Cecil the Zimbabwean lion is sitting in animal heaven next to a polar bear and giant panda. Purring, he wonders why on earth, er, heaven, he has been a top story in recent weeks.
First, a recap. According to Alternet,com and The Telegraph, rage erupted shortly after reports of Cecil's death. Scores of people rose to defend the lion and condemn (even threaten) Palmer. No sooner had they spoken out, than an opposing view emerged. It was a backlash, described by The Observer, arguing that there are more grave problems in the world than a dead lion.
It is in these two reactions that the following important lessons may be learned.
1. Good stewardship is necessary.
Preceding generations, say, those of the Industrial Revolution, lived out tragedy of the commons. By assuming little responsibility for their actions, they contributed to most of the main problems of the 21st century as listed in James Martin's book "The Meaning of The 21st Century." However, the cycle can slow down, starting today, if everyone plays their part to conserve, save energy, and rally for equality. The same enthusiasm for justice in Cecil's case described by the New York Times is transferable to other issues. No buts.
2. Priorities, priorities.
The fight or flight mechanism innate to humans leads people to fight easier battles and run from hard problems. It takes less energy to champion for Cecil, a seemingly cuddly animal (thank you, Lion King) than for the seemingly distant people he belonged to. Cecil was Zimbabwean, but he received more sympathy than the Zimbabwean people did during the nation's record-breaking hyperinflation of 2008 according to a report by The African Economic Development Institute. Issues involving human lives regardless of race, religion or nationality deserve to be put on the forefront. #LionLivesMatter, but not so much more than #BlackLivesMatter, #SyrianRefugees or #NorthKorea.
3. Public opinion = progress.
Without the attention Cecil's death garnered many people would not have been aware of the horrifying poaching industry. While the World Wildlife Federation does not consider lions the most endangered species in the world, his story has boosted awareness for those highly threatened. It must be said that what gave weight to the issue is the particular demographic according The Blaze.com that was angered most by Cecil's death. The African Wildlife Fund is now making a killing, pun intended. Its crowdfunding venture "Justice for Cecil" is raising over $65,000 according to the fundraising website Crowdrise. Now, imagine what would happen if child trafficking, civil war and global poverty were discussed with such zeal.
4. Agree to disagree.
Emergence of the two sides described in The Irish Times regarding Cecil's hunt is a natural progression for any public debate. That said, both parties have a right to their own opinion. A great learning opportunity lies in seeking to understand before seeking to be understood. As any good social scientist would recommend, it is important to pause for a moment and consider what motivates different standpoints.
Before the dust settles on this matter, before amnesia kicks in and the temporary anger subsides, before people carry on with their normal lives --those who can must pause and take in the lessons learned from the ensuing debate of Cecil's demise. This could be all what Cecil, now up in animal heaven, wants.
