« National Delurking Day | Home | a kid in the car »
being a parent makes me a hypocrite
By Aardvark | January 16, 2009
I feel like a hypocrite. Being a parent can do that to you. Here is today’s example.
I am not a big supporter of the circus. I love going to the zoo but the circus bugs me. The zoo lets the animals laze around and do a bunch of nothing and frequently gives abandoned or displaced animals a home. The circus… dresses them up and parades them around making them do silly tricks and basically compromise all self respect. I have also read that circuses are often cruel to the animals to get them to perform. (I have known some directors like that) For these reasons I have never been a supporter of the circus.
BUT now I have children.
Scout has seen a few commercials for the circus that is coming to town and she goes bat shit crazy with excitement when she sees them. She talks about it after the commercial is over. She names the animals and says things like “I need to go there!!!” So what do I do? Do I stand by my gut feeling that the circus is a bit wrong or do I compromise my feelings for the joy and excitement of my child?
Umm yeah…I guess I am ordering circus tickets.
Damn children.
Topics: Mother of the Year | 6 Comments »
January 16th, 2009 at 11:18 am
We had the same dilemma when we took the boys last year.
I guess that answers your question… = )
I would never go to one of those “circus in a box” types. I’m sure Barnum & Bailey has complaints filed against them but not sure if they’re legit & know they’ve taken great strides in animal treatment within circuses.
I also see it as a teaching opportunity for kids. How can they ever know about animals if all they see of them is on television. It could turn into a good opportunity to tell kids about animal cruelty (when they are older of course).
My two cents. I’m sure some more educated people would have more to contribute.
TheBookMammas last blog post..Boy Briefs: The Chocolate Covered Potty Training Grocery Version
January 16th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
You take her now to satisfy the excitement and wonder that is so alive in 2 year olds. Later, she will come to realize that the circus is not only a circus for those that come to see it, but also for those unfortunate animals that are “caught” in the circus and have no choice about it. She will learn soon enough about the “real” world.
January 16th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
Take her to the circus. Just have a couple of martinis first. It’ll numb the guilt.
Stephanies last blog post..Medical Update
January 17th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
One question: Do the commercials have those creepy ass clowns in them? If not, you should prepare her for them. You don’t want her to be one of THOSE people that grows up being scared of clowns. Even though they’re demented freaks that shouldn’t be trusted.
January 18th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
My kids did not care for the circus once they had finally seen one. Thank God. Good luck.
January 18th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
lilfoot loves the commercials too. we’re trying to decide whether to go too.