I came across this interesting billboard on my walk Tuesday. It's part of a campaign by several organizations to point out that trans rights are human rights, and push back against recent disinformation and hostility toward the trans community (witness the Bud Light fiasco). Bravo, I say.
Yesterday was very rainy. I was home all day, and when I wasn't doing stuff online I was reading my latest book, "Venomous Lumpsucker." (How could I NOT read a novel with a title like that?) It's very well written and the premise -- that global capitalism has developed a system for commodifying the extinction of species -- seems frighteningly realistic. But it's also depressing. I hate to think of a world where mining companies can buy credits that allow them to extinguish a species of fish that's standing in the way of their business plan. Bleak! We can all imagine it happening, though, can't we?
On a brighter note, when I walked Olga in the morning, I found a Jersey Tiger moth on a brick wall in the nearby housing estate -- the first one I've seen this year. Here's a quick video, including a slo-mo portion so you can see its beautiful orange body and underwings.
The butterfly is lovely.
ReplyDeleteI tried Bud once and it was awful. I can't imagine Light is any better, but aside from the initial drop in sales, drinkers will return. Wouldn't it be un-American to not drink Bud.
Mining and farming carbon credits trouble me greatly. Trading in them is even worse. "I can pollute here because I have credits I've paid for!"
"Venomous Lumpsucker"? I thought you were going to announce that you're reading a new Donald Trump biography. As for the Jersey tiger moth, how would you like to be woken up by a massive finger poking your nether region?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the slo-mo. Wow! A Jersey tiger moth, huh? Is it from Hoboken? I love that billboard. So tragic that American ignorance has such a powerful influence on the rest of the world. Glad to see the kickback there.
ReplyDeleteThat moth is beautiful! I love the slow motion effect that you put in. I think it is kind of scary how in the USA we have seemingly moved backwards with LGBTQ rights.
ReplyDeleteThat is a beauty!
ReplyDeleteIts range must be moving northwards?
I don't know the names of any butterflies or moths, I just call them all "pretty". It's amazing what cashed up companies can get away with when they want to make even more money.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed seeing the video, especially the slow motion part.
ReplyDeleteI'm dismayed to find that some of the transphobia is coming from the gay community, very sad. I'm an ally of all people!
ReplyDeleteButterflies are scarce this year, so thanks for the video.
What a lovely butterfly!
ReplyDeleteAs you know, trans rights are a very personal issue around here.
So some good and some bad in today's post.
ReplyDeleteGood video, Steve! I enjoyed that slow motion look!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a beautiful moth. We haven't been seeing very many moths or butterflies here this summer. So, it's lovely to see that beauty there.
ReplyDeleteI always wish the world would just wake up to the kind truth of just respecting all people.
I enjoyed that moth video. Your book sounds depressing and scary. But, now that I say that, so is reading the newspaper.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful moth! Moths just don't get the same love that butterflies get.
ReplyDeleteReading is a great rainy day thing! and that moth is a stunner. That's an impressive billboard. I hope people pay attention to it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful moth. Yes to trans rights. All justice must be intersectional.
ReplyDeleteImagine it happening? I'm sure it happens a lot. I know of several instances in Senegal when businesses wanted something and weren't averse to destroying ecosystems.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: I think the Bud Light thing is a classic case of not understanding your market. They tried to broaden their appeal, and for noble reasons, but it alienated their core consumers. Also, as you said, it's terrible beer.
ReplyDeleteYP: It may not have been polite but I couldn't get it to move any other way!
Mitchell: I think Britain overall is less consumed with identity politics and anti-gay and anti-trans religious fervor, though there is a bit of it.
Michael: I agree. The state of LGBTQ+ issues in the USA is terrifying.
GZ: Apparently, at least around London. Many of the websites say they're uncommon aside from certain areas on the south coast, but I see them every year.
River: I've found that if I learn the names of plants, animals and insects, I pay more attention to them. Knowledge makes them more interesting.
Colette: Good! They fly so fast it's hard to see the colors otherwise.
Boud: I feel the same way. I'm happy to support anyone who's living their life and not trying to impose on others.
Ms Moon: I imagine trans rights are personal to lots of people these days.
Red: A mix, just like life!
Ellen D: Glad you liked it!
Robin: I love how you put that, "the kind truth of respecting all people." I agree. I'm even happy to respect Republicans and evangelical Christians as long as they aren't trying to tell me how to live.
Sharon: Well, that's the thing -- it's depressing and scary but also very realistic!
Kelly: They don't, and it isn't fair! I suspect a lot of people don't see them because many moths are nocturnal, while butterflies are out during the daytime.
Jeanie: I hope so too. I note that someone has torn it on the bottom, so I suppose there's at least one dissenter out there.
37P: That's a great way to put it. Yes -- all justice must be intersectional. I'd like a button that says that!
Margaret: Oh, I know ecosystems are already being wantonly destroyed. I don't think we've progressed to the point where extinctions are specifically allowed as long as there's monetary compensation, but I could see us getting to that point.