Why Anthropomorphizing Real Animals is Harmful
Anthropomorphizing animals, or attributing human qualities and emotions to them, is a common behavior that both entertains and misleads us. This practice, whether through children’s books, movies, or even pet fashion trends, can be seen as a harmless extension of our love and connection to the animals around us. However, it is crucial to recognize that anthropomorphizing animals can lead to misunderstandings and even harm. This article explores why it is important to avoid anthropomorphizing animals and respects their unique nature, which includes their instincts, emotions, and behaviors.
Two Common Mistakes in Thinking About Animals
When considering animals, it is important to avoid two major pitfalls. The first is the false assumption that animals are identical to humans, which often leads to the second mistake: treating them as completely different from humans. Both mistakes ignore the fact that, as a part of the animal kingdom, we share many commonalities with our animal counterparts. We are not simply humans in fur coats; instead, we are interconnected in a way that deserves our respect and understanding of their true natures.
Understanding Why Anthropomorphizing is Misleading
Anthropomorphizing animals does not mean that they do not have emotions or are not intelligent. Dogs and other pets can understand instructions and have emotional connections with their owners. However, it is essential to recognize that their emotional and behavioral responses are different from ours. A dog that seems joyful might be expressing excitement, while a cat that appears sad is simply showing discomfort. These subtle differences should be cherished and understood, not confused with human emotions.
The Inappropriate Treatment of Animals
The unreasonable practices of dressing up pets like children, believing that they enjoy such outfits, only serve to embarrass the animals and cause them distress. While pets should be treated with care and love, it is crucial not to diminish their individuality and treat them as mere accessories. Instead, they should be allowed to be who they are, embracing their unique characteristics and instincts.
Respecting the Unique Nature of Animals
Anthropomorphizing animals can lead to a misinterpretation of their behavior and emotions. For example, attributing jealousy or joy to Fifi, the family dog, because she seems to show behavior that might be interpreted as such, is far from accurate. Fifi’s reactions are better understood as a result of her instincts and territorial behavior. A dog’s anger towards a mailman is not due to jealousy but rather a reaction to a stranger entering its territory without permission. Recognizing the true meaning of an animal’s behavior allows for a deeper and more accurate understanding and appreciation of their characteristics and emotions.
The Importance of Scientific Accuracy
In scientific communities, anthropomorphizing animals can lead to overgeneralizations and inaccurate conclusions. Some researchers go to extreme lengths to avoid anthropomorphizing, which can result in overlooking clear evidence of similarities between animal and human behaviors. For instance, declaring that a dog cannot love us solely because the emotion in question is unique to humans is both oversimplified and incorrect. Dogs do experience love, though in a different form than humans. This misunderstanding can limit our ability to empathize with both humans and animals, who may react and think in ways that diverge from our own norms.
Conclusion
Anthropomorphizing animals is both a harmless and harmful behavior depending on the context. While it can make us feel closer to our beloved pets and other animals, it can also lead to a misunderstanding of their true natures and instincts. By respecting the unique behaviors and emotions of animals, we can create a more empathetic and informed relationship with our animal friends. Remember, while we may see them as family, they should also be allowed to be the animals they are, with their own distinct instincts and emotional lives.