the good, the baD & the ugly

& ALSO, THE IN-BETWEEN

THE CASE FOR ANTHROPOMORPHISM

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As with most natural tendencies we have, such as jealousy, anger, and so on, anthropomorphism isn’t intrinsically good or bad. It’s what we do with it that makes the difference. There have been many debates on whether or not anthropomorphism has, indeed, helped conservation of different at-risk species, or if it has, instead, resulted in more conservation issues such as extinction.

Is it good?

THE GOOD

In the previous page, you read about the psychology explaining why we anthropomorphise, as well as the ways in which we do so. And as you were reading it, some examples of animals were raised - dolphins, elephants, dogs. I'm pretty sure that none of these animal species seems alien to you. How about those in the pictures on this page? Do you recognise most of them? I would think so!

BUT WHY? It's not like you see dolphins or elephants on the streets every day. Why are they so recognisable?

Charismatic Megafauna

The traits of being a mammal, having similar physical features to humans, and having a big brain, are just some of the common characteristics of what we call Animal Charisma, otherwise known as Charismatic Megafauna. What we presented were just mere examples of a long list of things that humans look out for. The list is of things that humans tend to relate to animals with is endless!

Charismatic Megafauna often take the form of large animals, as their sheer size makes them stand out more. Their charisma tends to earn them widespread popular appeal – making them the main subject of some of the biggest blockbusters as well as stuffed toys or apparel design.

The familiarity of these animals is often a result of them being included in the capitalist world, which adopts anthropomorphism in a cyclic way.

Some consider this as nothing to be pleased about, but for now, let's consider the benefits.

Science, or mere observation, discover characteristics of animals people can relate to

These animals get anthropomorphised

The popularity of the animal increases

The animals become reflected and a part of the consumer’s lifestyle

People like them even more, thereby increasing their popularity even further

More money is given into the funding for research and/ or programs for these animals

But at this point, the increasing popularity results in something special:

Flagship

Species

WHAT

Flagship Species is defined in different ways by differ groups of people.

But to sum it up, a Flagship Species is a particular species of animal that is used as an ambassador to represent a broader scope of animals or environments that require attention due to their appeal to the target audience.

Because humans are drawn to things they can relate to, conservation organisations have used this to form emotional connections between humans and animals. This has allowed for room for growth in empathy for animals, which has facilitated many opportunities to educate the public.

But if Anthropomorphism has been so good, why are there arguments against it, and what are they?

Is it bad?

THE BAD

Just like how guns can serve to protect or attack, anthropomorphism can do so too.

It is a double-edged sword.

The Alternative Cycle

More money is given into the funding for research and/ or programs for these animals

People like them even more, thereby increasing their popularity even further

The popularity of the animal increases

These animals get anthropomorphised

Science, or mere observation, discover characteristics of animals people can relate to

The animals become reflected and a part of the consumer’s lifestyle

Objectification

Captivity

Neglect

Anthropomorphism has allowed charismatic species to have funds directed to them and/ or the animals they represent. This has received stunning results in conservation movements and NGOs in being able to protect and conserve these animals.

As humans, we want to own what we like. In an attempt to build empathy, conservation movements tend to anthropomorphize and raise the importance of certain species that need saving. The tendency to anthropomorphise and the liking of the animal that follows can, indeed generate donations. However, it has also caused other groups of people to want to own that is rare.

Is a technique to generate income through the use of marketing of a living, relatable thing into an object of sales, or a means to sell something. This tends to put the outcome of monetary generation over consideration of the being’s feelings, thoughts and/or preferences. While this is can be used to gain support and donations for animals, it is hardly so. Instead, it is used solely for capital gain most of the time.

Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land.

Aldo Leopold

At the end of the day, it's not about refraining from anthropomorphising or anthropomorphising everything.

We can't choose whether or not to to anthropomorphise - it's almost wired into us.

What matters most is the course of action we choose to do - is what we do out of vain, selfish reason,

or will it be something that is done for the grander scheme of things?