Seriously, why tiger? Dozens of writers, artists, film-makers, historians and businessmen have used "tiger" in their works - Tiger Airways, The white tiger, Crouching tiger, hidden Dragon, even Tiger woods. What makes this charismatic animal so attractive, to be used not literally but more so as a metaphor?
Random fact - there are no tigers in Sri Lanka. So probably Prabhakaran also believed that "tiger" is far cooler than "leopard/panther", smaller cousins that inhabit the island in no small number.
The following hypothesis crops up instantly -
The tiger has been confined to the Orient. The proof of this lies in its (former) distribution. From the Caspian Sea in the North West to the Amur river and Korea in the North East; from Mesopotamia in the South West to Bali and Sumatra in the South East. This has had a profound impact on the culture and lives of practically every Asian community. People have lived alongside tigers for thousands of years and awe and admiration is a common denominator among them. Hindus associate tigers with Goddess Durga, the people of Bengal believe in a heavenly truce with tigers while the Chinese revere the Tiger as a 'king' for the markings on its forehead resembles the symbol of Wang, Chinese for "king". So all that the Europeans had heard of it until 200 years or so were in tales, hugely exaggerated like most stories of the time. Perhaps "Chinese Whisper" isn't as racist as we think. And when the Europeans finally came over to build colonies they probably transferred this reverence toward the cat to its elusive yet brave characteristics - of skulking in thickets as much as possible but giving the hunter a valiant fight when cornered.
So here's a hashtag that can be used - a synonym for any of the myriad qualities that the tiger possesses/made to possess. Tiger Woods liked it and so did Arvind Adiga. Eastern Paintings hold tigers in great esteem and this has led to the all too familiar mystic image of the tiger.
Alas, this image has been yanked a bit too far by conservationists who believe that love for the wild tiger is universal. Aircel has gone ahead with the campaign, roping in celebrities who pledge to "save the tiger". The aam aadmi however sits in front of his old Onida, wondering briefly what he can do and then not finding an answer, he brushes it aside to mull over rising petrol prices.
Moral - this won't suffice to save the tiger. It must be left alone, in the wild and utmost protecting offered to all of the forests denizens and devoid of fanfare. Ranthambore's tigers will understand when I say inviolate.
links, for those mildly curious:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_(disambiguation)
http://www.maansu.com/the-cult-of-the-tiger-thapar-valmik-book-9780195660364 - book available in college library
This is for those wishing to learn more about the tiger in the only "proper" way - to visit its forests. You might not see the tiger, but you will have a better perspective of his world and the need to protect him.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_Reserves_of_India
In my view, Edmund Hillary (George Mallory?) would have said the same thing had he been asked about the need to save the tiger.
The following hypothesis crops up instantly -
The tiger has been confined to the Orient. The proof of this lies in its (former) distribution. From the Caspian Sea in the North West to the Amur river and Korea in the North East; from Mesopotamia in the South West to Bali and Sumatra in the South East. This has had a profound impact on the culture and lives of practically every Asian community. People have lived alongside tigers for thousands of years and awe and admiration is a common denominator among them. Hindus associate tigers with Goddess Durga, the people of Bengal believe in a heavenly truce with tigers while the Chinese revere the Tiger as a 'king' for the markings on its forehead resembles the symbol of Wang, Chinese for "king". So all that the Europeans had heard of it until 200 years or so were in tales, hugely exaggerated like most stories of the time. Perhaps "Chinese Whisper" isn't as racist as we think. And when the Europeans finally came over to build colonies they probably transferred this reverence toward the cat to its elusive yet brave characteristics - of skulking in thickets as much as possible but giving the hunter a valiant fight when cornered.
So here's a hashtag that can be used - a synonym for any of the myriad qualities that the tiger possesses/made to possess. Tiger Woods liked it and so did Arvind Adiga. Eastern Paintings hold tigers in great esteem and this has led to the all too familiar mystic image of the tiger.
Alas, this image has been yanked a bit too far by conservationists who believe that love for the wild tiger is universal. Aircel has gone ahead with the campaign, roping in celebrities who pledge to "save the tiger". The aam aadmi however sits in front of his old Onida, wondering briefly what he can do and then not finding an answer, he brushes it aside to mull over rising petrol prices.
Moral - this won't suffice to save the tiger. It must be left alone, in the wild and utmost protecting offered to all of the forests denizens and devoid of fanfare. Ranthambore's tigers will understand when I say inviolate.
links, for those mildly curious:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_(disambiguation)
http://www.maansu.com/the-cult-of-the-tiger-thapar-valmik-book-9780195660364 - book available in college library
This is for those wishing to learn more about the tiger in the only "proper" way - to visit its forests. You might not see the tiger, but you will have a better perspective of his world and the need to protect him.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_Reserves_of_India
In my view, Edmund Hillary (George Mallory?) would have said the same thing had he been asked about the need to save the tiger.
there are no tigers in Sri Lanka. So Probably Prabhakaran also believe that "tiger" is far cooler than "leopard/panther",
ReplyDeleteNever thought of this. :D
Beautiful post!
ReplyDeleteExcellently written :)
http://bestword.ca/William_Blake_The_Tyger_Analysis_01.html
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this, "Tyger" has been one the most significant contributors to this tiger-obsession.