The app for independent voices
I’m so glad you wrote this, Claire. All important issues. And I know, I know, it’s a cartoon, but I can’t help but think that things we see (including cartoons), however lighthearted they are intended to be, do shape our view of what’s normal or acceptable, so it’s important to call out problems when we see them.
It made me think of this article by Jessica Pierce: theguardian.com/lifeand….
I don’t get how The Guardian arrives at the “silly but funny” rating for the cartoon based on Jessica’s writing. I especially like the closing paragraph:
“Secret Life reminds us that animals do have complex worlds of their own – worlds which interlock with ours. We can do our best to help them have interesting lives, have some independence from us, and have opportunities to engage in the behaviors for which they have evolved and which they still “need” to perform. This is especially important in places like New York City which, however exciting and vibrant for humans, is not really designed for animals. It is incumbent upon us as responsible guardians to make sure the secret lives of our pets are fulfilling and happy.”
