although people in India, SE Asia, Europe do not 'freak out' over encountering a rat the way many Americans do (Canadians are more laid back, except here in Alberta, where we have a rat extermination SWAT team), they like them no more (with the possible exception of Korea and China, where they are seen as a food item....and they are actually fairly tasty).
Again, I'm not arguing their known status. I'm focusing on the psyche behind it, because the reason for this thread is not supporting (yet another) slanted sensationalist portrayal of rats.
Snakes and arachnids are far from being anything like 'domesticated animals' though. I may be a big fan of snakes and arachnids, but they are pretty much mindless eating/mating machines....and the hate that exists for them out there is pretty ubiquitous and it runs very deep in human psyche.
Okay, my apologies for not acknowledging that pet snakes and spiders were not domesticated. I agree though. And yes, I very much agree that they get a lot of bad treatment and press from the same place in the human psyche that rats live. My only point is that they do get at least a degree of respect that rats don't. Fear and ignorance is bad enough for animals. Fear, ignorance, and lack of respect is so much worse.
Aha...really no idea about this chappy, or his show...I have little time for most television dreck.
With all respect, this a reason why I questioned your possible motivation for posting here. The whole point of the thread is dealing with an example of the television dreck.
It is true, even if only for the fact that we will likely be relying on them as a major meat source within the next 5 decades.
And this also makes me wonder about your motivation here. Let's just stir the mix with the cold hard truth is it? If they get angry about thinking of their pets as a food source well, too bad, the truth hurts? It's not my intent to start anything with you or even continue. Just know that if it's your intent, on behalf of the more gentle hearted folks here, it's not necessary or appreciated.
My opinion? Dogs are eaten as a food source. Cows are kept as pets. They also deserve fair handling, and if kept in the care of humans, humane treatment whatever their purpose.
Of course they will ignore all the comments and petitions....people that love rats are far in the minority, are probably outside of the demographic that patronises the advertisers, and will all end up watching the show anyways. In the end (now this is going to sound rude, but it is not meant to be, it is just how they will view it), the online complaints are just the rantings of a bunch of marginalised rat-lovers that make up less than one-quarter of one percent of the population.
Your point is valid. Yes, your wording is quite rude and disrespectful if it comes from your personal opinion rather than merely to drive home the likely thoughts of the cooperation in question. I'm sure the fact that rats are not popular will not stop those interested in defending their animals to participate however.
It is, but you need to ***** at the sponsors, too, and find a way to make both actually pay attention and care.
It's all part of the process.