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are Sheep really stupid?

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Han

Han

piscator ψ
I often read or hear people say dont be a "Sheep". It is my opinion that this is an awful metaphor, because as opposed to Chickens,Fish,Pigs and many other animals sheep can not be easily "intensively" farmed. They(sheep) need to be grazed outdoors. "Most sheep are farmed outdoors in extensive systems, with less than 1% kept in intensive systems*"
I prefer the term "Puppet" or "Robot" to describe a lack of self determination or blind faith in a person.

in other words: sheep 1 intensive farming 0

*((source))(http://www.ciwf.org.uk/farm_animals/sheep/default.aspx)
 
Han said:
I often read or hear people say dont be a "Sheep". It is my opinion that this is an awful metaphor, because as opposed to Chickens,Fish,Pigs and many other animals sheep can not be easily "intensively" farmed. They(sheep) need to be grazed outdoors. "Most sheep are farmed outdoors in extensive systems, with less than 1% kept in intensive systems*"
I prefer the term "Puppet" or "Robot" to describe a lack of self determination or blind faith in a person.

in other words: sheep 1 intensive farming 0

*((source))(http://www.ciwf.org.uk/farm_animals/sheep/default.aspx)
Click to expand...

I believe the metaphor isn't a comment upon intelligence, but rather an intrinsic need of sheep to be part of a flock.
 
Han said:
I often read or hear people say dont be a "Sheep". It is my opinion that this is an awful metaphor, because as opposed to Chickens,Fish,Pigs and many other animals sheep can not be easily "intensively" farmed. They(sheep) need to be grazed outdoors. "Most sheep are farmed outdoors in extensive systems, with less than 1% kept in intensive systems*"
I prefer the term "Puppet" or "Robot" to describe a lack of self determination or blind faith in a person.

in other words: sheep 1 intensive farming 0

*((source))(http://www.ciwf.org.uk/farm_animals/sheep/default.aspx)
Click to expand...

hahaha, that is the best defense of sheep I have heard. Actually its the only defense of sheep I have ever heard. I love that you included a source. That's awesome! It kind of sounds like something I would have said in college at 2am after a slew of frothy beverages though.

By the way, they say this because sheep are supposedly easily herded and apparently play follow the leader quite easily as well. Its no as much a brain power thing as it is their willingness to conform. But hey, if you want to start a grass roots movement to replace the sheep metaphor with ducklings, lemmings, or whatever I'm in. Sounds like fun. We need a slogan for the T-shirts though.
 
To be honest what I was getting at was, in general people view animals as stupid because of their survival instincts. Lemmings for example do not commit mass suicide, that is a myth.
I think that the problem is that we can not comunicate with them(animals) very well, yes we can train a dog to voice commands for example but we cant interpret them "talking" to each other) we just hear "barking".
The fact is because of evolution animals are adapted to their enviroment, making them "masters" at what they do.
All "Technology" is based on characteristics already adapted by animals.
We are animals, its just we can "understand" when another "human" says we are not animals
I think the idea of seperation is enforced for many reasons but mostly for reasons of conscience. for example myths like "Fish dont feel pain" because we like angling.
I think that all these factors contribute to the idea, that we are the only beings in the universe.

Just incase you are wondering im not a vegitarian as I beleive that "humans" are Omnivors :)
But i do beleive that animals are important and deserve more respect.

as for the T shirt Ron how about this one anim5b.jpg:)

P.S
Q: what do you call a vegitarian who eats fish
A: a Liar
 
Animals are FAR MORE SENTIENT than humans know, I am ---convinced---. Once you become a "pet owner" (I am a cat parent) live with them every day, you experience things that make you say, "I wonder if anyone would believe me, if I told them what (i.e. Mittens) did today?" I never knew or heard that these 'animals' actually ---laugh--- just like you do when watching your favorite comedian or whatnot, but I have watched my cats laugh sometimes, (Moreso when they were younger and played rough with each other) and my sibling says she has seen her dog laugh upon occasion as well.
 
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