tisdag 9 februari 2010

Assignment 3: Proposal to solve the problem of unhappy pigs

There have been several scares about pigs in Sweden being unhappy and unkempt. Upset people have protested and demand something to be done. There are a lot of non-serious pig farmers who never should be allowed to have anything to do with animals! The causes to cruelty to animals are mostly because of insufficient supervision and control of the animal holders. Unfortunately there will be a lot of new similar exposures if nothing is done by this problem.

It is surprising how little we know about our fellow animals and sources to their welfare.
And yet surveys had done on pigs and their living, show how intelligent and sensitive animals they are. In fact they are very much alike humans, both bodily and emotional. So it should not be difficult to make pigs happy again. A Spa for Pigs must be as much relaxing for pigs as for people in common. Of course the spa would be accommodated for pig’s special needs, but a lot of pigs needs sure are the same as ours.

This Pig Spa could have almost the same service as the regular for people. Soft music – pigs react on classic music and have their favourites. Mud treatment – must be heavenly for pigs.
Bubble pool – pigs really are clean animals despite of their piggishness. Solarium – pigs as the only animal achieving suntan could be ideal customers. They should not complain so much about the dangers of solariums. Christmas time The Pig Spa’s could advertise with: “Let your pig get a tan, create your own ginger bread Pig!”

The dream of a Pig Spa could of course be crossed by the fear of large costs. Yes of course it would take a penny to change a number of Spa’s to more “hoggish-level”. But considering the costs of decreasing returns on pig market, the costs are surmountable. Inventive farmers could surely find some EU- subsidy to appeal for Pig Spa. Animal lovers can also object because of the UV radiation from sun beds. Well, considering the radiation from a barbecue roaster, the radiation is quite negligible.

The Pig Spa’s would be a revolution for all meat producers! And of course for the pigs themselves. Maybe this sounds like a little step for a pig (from pig transport truck to a sun bed) but it could be huge step for the humanity. Then of course there is the aspect of the social progress this can create. A whole bunch of new professions, like: a pig manicure, pig masseur, and all allergic persons who would love to work with animals without fur.

On the whole, a Pig Spa is more than an institution for getting pigs happy again. It is a promise for us and our children to return to a basic respect and caring that we all, men and pigs should show to each others. So instead of “Carpe diem” I challenge all of you: “Carpe Sus" (=pig in Latin) and take it to a badly needed Spa stay!

1 kommentar:

  1. Ann-Britt’s comments on Marja’s assignment


    What a wonderful proposal you have come up with, very fun to read. It really triggers your imagination. I can see all these pigs enjoying themselves at the Spa, lovely.

    The introduction informs the reader about the pigs’ situation, how cruel they are treated etc. And that this problem will continue unless something is being done about it.

    In the second paragraph we get to know a little bit about surveys that have been done on pigs and their living circumstances. And here is also the solution of the problem introduced. In the third paragraph the solution of a Spa is being discussed. In the fourth paragraph you give arguments against the solution, that it might sound expensive. Here you show the reader that you have thought about possible obstacles that could be in the way, and that gives the text more credibility.

    In the last paragraph you bring the whole issue into a higher dimension, that it is not just about a pig spa, but also a reminder and promise to us all to treat both humans and animals with respect. I really like the way you change “Carpe Diem” into “Carpe Sus”, very inventive!

    You have managed to define the problem, given a solution of the problem as well as counterarguments. It is easy to follow your thoughts throughout the whole text; you have a “red thread” all the way.

    Your spelling and grammar is good. I found a few things that you might consider to change:

    Paragraph 2. And yet surveys had done – this doesn’t sound completely right, maybe just skip had.
    “but a lot of pigs needs sure are the same than ours” as ours, maybe.

    Paragraph 3. “”pigs react on classic music” Do you mean classical music?

    I think you have managed to create an excellent proposal to solve the problem of unhappy pigs. It is written with a lot of humour (bubble pool, solarium etc), but at the same time the message is serious- a superb combination.

    SvaraRadera