Voices Exercise 2

Dear Professor,

I just looked at my midterm grade on Blackboard and was wondering why I have a B. I think I meet all of the requirements of the course and always participate in class. I always work hard on my assignments and try to put extra insight into my reflections. I understand you cannot give every student an A in the class but, I think I am deserving of a grade higher than a B. I'm writing this to ask you to reconsider my grade and give me any instruction to receive a higher mark. I'm willing to do any extra work that it takes to improve my grade. If there's any extra credit work I can do to boost my grade in your class and better fulfill your standards please let me know.

Voices Exercise 1

Dear Professor,

I would just like to start off by saying how much I enjoy your class. I am always eager to come to class, it's such an enriching experience. But, I am very distressed by my grade in your course. I work so hard and spend hours every night trying to be the best student I can be. I try to do everything I can to meet your standards. It's so upsetting to me to work so hard and not get the grade to prove it. I'm begging you for a higher grade that better reflects my determination to learn and be an amazing student. Please reconsider my grade and understand how much your course means to me. It's killing me inside to know I work so hard and I'm not getting the results. I will do any extra credit assignments or do whatever it takes to receive a higher grade.

Workshop Reflection

I really loved the whole process of the workshop and getting all of the great feedback. I think overall everyone, along with myself, agrees that I should tone down my EXTREME language to make my paper more Rogerian. And also give more credit to the other side, which I'm waiting for an ILL to get to me to support the other side and to fulfill the requirement of my 2nd scholarly source.

I also agree that I need to state my stance on this issue earlier in the paper. I really got a lot of good advice from the workshop and now know what to work on, clarify and add to my final draft.

Rogerian Reflection 2.2

After writing my second draft I feel my paper is coming along. There are still some things I think I want to change and work on, but it's getting better. In this draft I mostly focused on my organization. In the first draft I kind of just said everything I thought and gave a lot of information, but it wasn't in an useful or beneficial order. I went through and tried to keep all similar ideas together rather than all over the place.

I also worked on giving more support to the other side of the argument. This task wasn't hard because of how much I loved going to the zoo when I was younger, I know first hand how magical these places are and what they mean to other kids. I also talked more about the educational benefits of zoos and circuses. I never would have learned the things I did without going to a zoo- it's what made me an animal lover.

I also worked on a better compromise. Rather than saying animals shouldnt be kept in captivity, I focused more on something we can all agree on- the abuse that takes place in circuses. I think everyone agrees that a circus side-show is often a sad life for an animal to live. These animals are put in extreme situations and don't live normal lives at all, they live the life of a traveler. I think everyone can agree action needs to be taken place to help animals in circuses.

But, I've been struggling to find another scholarly source. I also want to work more on my style of writing, to make the way I write more interesting rather than just talking about facts. I also want to work more on the conclusion and presenting my "common-ground" solution. I have the ideas in place, but I need to find a way to better present them in order to end my paper.

Essay 2.2 Animals In Captivity- torture or for education?

Over the years, I have grown up as a complete animal lover. Like most kids, I was always excited to go to the zoo and watch all different types of animals in their natural habitats. Little did I know, these are not their natural habitats at all. I’ve begun to rethink whether zoos, aquariums or circuses are a good thing or not. There has been much debate concerning whether or not these places are ethical and in the best interest of the animals.

These places to see animals are considered to be magical and educational entertainment. For my family, going to the zoo was one of the most fun things we could do. Learning about the different types of fish at the aquarium and watching the giraffes eat from the trees was the highlight of my year. These experiences gave me an appreciation for animals, going to these places to learn more about animals is what made me an animal lover.

Having the opportunity to see wild animals in real life will have much more of an impact towards the education than will reading about them in a book. Only a select few children are privileged enough to actually go scuba diving or on an African Safari, zoos and aquariums provide easy access for everyone to witness these amazing animals.

Endangered species are often saved by human intervention. Humans can help save species in captivity by breeding and prolonging lives through medical care. Michael Hutchins, PhD, director and William Conway Chair of the Department of Conservation and Science for the American Zoo and Aquarium Association states, “The primary benefits zoos provide to society are education and conservation of species and habitats” (Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association). I agree, there are many benefits to these organizations but many don’t meet humane standards. Hutchins says less than 10% of animal exhibitors meet the Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation. The major zoos and aquariums throughout the United States provide safe environments for wild animals with proper care, but many do not.

