"We're always on the side of the animal that's being chased. We always seem to be on the side of the rabbit or the fox and not on the side of the hounds"
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Norman Jewison's quote, "We're constantly on the side of the animal that's being chased. We constantly seem to be on the side of the rabbit or the fox and not on the side of the hounds", is an engaging metaphor reviewing human compassion and ethical positioning. At its core, this declaration elucidates a natural human tendency to root for the underdog, a principle deeply embedded in different cultural narratives and ethical teachings.
The "animal that's being gone after" represents any entity in a susceptible or disadvantaged position, whether in nature or social constructs. To promote the bunny or the fox over the hounds is to promote for those who are marginalized or oppressed. This viewpoint is ingrained in human awareness, manifested in stories and folklore where the small, creative creature outwits a more powerful enemy. It reflects a universal desire to see justice prevail and the weaker celebration gotten rid of misfortune.
On a wider level, Jewison's words can be interpreted as a critique of societal power dynamics. It suggests a fundamental ethical impulse to line up with justice and fairness, promoting for those who might not have the means to safeguard themselves. This compassion is crucial in ethical decision-making and social justice, prompting people to stand next to those who are pursued by bigger forces, be they corporations, governments, or other powerful entities.
Moreover, the declaration implicitly acknowledges the intricacy of the human condition. It does not villainize the hounds but highlights our instinctual compassion for the pursued. The hounds, frequently symbolic of organized forces, are not inherently evil but part of a natural or societal hierarchy. The quote encourages reflection on which side we align ourselves with in our daily lives and difficulties us to think seriously about justice, fairness, and the distribution of power.
Eventually, Jewison's metaphor extends beyond an easy animal chase, welcoming us to evaluate our ethical positions and to consistently question our role in communal and global stories, guaranteeing we use our empathetic instincts to assist actions towards equity and empathy.
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