bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - Thomas Pakenham

Funny reading this thread, I encountered a very similar response over the Christmas period.

My mother bought me a copy of Martin Treasure's latest book, but before wrapping it up decided to have a read of it - probably, I suspect, not only because she is a keen gardener, but also out of curiosity for this myth and fable enshrouded pursuit of ours.

Over the dinner table, the first thing she said that bonsai reminded her of was Chinese foot-binding. When I asked why, she said that confining roots in pots and binding young girls' feet is similar, as man is controlling nature and attempting to stunt its growth. She did not extrapolate that statement to the mistaken belief that bonsai must therefore be cruel. I like to think that she isn't daft enough to think that trees feel pain - spending as much time as she does lopping branches off apple trees and such-like. Without that extrapolation, the comment is a valid one.

I think that in cases like this, education through rational discourse is the way forward - that is, in my opinion, the way to tackle ignorance, and in that regard I agree with Gary and Fred. The first impression that I got from Andy's letter was the tactical similarity used by certain elements of the pro-Israeli lobby whenever anything they don't agree with is reported in the press. I certainly wouldn't expect it to have the desired result.

Regards,

Fish.

__________________
Old age and treachery will overcome youth and skill.

HEALTH WARNING: Engage brain fully, before typing into keyboard.

"We are the average gamers and we'll kill you badly. There'll be no finesse. no fancy tricks, no inventive attacks, just 2 whole smg clips and a rain of 'nades."

6-Jan-2003	#39
Emperor Fish Bonsai Otaku Join Date: Nov-2002 Location: Hants Country: England USDA Zone: 8 ish AHS Heat Zone: 2-3 Posts: 570	Funny reading this thread, I encountered a very similar response over the Christmas period. My mother bought me a copy of Martin Treasure's latest book, but before wrapping it up decided to have a read of it - probably, I suspect, not only because she is a keen gardener, but also out of curiosity for this myth and fable enshrouded pursuit of ours. Over the dinner table, the first thing she said that bonsai reminded her of was Chinese foot-binding. When I asked why, she said that confining roots in pots and binding young girls' feet is similar, as man is controlling nature and attempting to stunt its growth. She did not extrapolate that statement to the mistaken belief that bonsai must therefore be cruel. I like to think that she isn't daft enough to think that trees feel pain - spending as much time as she does lopping branches off apple trees and such-like. Without that extrapolation, the comment is a valid one. I think that in cases like this, education through rational discourse is the way forward - that is, in my opinion, the way to tackle ignorance, and in that regard I agree with Gary and Fred. The first impression that I got from Andy's letter was the tactical similarity used by certain elements of the pro-Israeli lobby whenever anything they don't agree with is reported in the press. I certainly wouldn't expect it to have the desired result. Regards, Fish. __________________ Old age and treachery will overcome youth and skill. HEALTH WARNING: Engage brain fully, before typing into keyboard. "We are the average gamers and we'll kill you badly. There'll be no finesse. no fancy tricks, no inventive attacks, just 2 whole smg clips and a rain of 'nades."