Hubris Assumptions
For centuries, humans have assumed they are the most intelligent creatures on Earth. Human inventions, from essential tools to modern-day social media, must be proof of that.
No other species has taken advantage of the Earth as much as we humans have. But human inventions are not necessarily superior to other species’ cultures. They are just more bombastic.
“Conversely, the dolphins had always believed that
they were far more intelligent than man — for precisely the same reasons.” (Learn)
Humans have transformed the Earth to fit our needs above other animals and plants. The ecosystem of Earth needs to be balanced to keep all life healthy for species to live on.
Ecocriticism is important in examining human impacts on the world. It also helps us recognize other animals’ value.
“Ecocriticism directs literary criticism into a social and public role by paying attention to the natural environment.” (The Impact of Human Behavior on Dolphins’ Life in the Dolphin Tale Series 2011 & 2014, 124)
Dolphins are proven to be intelligent animals with language, communication, and culture. Yet, for decades, dolphins and other animals have been trained to perform in circuses and other shows for human entertainment.
Photo by Mick Haupt from Unsplash
Human Responsibility
This is because ordinary people are focused on themselves when supporting these events. They likely don’t think about being superior to other animals.
They are “indifferent” to consequences to the animals that entertain them (therefore benefiting them.) In the case of Winter, the dolphin people are thinking and projecting themselves onto her.
As a result, they are more likely to empathize with Winter. This is positive as she brings awareness to negative human impacts. And that awareness sometimes brings human intervention that benefits animals.
“Not all humans have a sense of responsibility in managing nature.
In fact, there are so many humans who often act as if they are separated from nature and assume as if they can live without nature.” (Schultz, 2002: 62).
The “indifference” of people toward the environment is the main problem.
Focusing on human behavior can positively and negatively affect the animal kingdom. The story of Winter the dolphin demonstrates the good and bad aspects of humans’ impact on intelligent species.
Sources
Learn, J. R. (2021, March 26). Just How Intelligent Are Dolphins? Discover Magazine. https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/just-how-intelligent-are-dolphins
Maskurotal, A. K., Aminah, S. M., & Rizki, F. (2020). The Impact of Human Behavior on Dolphin’s Life in the Dolphin Tale Series (2011 & 2014). J-Lalite: Journal of English Studies, 1(2), 123-135. http://jos.unsoed.ac.id/index.php/jes
Schultz, P.W. (2002). “Inclusion with nature. In P. Schmuck and W.P. Schultz (eds.)” Psychology of Sustainable Development, 61-95. Boston: Kluwer Academic Publishers.