Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Purpose of Hunting

Bristol Palin has given birth to a son called Tripp. The boy's father, Levi Johnston, is reportedly keen to take their child hunting [BBC News, 30 December 2008].

What's that all about? Bonding with the in-laws or tragic accident?

From the Brothers Grimm ...

The Queen was shocked ... and pride grew higher and higher in her heart like a weed, so that she had no peace day or night. She called a huntsman, and said, "Take the child away into the forest; I will no longer have [him] in my sight. Kill [him], and bring me back [his] heart as a token."

"It's safe to go home now," the hunter told Little Red Riding Hood. "The big bad wolf is dead and gone, and there is no danger on the path.

The captain was put in prison and then torn in four pieces; but the King's daughter was married to the huntsman.

Vice Presidents and Hunting Accidents ("You can actually see Russia")


After US Vice President Dick Cheney shot one of his friends in a hunting accident, he was mocked by Russian president Vladimir Putin. With great diplomatic presence-of-mind, President Bush declared that Putin's remark was funny. [White House via Educational Whisper. See also Jonathan Turley.]

What Purpose Does Hunting Serve in a Modern Society?


The huntsman is an important character in fiction, especially folk tales. Hunting is a popular, sometimes expensive and often controversial pastime, which confers a symbolic grandure on its followers. It doesn't contribute significantly to the food supply, although adherents may claim that it helps protect agriculture from wild animals. Hunting is a focal practice, which people (and especially politicians such as Putin and Palin) use as a way of defining their individual and group identity.

So good luck to Trapper Tripp. I think he is going to need it.

No comments:

Post a Comment