On February 24th 2010, Tilikum, the great orca whale murdered his second trainer at Sea World in Orlando, Florida. This would make be Tilikum’s third fatal attack, the third being a man who snuck into the aquarium to swim in the tank (his death was mostly attributed to drowning and hyperthermia). According to an article in Time, Tilikum grabbed his trainer, Brancheau, by her ponytail and dragged her to the bottom of the pool where she drowned (Chua- Eoan). This brings up the question, were these attacks acts of revenge on the trainers? I think it’s shocking that after this whales’ first murder, he was still expected to perform.

These amazingly intelligent animals are captured and put into tanks that would be proportional to a human living in a bathtub. Orca whales swim up to 100 miles a day in the wild and are imprisoned in confining tanks (PETA). Sea World trains whales and dolphins to do tricks such as jumping through hoops, swimming with the trainers and of course, splashing the audience. As a kid, I always left the aquarium in awe of the talent and intelligence of the mammals in these performances. But now I know these tricks and moves are not natural for these animals at all. According to Peta, they are trained by, “withholding food and isolating animals who refuse to perform” (PETA). I don’t think anyone would argue that these tactics are ethical to wild animals.

Many zoos don’t show natural behaviors or natural interactions, we only see trainers handling and feeding the animals. Many zoos and aquariums shouldn’t be applauded for teaching about wild animals; rather, they should only be given credit for showing how some animals are capable of adapting to such a drastic change. Think about the natural habitat of a polar bear; the very cold Arctic Circle, yet there are polar bear exhibits in zoos all over the world, often no where near their natural climate. And I’m sure there aren’t hundreds of people passing by and tapping on the glass in the wild either. Animals in captivity aren’t the same animal they would be in the wild; often these creatures are living a life that nature didn’t intend for them.

Have you ever thought about where these animals often come from? Many are taken from their natural habitats; The Humane Society of the United States believes that the process of capturing wild animals often causes suffering the moment they are taken. When wild dolphins are taken from the ocean, “they are ripped violently and traumatically from their social units” (Humane Society). Often time’s dolphins are fished and either slaughtered or sold to be in such shows. Animals were made to live in the wild, not wherever humans want them to.

Circuses have one of the worst reputations for animal cruelty. When I was 6, I had a Ringley Brothers Circus shirt that I tried to wear as much as I could until it became so worn out that it began to tear. I understand the lure and excitement as a child to see the elephants and tigers do amazing tricks. But, the truth isn’t as glamorous as we are made to believe. The Humane Society states, “The methods used to train these animals are often abusive, and they may be chained or confined for hours on end” (Humane Society). Circuses travel all year round all over the world. Elephants, lions and monkeys are put in small cages and taken from town to town. These animals are often not given proper care and don’t have access to basic necessities while traveling. The animals are only released from their cages in order to perform, and when performing they are sometimes leashed and shackled.

The temperatures and climates these animals experience are definitely not what they would experience in a natural setting. According to PETA, “A young lion named Clyde died in a sweltering boxcar as a Ringling Bros. train crossed the Mojave Desert on a day when temperatures exceeded 100°F” (PETA). There have been many other preventable fatalities of circus animals because lack of veterinary care and basic necessities for survival while on the road.

Not only do these animals experience tough travel and living conditions, the process of training them is very disturbing. The most common method of training is physical punishment, often by hitting, electric shock, and whipping. Many shocking videos have been shot showing the pain and suffering these animals are put through. PETA states:

Video footage shot during a PETA undercover investigation of Carson & Barnes Circus revealed Carson & Barnes’ animal care director, Tim Frisco, viciously attacking, yelling, and cursing at and shocking endangered Asian elephants. Frisco instructed other elephant trainers to beat the elephants with a bullhook as hard as they could and to sink the sharp metal bullhook into the animals’ flesh and twist it until they screamed in pain. The videotape also showed a handler using a blowtorch to remove elephants’ hair and chained elephants and caged bears exhibiting stereotypic behaviors caused by mental distress.

This is a very disturbing account of circus animals being exploited and abused for our entertainment. But, this is a very common occurrence in circuses all over the world.

