This week, the circus is coming to town. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will be at The St. Pete Times Forum from January 4th – January 8th.
My children will not attend. Surprised? Some will cry that the circus is an American Institution and I should be arrested for keeping my kids away. Call the authorities if you must, but we can’t participate in anything that makes mommy throw up.
How is deplorable behavior packaged and sold as a quality good time? I’m still not sure, but the masses are buying it. There’s no disputing the facts; Ringling and Co. beats their animals into submission. As a result, the animals suffer and display neurotic behaviors before dying much too young. And don’t get me started on cotton candy. Seriously, these acts of animal abuse have been documented, filmed, and filed away. Not inclined to believe PETA propaganda? Okay, check this out instead. Who can view such images and then enjoy the show?
Animals were not put on this Earth purely for our entertainment. I know meat-eaters that have standards of decency, standards the circus fails time and again. I know most of us pray to “an upstanding God”, but I believe these acts of cruelty are neither condoned nor excused. There is no justification for teaching children that torturing these creatures is wholesome family fun.
For goodness’ sake, just because we can doesn’t mean we should.
David Peek
4 years ago
Yah, I really cannot believe we call this entertainment
middaughmassage.com
4 years ago
Ah… the convenience of belief. How nice it is to forget, ignore and disclaim truth when entertainment gives us a jolt.
L
4 years ago
nice post
Michael Pusatera
4 years ago
Save the animals and see a better show. Go see Cirque Du Soliel! Verikai was great and just finished it’s run at Tropicana Field!
-Mike, http://www.pusatera.net
Anonymous
4 years ago
The people at Big Cat Rescue, Tampa seem to think that the cats (tigers, etc) are treated well, as the circus retires there big cats to the rescue (and pays all medical, housing, and food for life). They don’t disagree that the circus didn’t abuse there animals in the past, but it is possible that they have changed. All I’m saying is talk to the people that take care of these cats in retirement and then form an opinion.
Lara
4 years ago
Anon-
Unfortunately, it just isn’t true. One of those big cats died in transit just last summer, because they wouldn’t stop to get it water.
TomKate (< -edited by tommy), I completely agree with you about the cruelty of this circus. I haven't been pleased with PETA’s form on outreach on this, but at least someone is trying to do something to help.Sticks of Fire: a Tampa blog » i dunno, what you wanna do?
4 years ago
[...] You could go to the circus at the forum, although some suggest you shouldn’t. For you, there may be a protest on Sunday (there’s an ad in the WP). [...]