nature
Man's relationship with animals has always been ambivalent (矛盾的). On the one hand, animals have been worshipped and attributed with all kinds of mysterious and superior powers. On the other hand, they have been hunted, domesticated, exterminated (消除), and even exploited as a source of entertainment. In many countries, man has also created imaginary creatures that play a major role in popular cultures. The Chinese dragon is
perhaps one of
the most
famous
examples.
Comparison
s between
animals and man have been made throughout the centuries. In some cultures, the sinister (凶恶的) and aggressive aspect of man is regarded as the animal side of human nature. Recent research on human behavior, for example, draws parallels between the aggressiveness of modern man to the abnormal behavior of a caged animal. Some scientists believe that unnatural conditions, such as overcrowding
and alienating routine jobs, cause people to perform acts of violence. Other scientists feel that aggression is a natural instinct that could be directed toward positive and creative activities.
The idea of an animalistic side of human nature is foreign to the North American Indians who regard animals as equals of man. They are not only equal to man, but they are considered to be the founders and guardians of their tribes. The raven, the eagle, the bear and other animals always appear in stylized forms on their totem poles (图腾柱).
Ever since the dawn of civilization, animals have been used to help and to serve man in many ways. Sheep and goats were bred to provide wool, meat, and fat. Large animals like oxen, water buffalo and horses were used to pull ploughs and carry heavy loads. Capable of sensing water from a great distance and going days without water, camels proved to be the ideal animal for the nomadic (游牧的) people of the desert. The dog, known in English-speaking countries as "man's best friend," is one of the most versatile animals. Dogs have been bred to hunt,
to guard, to herd sheep and cattle, to find people in the snow or in the rubble of earthquakes, to lead the blind, and to sniff for illegal
drugs.
For many
centuries in the
West, it was thought
that animals did not
feel pain and that there was no such thing as cruelty to animals. It was in England in the eighteenth century that the advocacy of animal rights began. It should be said, however, that respectful treatment of animals had existed in the East for thousands of years as a result of the influence of Hinduism and Buddhism. The first national animal welfare organization was created in England in 1824 under the name of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The SPCA, as it is commonly known, now exists throughout the world.
The animal rights movement has grown considerably in recent decades. As a result of protests by animal rights groups, hunting of endangered species (濒于灭绝的物种)
has been banned in most countries. Many efforts have been made, for example, to stop the killing of elephants by hunters participating in the ivory trade. Some animal rights groups have focused their attention on the treatment of animals in scientific research and on the use of animals in the testing of beauty products such as perfumes, creams and makeup. Zoos and pet stores are now constantly inspected and criticized by animal rights groups. Many people regard zoos as cruel environments and favor safari parks where animals are free to roam in a more natural setting.
The destruction of forests and other natural habitats has resulted in the disappearance of many species of animals throughout the world. Wildlife protection organizations have conducted educational campaigns drawing public attention to the serious decline in the biological diversity of the planet as more and more species disappear because of pollution and industrial development.
Unit 6 Book 3 Personality
a