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Birdland · 11-07-2002, 01:10 AM

Well, I suppose we have to accept that Tolkien was definitely not a "cat lover". But if we look at popular culture, cats usually are portrayed more as villains than heroes. Disney is particularly guilty of this, IMHO.

I credit this to the "worse case" use of anthropomorphisizing, (crediting human reactions and emotions to non-human things). Science throughout the ages cautioned against this, but it seems when it come to the baser instincts, people are more than willing to attribute these to the "lower species". And since (I'm sorry), it was usually men who would make these scientific and cultural distinctions - and since it is men that generally do not like cats - well...there you have it. Cats are sneaky, underhanded, conniving, evil creatures. (And, of course, it is mere coincidence that these "cat-like" qualities are often attributed to women, as well).

Thank goodness, times have changed. Cats no longer have to live up to our expectations, but can be appreciated for what they are; cats.

(Birdie steps down off of her soapbox, as her two bob-tail cats applaud enthusiastically.)

[ November 07, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

11-07-2002, 01:10 AM	#11
Birdland Ghastly Neekerbreeker Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: the banks of the mighty Scioto Posts: 1,751	Well, I suppose we have to accept that Tolkien was definitely not a "cat lover". But if we look at popular culture, cats usually are portrayed more as villains than heroes. Disney is particularly guilty of this, IMHO. I credit this to the "worse case" use of anthropomorphisizing, (crediting human reactions and emotions to non-human things). Science throughout the ages cautioned against this, but it seems when it come to the baser instincts, people are more than willing to attribute these to the "lower species". And since (I'm sorry), it was usually men who would make these scientific and cultural distinctions - and since it is men that generally do not like cats - well...there you have it. Cats are sneaky, underhanded, conniving, evil creatures. (And, of course, it is mere coincidence that these "cat-like" qualities are often attributed to women, as well). Thank goodness, times have changed. Cats no longer have to live up to our expectations, but can be appreciated for what they are; cats. (Birdie steps down off of her soapbox, as her two bob-tail cats applaud enthusiastically.) [ November 07, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]