Cecil, mob mentality, and the fallen world

By Neal Schindler

A few days ago, in response to the Cecil the lion/Walter Palmer story, I posted the following status on Facebook: “As someone who cares a lot about animals, I understand where the rage toward Walter Palmer is coming from. But hunting and killing him isn’t going to happen and wouldn’t bring Cecil back. I do think he deserves some serious jail time and a fine that hits like Thor’s hammer.” I wrote this because I had visited a news website where the comments thread devolved quickly into rhetorical vigilantism. Then I came across a persuasive article by Max Fisher, entitled “From Gamergate to Cecil the lion: internet mob justice is out of control.” This piece led me, in turn, to Jon Ronson’s fantastic exploration of Justine Sacco’s 15 minutes of infamy back in 2013.

I’m Jewish, but I spend enough time around Christians to have a rudimentary understanding of a few Christian concepts. I’ve often heard Christians describe our world as “broken” and “sinful,” based on the fall of man. When I think of human error, of our deeply imperfect nature, I tend to think of how horrifically we mistreat animals.

Yes, the animal kingdom is a wild place of hunting and killing and eating. In the natural world, death is, indeed, ubiquitous. And yes, the strong generally dominate the weak. But among animals there is also concern for group welfare. There is pack loyalty, and parents protect their young. Dearly departed Cecil’s brother is expected by wildlife experts to keep Cecil’s offspring safe, because it’s what lions do. It’s what’s best for Cecil’s bloodline — essentially, for his family.

It’s instinct, of course. But some sizable part of our own parental tendencies has to be instinct, too. As time passes, I see less and less benefit to thinking of humans as radically different from other animals. Some theologies tell us we have dominion over all other species, like born rulers over their subjects. That arrogant mindset has led to pollution, global warming, factory farming, and illegally poached lions.

I stand by what I wrote on Facebook. Keyboard warriors and in-person activists alike can assault Walter Palmer’s well-being and that of his family, but none of it will bring Cecil back, advance the cause of animal rights, or shut down poaching. My personal belief is that hunting for sport is not inherently moral. Reducing an animal population as mercifully as possible for that population’s own benefit is one thing. So is respectful hunting for needed meat among robust animal populations that can withstand the culling. But animal heads on walls, and that iconic photo of Ernest Hemingway smiling beside a dead lion, bring to my mind only the worst qualities that human beings possess.

I’ve heard people say that Palmer had no idea that what he was doing was illegal. On an emotional level, this strikes me as a tremendously unsatisfying explanation. I hope Palmer’s alleged ignorance doesn’t shield him from legal punishment for what he did. But what matters more than Palmer’s fate is whether Cecil’s death nudges the animal-rights movement further into the mainstream.

The other day I received an envelope inviting me to rejoin the Sierra Club. On the front was a picture of a dead wolf in the snow. I had two thoughts at once: 1) This is emotional manipulation, and 2) It’s totally working on me. I have a soft spot for wolves, especially since a fear-mongering local billboard campaign irresponsibly portrayed them as bloodthirsty killers of children.

My energy isn’t going into wishing Walter Palmer ill. That kind of thinking seems like time and emotion misspent. I’m trying instead to focus on how I can more authentically live out my values as a deeply imperfect human who wants to do right by his countless fellow beings.