I don’t think these programs should be done away with, but I think something needs to be done to enforce the accreditation of all zoos and aquariums. I also think animals such as Tilikum who have not adapted very well, should still be held in captivity. There are other options for him such as sanctuaries where he can live in a normal environment with other whales. I also think there should be more emphasis on the Internet to see videos of wild animals. There are other options to learn about these creatures, technology has come so far. But, I think everyone can agree that circuses need the biggest intervention. There needs to be a conscientious effort to help the animals that suffer daily, circuses that raven all over the world should not be allowed to have animals in their shows, I think this issue needs to be discussed in order for a change to take place for these circus animals. I understand the benefits zoos, aquariums and circus bring but we can’t put the lives of these majestic animals on the line for a profit.

Works Cited

Chua-Eoan, Howard. “The Killer-Whale Attack at SeaWorld: How It Happened.” U.S. 25 February 2010. New York Times. Web. 14 March 2010.

Ellis, Richard. “Sea World Killer Whale Attack.” 25 February 2010. Washington Post. Web. 13 March 2010.

The Humane Society. The Humane Soceity of the United States. 2010. Web. 14 March 2010.

Kuehn, Bridget. “Is it ethical to keep animals in zoos?” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. (2002). n. pag. Web. 14 March 2

PETA. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. 2010. Web. 13 March 2010.

Reflection 2.1

After writing my first draft, I know it needs a lot of work. I started my rough draft with not very much organization; I just wrote down all of my thoughts and they don't seem to make much sense. I also need to work on writing more clearly, because I often say things that make sense to me, but not others.

But, In general writing a Rogerian argument hasn't been too hard. I think it's not very hard because of the topic I chose. I think both sides of keeping animals in captivity are very strong. My boyfriend and I had a VERY LONG debate after I wrote my paper on whether or not zoos and aquariums were a good thing or not. He gave me a lot of very good points on the benefits of these organizations.

I realized that both of us were coming from the debate from different views, I the animal lover and he the one who thinks zoos are very educational. He made the point that without the zoos and aquariums you wouldn't see the animals at all, most people won't be going to Africa to see a safari. But, in the end we both agreed that zoos and aquariums that don't provide sufficient care for the animals are unethical and that circuses all together are not okay. I think I need to use his opposing point of view more in my argument and argue more towards the middle ground about circuses and correct treatment of animals.

Overall, I know my paper needs a lot of work in organization and clarifying my ideas. I also need to make sure my sources are scholarly, and once again work on citations.

Essay 2.1 Animals In Captivity- torture or for education?

Over the years, I have grown up as a complete animal lover. Like most kids, I was always excited to go to the zoo and watch hundreds of different species of animals in their natural habitats. Little did I know, these are not their natural habitats at all. I’ve begun to rethink whether the zoo, aquarium or circus is a good thing or not. There has been much debate concerning whether or not these places are ethical and in the best interest of the animals.

On February 24th 2010, Tilikum, the great orca whale murdered his second trainer at Sea World in Orlando, Florida. According to an article in Time, Tilikum grabbed his trainer, Brancheau, by her ponytail and dragged her to the bottom of the pool where she drowned (Chua- Eoan). This brings up the question, were these attacks acts of revenge on the trainers? I think it’s shocking that after this whales’ first murder, he was still expected to perform.

These amazingly intelligent animals are captured and put into tanks that would be proportional to a human living in a bathtub. Orca whales swim up to 100 miles a day in the wild and are imprisoned in confining tanks (PETA). Sea World trains whales and dolphins to do tricks such as jumping through hoops, swimming with the trainers and of course, splashing the audience. As a kid, I always left the aquarium in awe of the talent and intelligence of the mammals in these performances. But now I know these tricks and moves are not natural for these animals at all. According to Peta, they are trained by, “withholding food and isolating animals who refuse to perform” (PETA). I don’t think anyone would argue that these tactics are ethical to wild animals.

But, I did learn a lot about animals that I would never actually see in the wild. Zoos, Aquariums and circuses do provide easy access to the public to witness the majestic qualities of these animals. We can learn a lot about their basic behaviors in the wild and sometimes get to interact with them. But, do these benefits outweigh the suffering we are putting many of these animals through?

