Blackfish

 

Recently in my class while learning about persuasion we watched the documentary Blackfish which focuses on killer whales being kept in captivity in SeaWorld. During and after watching the film I was shocked. I never knew or could even imagine that these things were currently going on in SeaWorld, and that most people including me don’t know about it. I never knew the extent of the conditions the whales went through such as living in a concrete pool their whole life, having their babies taken away from them, and being attacked by other whales. Not only that, but SeaWorld is covering it up to save themselves instead of thinking of the poor animals. Even

Growing up I loved watching the Shamoo commercials on TV, and when I got to go to the show I was excited, and even took home a Shamoo stuffed animal. Why our animal-based amusement parks such a big part of our culture? Why do we love going to an amusement park to watch animals being kept in small enclosures for our own amusement instead of seeing them in the wild. What gives us the people the right over animals? After animals have been on the earth long before humans. Many people might argue that animals live longer in captivity so it’s justifiable, but is it worth keeping them alive longer if they aren’t happy, and have a miserable life?

Even though the documentary upset me I recommend for everyone to watch it not only to understand what I’m talking about, but to understand what our country is allowing us to do to these animals, and that I believe it’s ethically, and morally wrong. Although, humans have indeed been on this earth for billions of years, animals have been on it longer. So what gives us the right to control these animals? What gives us the right to dictate these animals, and their future lives? Why are our lives more important?

Blackfish although is an upsetting documentary, but I recommend that everyone watch it not only to understand where I’m coming from, but to witness what is currently happening in our country, and to open your eyes to all the possibilities of things that are not only going on at SeaWorld, but zoos and other animal  based theme parks across America.

Ellen DeGeneres

 

 

 

               One of my favorite shows for a while hands down is of course Ellen Degeneres’ talk show Ellen. Ellen Degeneres who is none other than a comedic god is a host of her own talk show which airs every day at 4/3c on CBS.

                In addition to watching her show every day I also watch it whenever I’m in a bad mood, or feeling down and need a pick me up, because my girl Ellen is always there. Ellen’s talk show usually consists of her little intro speech she gives after she walks out onto the stage, followed by her dancing through the aisles as everyone claps, and dances along, which is so contagious that I usually catch myself tapping my foot against the carpet. After this the show continues on, and is filled with laughter, celebrities, and pure joy.

                What sets Ellen apart from other talk show hosts is her generosity (after all it is in her name.) Ellen gives back to those who as cheesy as it sounds “make this world a better place.” These people consist of a firefighter who saved a dog from a building, a man who has a pizza shop where he gives homeless people food, teachers who use money from their own wallet to pay for supplies, and so many more great people. Ellen thanks them by usually giving them a gift which usually consists of money, and rightfully so. This makes me respect Ellen so much more, because there’s many celebrities out there who buy luxurious things with their money such as $50,000 bracelet, and that’s not wrong I mean they can spend their money however they want, and I’m sure Ellen buys luxurious things too, but she also gives back, and because of that I respect her so much.

                Recently, Ellen has been taking the world by storm, and rightfully so. But why do we love Ellen so much? Why do we the people love when the clock hits four or three to turn on our television sets to watch someone tell jokes? Although I don't speak for everyone, but I know that personally Ellen has helped me so much. When I’m having a bad day I just turn on her show, and for that moment that complete hour I feel happy, and forget about all the stress, and frustration that went on throughout my day, and that no matter what kind of day I’m having my girl Ellen is only a click away.