October 23, 2007
Editor's Picks
EVENT
 |
Wed., Oct. 24-Fri., Oct. 26, 10:30am and 7:30pm; Sat., Oct. 27, noon, 4:30pm and 8pm; Sun., Oct. 28, 1pm, 3:30pm and 6:30pm. $16-$28.50. Mann Music Center Grounds, 41st St. and Parkside Ave. 800.316.7439. www.universoulcircus.com
“I’ve been to every circus I protest,” claims Marianne Bessey of the Circus Education Campaign. “Outside of the animal manipulation, this is one of the best in the land.”
So the super-groovy and highly rated UniverSoul Circus is described—even by the anti-circus protestors who picket it—as “perhaps the best circus on the planet.”
So, what’s the problem here? What’s the elephant in the room?
Well actually, it’s an elephant. And the rest of the animals. Perhaps African-American comedian-turned-political-activist Dick Gregory said it best: “When I look at animals held captive by circuses, I think of slavery. Animals in circuses represent the domination and oppression we have fought against for so long. They wear the same chains and shackles.”
And therein lies the real question: Should a circus with a mostly African-American cast even exist? Or is comparing the treatment of working animals to African slavery the stupidest piece of flaming liberal assholery since PETA compared chicken farms to the Holocaust?
But that’s not really our problem. We get an amazing circus plus the free entertainment of the protest outside. And that’s a pretty awesome twofer. (Joshua Valocchi)
No comments:
Post a Comment