2-24-10 Idea Post

Western culture is introduced to animal anthropomorphism at such a young age that upon reaching adulthood the notion becomes second nature (no pun intended). Children grow up in a world of animals whether they realize it or not. They are raised by animals. Stuffed animals, colors, nursery rhymes, the ABC's, and entertainment in which the main or all characters are animals have flooded child development, teaching children how to function through and with the domestication of animals on a daily basis. Western culture grows up with animals and naturally learns about life and death from animals.

With this growth comes "the small deaths of childhood innocence that occur on the road to becoming an adult" says Susan Worsham. susanworshamphotography.com

I can remember several of these childhood deaths coming from my relationships with animals.

Adulteration : To make impure by adding extraneous, improper, or inferior ingredients; to pollute

For example:
Can you remember the first time you saw two animals mating on Discovery Chanel and were old enough to realize what they were doing? A piece of childhood innocence died at that moment (on your way to adulthood) as it learned about sex through animals.



Many children also learn about death through family pets or movies in which animal characters die.

Other examples of anthropomorphism familiar to children:

The snuggle bear looks nothing like a real bear. He walks on two legs (just like us) and has friendly facial features (eyes, smile). He's not hairy like a bear either.... he's lumpy looking, BUT very soft. If Snuggle fabric softener is so amazing it can turn a grizzly bear into a snuggly, giggling, soft teddy plush, it most certainly is soft enough for YOUR clothes!


Horse eyes aren't nearly this cute, but if we make them more human-like and give the pony rainbow hair and pastel skin, little girls want to brush the pony's hair. What does this teach children about ponies? What does the snuggle bear do to better human relationships with bears? Bears come off as friendly and soft when in reality, you should keep your distance should you come across one in the wild.