An Authentic Life September 4, 2006
This morning while checking news on the internet, I was sad to read that Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, was killed in a tragic accident. Even Peter said there must be some mistake but after checking numerous websites, we knew it was true. I hope the reports are accurate and he was in no pain. Peter and I send our prayers and condolences to his young children, wife, family, friends, and colleagues.
As I thought about the whole thing, I knew that despite Steve Irwin's young age he had lived a full life. He is a role model for living authentically. He did what he loved, shared his knowledge, tried to make the world a better place, loved his wife and children and never lied about who he was. I heard him being made fun of for his outfits and even his 'Crikey' comments about nearly everything. None of the nasty gossip ever changed who he was or how he presented himself. He was authentic, honest, the real deal, what you saw was what you got.
In a world where so many people are trying to look better than someone else, be better than someone else, dress better than someone else, be the most popular, look good in the eyes of someone else, get power, live through their children, or simply live dishonestly, in this world, Steve Irwin is a treasure. I took it for granted that most people were relatively honest and authentic until recently when select youth soccer parents opened my eyes to most people's true nature. Steve Irwin was a rarity and he was unfortunately unique.
Steve Irwin's authenticity will live on through his show, his family and his work. I admire and honor Steve Irwin and people like him. They are the true gems of our world.
September 14, 2006
I was extremely disturbed to hear 2 things after September 4th; stingrays are being mutilated in Australia perhaps in retaliation for Steve Irwin's death, and that animal activist groups are saying that Steve Irwin antagonized wild animals to make money.
Dealing with the first, I understand the anger.....I have a relative who was shot for no reason and my immediate reaction was fury. However, Steve Irwin would never want or condone anyone harming stingrays. It was a freak and tragic accident. Anyone who truly honors Steve Irwin would never harm a stingray.
In regards to the so-called animal activist groups, attacking a man who spent his life working for conservation of wildlife after his death is beyond the pale. I support many causes relating to the proper treatment of animals, both wild and domestic. But let me frame my point of view and argument for a minute.
When I was a child I was fortunate enough that my father worked for an amusement park that also had a wildlife\zoo-type attraction. I was exposed to wildlife and it was a wonder and fascinating to me. One summer, the lions had cubs....a bunch of them. We drove to the park one weekend and the cubs were separated from the lioness for some reason. The wildlife manager decided that it would be okay if I went in to play with the cubs while the lioness was not there. I was dressed in shorts and a t-shirt. I immediately said I would love to play with the cubs, but once I was in there with them I realized that lions are born with claws longer than a Chap-Stick. They were very curious about me and I felt a big connection with them, the only problem being that they wanted to play and I was wearing shorts. I let them claw my legs for a long time before I left the cage because I knew I would probably never have an opportunity like that again. And I never have.
Watching Steve Irwin's show, The Crocodile Hunter, was like being in that cage again. I never felt that he was antagonizing or 'using' the animals for his gain. He made the channel, The Animal Planet, a success. I truly believe that Jeff Corwin, The Dog Whisperer or any of those shows could never have existed without his drive and enthusiasm.
I also think a lot of this criticism is nothing but whistling through the graveyard. And if you are afraid, do not blame it on Steve Irwin or anyone else. Steve Irwin deserves respect and honor.
Comments welcome: CourtBlueDiamond@aol.com