Friday, September 15, 2006

Revenge

The Crocodile Hunter was a tiny step up from the animal antics of the Jackass crew, so why are people worshipping this mans unfortunate but very predictable death?













I don't get it, but then that doesn't surprise me as I am so not the target market for Mr Irwins work - I prefer my animal viewing to have some merit, not just cheap thrills.

Now following the death of Mr Irwin, it seems there are some who have taken matters into their own hands, at least ten stingrays have been found dead and mutilated on the beaches of Queensland in the wake of Irwin's death, prompting some speculation that the killings were done as revenge by fans of Irwin.

Two stingrays were found near Brisbane, while eight were found elsewhere. The tails of the stingrays had been cut off.

Wayne Sumpton of the state fisheries department said that fishermen who inadvertently capture stingrays sometimes cut off their tails to avoid being stung, but that the practice was "uncommon". Michael Hornby, the executive director of Irwin's conservation group Wildlife Warriors, said he was concerned the rays were being hunted and killed in retaliation for the TV star's death. He said killing stingrays was "not what Steve was about." (taken from wikipedia)

No, better to poke the Stingrays with a stick and taunt them for some cheap reality TV programme.... perhaps

Call me a hater, a cynic, whatever but I really don't get or buy into the personality cult that is/was Steve Irwin. I don't quite see what this man contributed to anything outside of the world of cheap TV shows aimed at the desensitised masses.

For more on the man and his detractors check his wikipedia page. Which has now been locked due to wikivandalism.

Down this way and I guess its no different in most countries where his various TV shows played, we're being subjected to Irwin overload, lots of repeat screenings of his shows, his movie, 20/20 and other shows of their ilk doing stories on the man and his life etc. A great earner for his estate no doubt.

Some months ago I read this piece on Australia zoo by The Opinionated Diner, crikey its a good and funny read.... Especially to anyone who has been a tourist in Australia. Since the death of Mr Irwin the Diner has done a update, which sums up many of my thoughts quite nicely, so best ya check that too.

Meanwhile more Stingrays are going to pay for Mr Irwins death with their lives... One has to wonder, if these people killing the rays lived somewhere else would they be packing the family car or themselves with explosives....

If these revenge killings continue, will the animal kingdom enact a revenge on us humans?

2 comments:

Cathy said...

Mate! This country went into morning, hords of tourists near-lie sobbing in the streets...all the aussies wearing black...the toughest of them all in need of bottom lip hardening. CRAZY! ahh but the man bought land...A LOT of land...now untouchable land by foreign developers....I reckon NZ could do with a bit of that action...where's our Steve Irwin??

Anonymous said...

Ahhh but whats behind the revenge attacks. World wide media will have you believe it's because they are out to get all Stingrays. I think its more of a party trick. Picture the scene at a typical Aussie BBQ. Beer flowing and a chunk of Roo meat searing away. "pssssssst mate, wanna see what killed Steveo".