when i opened my email today, i was faced with a promotion for the latest issue of e-flux journal #13. the cover:
agh! this elephant execution photo sent me into a flurry of finding out more about elephant executions and the public's fascination with these larger-that-life death sentences. most circus elephants were often put in a tight spot but this is just rude. seems i'm not ok with pachyderm deaths when apparently fine with all other dead animals (other than eating them). the original photo: 
there is also a video of topsy the elephant being electrocuted thanks to the suggestion of none other than mr. thomas edison. according to clayton cubitt's report:
"Topsy was deemed an ill-tempered and dangerous animal since she had killed three men in as many years, including an abusive trainer who tried to feed her a lit cigarette."
seems as though being an elephant does not exempt you from persecution when defending yourself. oh injustice! so how have people responded? roadside america has a list (with great photos of memorielephants) of famous elephant burial sites; i'm planning a visit to the memorial to "little bet" in chepachet, RI in a week or so to pay my respects if anyone wants to join.
agra, india: stone "tusks" in a memorial to an emperor's favorite elephant
elephant "cremation pendant" (alternate use: snuff bling?)
1 comment:
speaking of dead animals, yesterday there was a dead blue bird on one of the lower roofs of janelia. so i literally run to get my camera. by the time i get back i find the bird gone and two men wielding shovels-informing me that the bird has been buried.
i can't believe i missed such an opportune opportunity.
hanging elephants is a strange and disturbing thing
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