Interesting thread and level of response. I'd like to lend support =20 to Stan Moore's post today.
"The Croc Hunter" always struck me as a "man vs. nature" contest, =20 entertainingly scripted to assure Irwin came out on top, and =20 educational morsels to broaden the audience. Irwin seemed =20 collectively anointed by desk-bound Homo sapiens to get out there and =20= kick a little reptilian butt on our behalf. But rather than elevate =20 his death to a cultural tragedy, can we just admit he wasn't (and we =20 aren't) always in control on Planet Earth? The show allowed viewers (many representing the next generation) to =20 embrace what I think are unfortunate mythologies (e.g., nature is =20 entertainment; nature must be grabbed and subdued; nature is 'beyond' =20= my experience; formidable creatures are artifacts). To me, "The Croc =20= Hunter" was simply a muscular (and lucrative) elaboration of the =20 animal story clich=E9s at the end of the evening news meant to amuse =20 and reassure. I was surprised that a comparison to Aldo Leopold was made on this =20 list. I don't think I am alone in thinking that Leopold is revered =20 for transcending the old myths, not perpetuating them. Dr. William J. Ehmann Saratoga Springs, NY [EMAIL PROTECTED]
