Replying to LO29180 --
Dear Jan, At, Rick and LO'ers
Jan Lelie Wrote
> An anarchy - in my opinion - is a power struggle: an intermediate,
> transitional state were at least two (sub)groups, each with their own set
> of rules and laws, are fighting. These rules and laws are based in a set
> of values and norms. They might also have emerged from unconscious desires
> and wants, repressed feelings and emotion. During this anarchy period
> other rules rule: the rule of force, power. When elephants fight, the
> grass suffers. This period of transition might be caused by leaders that
> do not embrace a ROL or by a ROL that will lead to transition.
In South Africa we are very familiar with the saying: " When elephants
fight, the grass suffers". Not only do we often use the saying as a
metaphor describing the tragedy of the commons, but the phenomena can be
easily observed in for e.g. The Kruger National Park - South Africa's
largest wildlife sanctuary. Yearly hundreds of elephants are culled in
the Park.
I am of the opinion that the "catergorical identity" of the saying is
important. Where does this saying come from? When did people start to
observe this phenomena? Did the phenomena always exist? Why does this
phenomena exist? Etc........
I believe the reality is a bit more complex than just depicting the
tragedy of commons. This phenomena started to manifest when humans with
superior technology, destructively interfered with the environment of the
elephants in such a way and to such an extent that the natural migratory
routes were "destroyed" and "disturbed". The migration of elephants is
crucial for the harmonious existence of not only the elephants but other
species as well. This harmony was destroyed by us. Numerous cases have
been documented and photographed were hundreds of elephants starved to
death - unprecedented die-off occured due to the fact that elephants could
no longer follow their natural migratory routes. Not only did the
"commons suffer" but the elephants also paid the ultimate "price" - death.
Can we learn from this?
Regards
Alfred Rheeder
alfred@pvm.co.za
--Alfred Rheeder <alfred@pvm.co.za>
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