The Blame Game

THE BLAME GAME Because a young child ended up in a gorilla’s enclosure, in a zoo, the gorilla was shot and killed. Tragic and terribly sad. A handsome young gorilla, a rare and fine example of his species, who did not seem to be doing anything wrong, is dead. So sad....... though, like others, we need to point out that the child is, thankfully, alive and well. A tragic and sad event, but who’s to blame? Many point to the child’s mother and think it is her fault for not watching her child closely enough, for letting him find a way into the gorilla’s compound. She is called incompetent, is said to be an example of inept parenting, and, some have even called for her to be investigated for possible child neglect. Her behavior is said to be the cause of the gorilla’s death. Others, equally adamant, condemn the zoo staff, arguing that they should have used a tranquilizer and not a gun. Still others point to the zoo structure and say it should be constructed in a way which prevents humans from getting through. Some (I hate to say this) are even blaming the child and saying he should be responsible for his actions (a 4 year old, really????). Seeking an explanation for a tragic event can have a good result. It may enable one to take corrective actions that prevent a repeat tragedy. Building higher fences or barriers with smaller openings might prevent children from squeezing into dangerous animal compounds. Maybe more personnel are needed as guards. But, in this tragic gorilla incident, most of the comments are not constructive. They are not tributes to the wonders of the gorilla, the care he has received and fact that urban dwellers are able to see and appreciate a being such as this. They are simply rants about how somebody or other did something wrong. Why? Why do so many of us feel the need to elevate ourselves by criticizing others? Please, lets stop playing the “Blame Game” and start having useful conversations.