Closing Bell: Another Circus Coming to Town
The arrival of Ringling Brothers to Coney Island this year has generated a lot of much-deserved attention. You might not have heard about another circus coming to town soon: Cole Brothers, which actually did a stint in Coney Island a couple of years ago, will be pitching its tents at Floyd Bennett Field starting one…
The arrival of Ringling Brothers to Coney Island this year has generated a lot of much-deserved attention. You might not have heard about another circus coming to town soon: Cole Brothers, which actually did a stint in Coney Island a couple of years ago, will be pitching its tents at Floyd Bennett Field starting one week from today. More details on this post on Kinetic Carnival.
Photo by Steve Orcutt
and more glamourous!
*rob*
Do the elephants who work in the circus have it any worse than the ones who work in the lumber industry in the forests of south Asia? Our species has domesticated and bred other species for many millenia, and used them to do everything from pulling plows to guarding granaries to herding yet other species. What makes the circus different, except that the work day is shorter?
The last time I was to the circus–in the 70s–, I hated it, but it was a long time ago and I felt sad about the animals, as though they were being humiliated. But I went to the circus this weekend and my experience of it was the opposite. I loved it! The elephant act was absolutely wonderful, there was a silly but amazing act with dancing Dachshunds, and a kind of scary act with Siberian tigers. But the best part was the incredible atheleticism of all the acts, from women flying from ropes to extraordinary group gynamnists. I also enjoy the whole freaky environment of Coney Island.
meh. animals need jobs too you know. aint no free ride!
*rob*
I’m with iz. I enjoyed the circus for years, but lately have come to recognize it for what it is – blatant animal exploitation.
Bennet?
Mr. B, it’s Bennett.
Don’t know if the quaintness factor can outweigh the heartbreak factor of seeing wild animals used this way. Might have to pass.