That’s why I don’t like humans

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The greatest pastime is to find a piece of literature that has you in stitches. One such story is Animal Farm. There is a location by that name somewhere on the route from Montego Bay to Westmoreland. I was fascinated by the signpost that such a location existed in Jamaica.

Animal Farm by George Orwell dropped providentially into my hands recently. Very soon I was rolling in the hay, squealing in laughter. The serious dream revelation by Old Major that “all animals are comrades” is disrupted by the appearance of four large rats who had “crept out of their holes”. It was decided then and there that the rats should be accepted as animals and “comrades”. A vote was raised, and the consensus ratified.

Later in the novel, when the ‘revolution’ is successful, there is an attempt with the creation of a “wild comrades re-education committee”, with the objective of ‘taming’ such creatures like rats. There was abysmal failure similar to the “the clean tails league” committee for cows. The cow’s tail was created for that purpose and unlikely to be kept ‘clean’.

Spots cannot be cleaned from leopards. Apparently, in the threatening gale force winds hurricanes, you can only batten down your dwelling or beat a hasty retreat to a safer locale. The entire inner ear and labyrinth echoes this truth, with the crickets bursting in song.

Life provides no fair exchange, and the journey is full of silly slips. Wins are however possible with deep hunger, determination and drive, as evidenced by the recent youthful Joseph provisions over Australia.

Enjoyment in reading is the best alternative. Never mind, the finest creative features surrounding the personification of animals like Mickey and Minnie, Charlotte’s Web and our Jamaican Anansi are just a few of the winning awards. “Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.” Not all spiders, pigs or rats are intentionally harmful.

Nothing new under the sun. History repeats itself in a variety of ways. However, you cannot approach problems with the same formula and expect new results. The rules of engagement change over time. First, the commandment reads: “No animal shall sleep in a bed”, and then adjusted to “No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets.” Finally, all law is condensed to a single rule: “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.”

Take all of this in a stride and have a humorous perspective!

THAT’S WHY I DON’T LIKE

HUMANS