A couple of things bother me about this. Now that warm weather is here, I like sleeping with my windows open to allow the cool night air to drift across my body as I drift asleep. I like listening to the sounds of the living insects singing their night time songs. I do not like hearing the deaths of many tiny insects by electrocution. I imagine their tiny bug voices screaming in agony as the shock and heat engulfs their little bodies. Every single "bzzzzt" that I hear translates into an individual's suffering.
Beyond that, I am irrationally plagued with the question Why would someone leave a bug light on all night long?!!! I thought the purpose of a bug zapper was to fry bugs so that they would not buzz around you while you are outside enjoying a game of badminton or croquet or so they will not swarm around as you sear animal carcasses on your outdoor grill. Is this not the purpose of bug zappers? Is there a purpose of which I am unaware? If so, what is it? Why must this large, bright light be left on all night - during the time I would ordinarily enjoy a peaceful night's rest without the sounds of shrieking insects plaguing my dreams?
Beyond that, I am irrationally plagued with the question Why do people think it is their right to eliminate bugs willy-nilly? Yes, sometimes bugs can be a nuisance. But for goodness' sake, people can be a supreme nuisance! Take for example this scenario:
I was working a closing shift at Planet Care and was cleaning the bulk department with my co-worker. I was dusting the spillage of flour, rice and sunflower seeds from off the bins and shelves. Two dudes were nearby slopping instant oats into a baggie. They were discussing their upcoming trip to Bonnaroo. These dudes were young: mid twenties is my guess. They wore plain white t-shirts, baggy pants and sandals. They both had Hare Krishna haircuts: clean shaven head with a ponytail in the back. They wore beads.
I stood not even three feet away from them at the time that I heard one of the dudes say, "Yeah, well I don't know whether she can cook or not." And the other said, "Of course she can cook. She's a woman..." Instant bristling effect. "...All women can cook. That's what they do...." Incredible indignation. "...Women are slaves." I could hear the smirk on his face as he said this....as he waited for me to react. The first dude quietly went, "shhh." And the second dude said, "Yeah. I could get lynched in this country for saying that."
In this country?! He spoke this as if he himself were a foreigner when he was clearly as American as serial killers and greedy corporate geezers. What the hell was he talking about? And why was he denigrating women for my benefit? What was he hoping to accomplish? A fight? Did he want to see me get in trouble for belting a customer?
Why is that damned bug zapper on all night?!
Yet, with every consternating observation, I am filled with great love and hope for my fellow humans. Because when I got home at the end of the day, I saw this video which some folks I know made:
And then, I saw another video skillfully shot and edited by a man I know which commemorates the recent marriage of two good folks. Both videos are life-affirming, sweet and fun. Both videos celebrate love, family and friendship: the three most important things in the world. Both videos are made by and feature people that I am fortunate enough to have in my life. Fun-filled, talented, creative, witty, ingenious, delightful people. My cup runneth over.
So I will lay down in a short while and attempt to sleep despite the screaming insects and their burning bodies and I will remember that not everyone leaves a bug zapper on all night. Not everyone is callous and careless with words. There are tons of people who are loving and sweet and supportive. There are even people who love bugs.
I like your blog and I hope you have not given it up.
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