What can we observe from this picture aside from a mere image description? For me, it’s a symbol of two things: a way of life, part of the circle of life that is in jeopardy not just in the Serengeti but in many other parts of the world—including right here in North America. The great migrations are nearing a thing of the past, and what is left is certainly not what it once was.
What can we observe from this picture aside from a mere image description? For me, it’s a symbol of two things: a way of life, part of the circle of life that is in jeopardy not just in the Serengeti but in many other parts of the world—including right here in North America. The great migrations are nearing a thing of the past, and what is left is certainly not what it once was.
That’s a “Conservation Conversation.” It’s the nature of the picture I’d like to explore. Which fits more into the “Natural Way of Things,” and I’d like to provide some personal commentary on this photo. If you receive my Financial Outfitter newsletter, you know what I am talking about here.
I see a herd of animals exhibiting herd-like characteristics that become magnified when faced with a perceived threat. Here, it’s the risk of a water crossing. The “herd mentality” can be witnessed in its full glory when a group of wildebeest, buffalo…. Or people are forced to face uncertainty. So many simple but true lessons can come from watching these animals.
Think of a massive herd of these wild creatures feeding about on the African plain while you observe them from a great distance, wondering, seemingly in no particular direction. Then, one picks a direction, moving with intention, and slowly, the others follow. It’s highly probable that they don’t even know why they’re moving. Headed onward for no other reason than that’s where everyone else is going. Staying together feels safe. And in truly wild places, it is an instinctual survival tactic. Something that is no longer a prerequisite to living in today’s world obsessed with making everyone safe.
A “leader” wants to look for greener pastures and soon picks up the pace. The herd takes on a “V” shape, getting wider from front to back. At the front, there is greater risk than in the protection of the herd (crowd). Those at the back are slow to pick up the pace. Their lackadaisical or cavalier attitude may have put them in peril. They are being “caught out” now without the shelter of the herd. Having fallen victim to their lack of awareness, they change direction and frantically try to catch up – possibly blaming the herd for their self-imposed difficulties.
The masses are now fighting their way forward for fear of being “left in the dust.” The “leaders” want to break through to the other side to explore new ground. One perceived them to be worth the risk, so they increased their pace with a newfound sense of urgency.
Those not at the front want nothing more than to stay in the shelter of the herd, their scenery never changing. They have no vision and simply follow.
Their risk is great for the first in water, but they jump anyway. To cross to the other side before they can be caught, they could be rewarded with a richer bounty. Aren’t they the “Lucky ones?”
Now, the masses are forced to the pinch point. They never want to cross in the first place and are too afraid to break off from the herd (crowd). Their agitation for being put in this situation is now showing. The adversity reveals character as the herd (crowd) becomes louder and louder, forcing their way to the water’s edge, nervously pushing and leaning on one another. The last, lone crossers make for easy targets.
Once on the other side, “the dust settles,” they go right back to how it all started—seemingly wandering until someone else’s intentions drag them off in another direction.
Sincerely,
Brian Pitell
BPG Planning