Published: Feb 25, 2015, 11:48 AM (IST)
Edited: Mar 09, 2015, 03:45 PM (IST)
Recently pictures of Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee hunting went viral on social media and the whole world came out to bash up the two Australian cricketers. While Glenn McGrath’s apology and statement did not make any sense, however, it is hypocritical to blame either of the two cricketers. Sudatta Mukherjee explains why.
I believe in animal rights despite being a non-vegetarian — because I believe in the ecosystem that has been designed for us. However, I do not believe in hunting or poaching for luxury and show-off. I feel disgusted. Having said so, I do not see any harm in Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee hunting. READ: Glenn McGrath apologises after facing outrage over African hunting pictures
Few days back, a series of pictures emerged out of nowhere of McGrath and Lee hunting. While McGrath’s were somewhat depressing, Lee and the former’s picture of posing with a dead deer with kids were even more distressing. However, I do not believe that they have done anything unusual for which they will receive such hatred from the same people who once adored and admired the duo. READ: Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath’s latest hunting pictures create controversy
First of all, the pictures of McGrath are dated to 2008, when the team had visited Africa. It is said that McGrath had gone for a ‘licensed’ hunting trips in South Africa. If it was licensed, then why blame McGrath or Lee?
Hunting is legal in many countries, including South Africa, and Australia. There are seasons dedicated to hunters. Animals like foxes, deer, and seal (along with game) are allowed to be hunted. So why blame individuals for a system that has been created by us?
Not to mention the people who have been blaming McGrath and Lee are the same people who eat meat. Does that not count? Animals are being killed each and every moment in the world to entertain the human being. So why blame McGrath? Besides, McGrath and Lee are not the only people on Earth who go for hunting, which has been a popular sport across the world for many years.
The worst kind of hypocrisy is there are plenty of stars who go out for hunting and despite that they escape the wrath of the public. Let us remember how Indian superstar Salman Khan (along with a few others) was involved in the infamous hunting case. While his case still makes the floors of the court, the actor is hugely followed and loved by people. Millions flock to the theatres when Salman’s movies release. Is it not hypocritical to go gaga over some despite hunting, while denouncing others?
While it is the right of person to like and hate someone, it is also foolish and quite a deceit if people hate a person for going for licensed hunting, when it is very much legal to do so. And don’t you forget the meat you eat!
(Sudatta Mukherjee is a reporter with CricketCountry. Other than writing on cricket, she spends penning random thoughts on her blog. When she is not writing, you will catch her at a movie theatre or watching some English television show on her laptop. Her Twitter handle is @blackrosegal)
