Elephant killings Increase

Animal protectors and other groups cannot withstand the growing massacre of elephants for their tusks.  For a long time I've winced every time I see an "ivory" object on Antiques Roadshow even though they carefully point out that these items are from elephants killed a very long time ago, even though they say they will not show "new ivory."  I wrote to the show today.

" Dear Directors, Editors, and Producers of Antique Roadshow – With countless others I am a fan of your programs. However, I  am asking you to reconsider the showing of even antique ivory objects.  The argument is made that these objects represent human artistry from long-dead elephants.  However, even the special sound of an appraiser’s voice saying “ivory” can ignite the desire in human beings to possess ivory objects.  Just as even the wearing of antique furs encourages others to buy new furs.  I note that you do not feature furs – an excellent decision.

Please think about the influence of showing antique ivory – you may think of it as subtle.  Rather,  it is a compelling message causing humans to want to possess such vaunted things.  The caveats -- pointing out that this is antique ivory -- do not have the power to override the concomitant praise given to the object. Saying “ivory” is the cultural equivalent of saying “diamond.” It impels a desire in the consumerist peoples of the world.  The proof of this statement lies in the ravening business of killing elephants for their tusks, a business which is growing rather than lessening.

Take a higher road.  The killing of elephants by poachers has reached one every fifteen mintues.  Please join the consciousness now arising which calls on us to regard the web of life as humans have never regarded it before.  We live WITHIN it, not apart from it, not above it.  We must develop new approaches to thinking and caring about it – for the sake of our souls, for the sake of life itself.  Every destructive act resonates more than we have ever realized before.  Please become part of the new realization, the new way to be a human on the living planet, our only home.  Please stop praising and appraising the sad relics of dead elephants, no matter how humans may have tried to transform them.  It’s not actually so different from showing a lamp shade made of human skin, no matter how “beautifully” it may be done.

Thank you for reading this letter.  A response would be most welcome"