Visiting many zoos we don’t see natural behaviors or natural interactions, we only see trainers handling and feeding the animals. Zoos and aquariums shouldn’t be applauded for teaching about wild animals, rather, they should only be given credit for showing how some animals are capable of adapting to such a drastic change. Think about the natural habitat of a polar bear; but, there are polar bear exhibits in zoos all over the world, often no where near their natural climate. And I’m sure there aren’t hundreds of people passing by and tapping on the glass in the wild either. Animals in captivity aren’t the same animal they would be in the wild; often these creatures are living a life that nature didn’t intend for them.

The Humane Society of the United States believes that the process of capturing wild animals often causes suffering the moment they are taken. When wild dolphins are taken from the ocean, “they are ripped violently and traumatically from their social units” (Humane Society). Often time’s dolphins are fished and either slaughtered or sold to be in such shows. Animals were made to live in the wild, not wherever humans want them to.

Circuses have one of the worst reputations for animal cruelty. The Humane Society states, “We might like to think the wild animals featured in a circus, movie, TV show or commercial are enjoying themselves. But behind the scenes, the methods used to train these animals are often abusive, and they may be chained or confined for hours on end” (Humane Society). Circuses travel all year round all over the world. Elephants, lions and monkeys are put in small cages and taken from town to town. These animals are often not given proper care and don’t have access to basic necessities while traveling. The animals are only released from their cages in order to perform, and when performing these animals are sometimes leashed and shackled.

Also, the temperatures and climates these animals experience are definitely not what they would experience in a natural setting. According to PETA, “A young lion named Clyde died in a sweltering boxcar as a Ringling Bros. train crossed the Mojave Desert on a day when temperatures exceeded 100°F” (PETA). There have been many other preventable fatalities of circus animals because lack of veterinary care while on the road.

Not only do these animals experience tough travel and living conditions, the process of training them is very disturbing. The most common method of training is physical punishment, often by hitting, electric shock, and whipping. Many shocking videos have been shot showing the pain and suffering these animals are put through. PETA states:

Video footage shot during a PETA undercover investigation of Carson & Barnes Circus revealed Carson & Barnes’ animal care director, Tim Frisco, viciously attacking, yelling, and cursing at and shocking endangered Asian elephants. Frisco instructed other elephant trainers to beat the elephants with a bullhook as hard as they could and to sink the sharp metal bullhook into the animals’ flesh and twist it until they screamed in pain. The videotape also showed a handler using a blowtorch to remove elephants’ hair and chained elephants and caged bears exhibiting stereotypic behaviors caused by mental distress.

Circus animals are exploited and abused on a daily basis and forced to perform tricks that are not natural to them at all.

Even though many animals face unethical circumstances, I see the other side of the argument. Letting wild animals be available for public display is more educational then reading about them in a book. Endangered species are often saved by human intervention. Humans can save these species in captivity by breeding and prolonging lives through medical care. Michael Hutchins, PhD, director and William Conway Chair of the Department of Conservation and Science for the American Zoo and Aquarium Association states, “The primary benefits zoos provide to society are education and conservation of species and habitats” (Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association). I agree, there are many benefits to these organizations but many don’t meet humane standards. Hutchins says less than 10% of animal exhibitors meet the Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation. The major zoos and aquariums throughout the United States provide safe environments for wild animals with proper care, but many do not.

I don’t think these programs should be done away with, but I think something needs to be done. I don’t think animals such as Tilikum, the Killer Whale, should still be held in captivity. There are other options for him such as sanctuaries where he can live in a normal environment with other whales. I also think there should be more emphasis on the Internet to see videos of wild animals. There are other options to learn about these creatures, technology has come so far. But, overall there needs to be a conscientious effort to help the animals that suffer daily, this could be done by boycotting businesses that exploit animals in order to make a profit. I understand the benefits zoos, aquariums and circus bring but we can’t put the lives of these majestic animals on the line for our selfish pleasures.

Works Cited

Chua-Eoan, Howard. “The Killer-Whale Attack at SeaWorld: How It Happened.” U.S. 25 February 2010. New York Times. Web. 14 March 2010.

Ellis, Richard. “Sea World Killer Whale Attack.” 25 February 2010. Washington Post. Web. 13 March 2010.

The Humane Society. The Humane Soceity of the United States. 2010. Web. 14 March 2010.

PETA. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. 2010. Web. 13 March 2010.

Kuehn, Bridget. “Is it ethical to keep animals in zoos?” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. (2002). n. pag. Web. 14 March 2010.