On #CecilTheLion, It Is Time To Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is

Gosh. The articles, blogs and tweets on the agonising death of Cecil the lion have been voluminous (and varied). From hate pieces against the barbarian(s) that caused his death (you might be starting to get a feel for how I feel about this), through the "Twitter mobs are evil" articles and the "You eat meat so don't be a hypocrite!" and out to pieces on the evil of white people and how the trophy hunting industry is a boon to needy Africans.

I'm not here to deal with any of that though. There are more than enough foul-mouthed folks out there after the blood of Walter Palmer (and other trophy hunters). There are more than enough people spot on about the evils of social media hate mobs and how helpful any financial input into some African economies can be.

No I'm here to talk directly to the people who stand on the principle that killing endangered (or at least at risk) animals for fun is morally different to killing for food or population control but don't like being too mean to others and want to do something positive instead.

We'll never stop trophy hunting (and poaching for other purposes such as supply the Chinese "medicinal" industry) if we don't think about how we can stop the reliance on this trade of the local people in the areas concerned and deal with their concerns and issues (like predation of livestock and damage and danger to life and property from the local megafauna). And that is why, if you really care about African megafauna, you need to put your money where your heart is... If you aren't already start donating to one of the many good conservation organisations working in Africa.

I've joined the Born Free Foundation today. Partly because I find their approach to be right and partly because I remember buying a few Born Free books as a kid as a jumble sale and falling in love with Elsa.

Yes we can all sit around waving our virtual pitchforks and call for the death of a total stranger. But if we can start funding organisations on the ground who can help change things for the better for the people and animals of Africa then we'll really make a difference (and honour the story of Cecil the lion).

Let's make Cecil the Elsa of this generation and push forward with making our world a little nicer for everyone and everything.

Africa's Last Taboo

Last night Channel 4 aired"Dispatches: Africa's Last Taboo" by Sorious Samura (see it here, if you're in the UK). It was a surprisingly indepth look at homosexuality in Africa with focus on Kenya, Uganda and Malawi (the home of the arrested "married" gay couple).

It was a compelling documentary with Samura interviewing both the victims and perpetrators of homophobia and get very frank answers from both. I've never before seen the subject dealt with so openly and directly and it made for a very enlightening film. 

The fact of the matter is: the churches are fueling murderous rage with lies and Bible quotes. The Bible quotes I can stand but the anti-West rhetoric that claims homosexuality is a form of "economic colonialism" and the anti-scientific nonsense ("Who will all the women marry if all the men become gay?" and "No male dog lusts after another male dog") was too much to bear considering the consequences for LGBT individuals. 

Worse, whilst outside the court where the Malawi couple had been sentenced, Samura was doing a lament to camera about the downward spiral of human rights in Africa. With each negative comment the crowd behind enthusiastically nodded or cheered. That was a statement all of it's own. 

Whilst the clerics in Africa claim homosexuality is "not African", it was pointed out a lot of the church's funding and support comes from abroad too. American fundamentalists might be fighting against civil rights back in the USA. But in Africa they are supporting the state murder of homosexuals. And that should be roundly condemned. 

Check out Dr. Warren Throckmorton, who has been quick to point out those connections (especially on his wonderful blog). Behind the Mask is also a great news and discussion resource. 

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist